When should you wear a life jacket while on a boat?

Wearing a life jacket whenever you are on the water, especially in smaller boats or rough conditions, is crucial for safety. Life jackets are designed to keep you afloat and can be a life-saving measure if someone unexpectedly ends up in the water. Smaller boats are more susceptible to capsizing or taking on water, which increases the risk of falling overboard. Rough conditions, such as choppy waves or inclement weather, also elevate the chances of accidents occurring.

In contrast, the other options imply limited contexts in which life jackets should be worn. For instance, only wearing a life jacket during fishing, a storm, or while swimming does not account for other potentially hazardous scenarios, such as sudden changes in weather or equipment failure. Therefore, the most prudent approach is to wear a life jacket at all times while on the boat, regardless of the activity or conditions, to ensure maximum safety.