Ohio Survivor Saved by Life Jacket

Akron resident Vic Case knows just how important it is to “Wear It!” anytime while boating. This summer, the experienced kayaker was spending the afternoon kayaking with his sister and brother-in-law on Lake Michigan.

After enjoying lunch on a nearby beach, the group began paddling the six miles back to the shore. Despite the fact that it was a clear day, the waves were picking up just beyond the protected cove where they ate. As they paddled, two waves hit Vic’s kayak from behind and flipped him over. He was completely underwater.

Although he was in good shape, Vic knew he was in trouble since his arms were tired from spending the day paddling and his kayaking equipment was weighing him down. Vic remembered he was wearing an inflatable life jacket. He quickly pulled the cord and in a matter of seconds the jacket inflated, pulling him and his equipment to the surface. Vic’s sister paddled up next to him and towed him to the beach.

“I never go out on the water without my life jacket,” said Vic. “After 20 years of kayaking, this was the first time I’ve ever needed to pull that cord. A beautiful, clear day, doing something I’ve done many times, I never thought it’d end up like this.”

He credits his inflatable life jacket provided to him through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft’s Wear It Ohio life jacket loan campaign for saving his life and is happy to share his personal “Wear It Ohio” message.

“This experience really taught me about my capability in the water. No matter how experienced or strong you are, we all can become vulnerable, and wearing that life jacket may be the difference between life and death. I lost my boat that day, but I’m still alive,” Vic added. “My recommendation: Wear It Ohio!”