A life jacket dramatically increases your chance of survival if you fall into the water.

The Coast Guard is reminding the public to wear a life jacket near the water -– as two out of five people who drown don'’t intend to be on or in the water.

Juliette Gash reports;

Kevin Morrissey and Sue McKinney before they enter the water.

Kevin struggles to stay afloat in his sodden woolen jumper, while Sue's head is kept out of the water by her life-jacket, which inflated on contact with the sea. It also acts as a visibility aid when being rescued.

Afterwards, Kevin (a keen triathlete) says he couldn't have lasted much longer. Sue is much calmer.