Texas Child Nearly Drowns After Faulty Life Jacket Fills With Water

A Texas mother, Ashley McCombs, is warning parents after her 6-year-old son nearly drowned at Lake Weatherford when his Coast Guard-approved life jacket filled with water and failed to keep him afloat, despite being newly purchased and properly fitted. This is the second time McCombs has experienced an issue with the same brand of life jacket, raising concerns about product reliability and prompting her to urge parents not to rely solely on life jackets for their children's safety. Experts emphasize that life jackets must be appropriate for the activity and properly fitted, but McCombs insists her situation was not due to misuse. The incident comes as water safety remains a major concern, with authorities in North Texas noting a rise in drownings this summer. Meanwhile, in Chicago, a proposed ordinance would require all boaters on Lake Michigan to wear life jackets, aiming to prevent tragedies but prompting questions about enforcement and public education. The combined stories highlight both the need for vigilance and the importance of ensuring life jackets meet safety standards.