What is an essential step in the short notice ditching drill regarding life jackets?

In the short notice ditching drill, donning life jackets upon receiving the order to brace is essential because it ensures that passengers are properly prepared for water impact. The timing of putting on life jackets is crucial; doing this at the moment of the brace command allows for more effective preparation and minimizes the risk of injury or complications during the critical moments before an emergency landing in water.

If life jackets are inflated while still inside the aircraft, they may obstruct movement and access to exits, potentially causing safety issues during evacuation. Similarly, waiting until reaching the ground to put on life jackets ignores the critical preparation needed before water impact and could result in passengers being vulnerable to the elements. Sharing life jackets would not be feasible as each passenger needs to be equipped individually to ensure their own safety in the event of a ditching.

Therefore, donning life jackets upon the order to brace focuses on individual readiness in a high-stress situation, promoting safety and survival chances.