It's the best way for children-and adults, to learn how to don a life jacket quickly. Make a game or race of putting a life jacket on. Teach your children how to put on their life jackets.Families should mark each life jacket with the person's name and store them facing up.Adults, for that matter, should set the example for children by wearing a life jacket. All kids should wear a properly fitted and correctly sized, bright, life jacket.Also, on boats over 16 feet, at least one Type IV throw-able device must be IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE. The USCG requires that wearable life jackets be READILY ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. Life jackets that are stored far from where everyone sits, or under gear are virtually worthless in an emergency. Stow life jackets in an accessible place.This list does not include requirements for PFD usage while riding on a PWC or on a towed device such as skis or an inflatable tube. Since everyone's buoyancy requirements are different based on size, weight, sex, age, percent body fat, and general physical condition you should test your life jacket in the water to make sure it will offer you maximum performance when your life depends on it. What is Buoyancy and Why is it Important?īuoyancy is the force, expressed in pounds, required to keep you afloat with your head and chin above the water. That means they shouldn't be buried in a locker under a pile of gear, or still in their packaging. Jackets must also be of the correct size for the person wearing it, and you must have life jackets READILY AVAILABLE for use. By law, recreational vessels must carry a properly fitted, serviceable PFD for every person on board. If you boat in hazardous waters - Hydraulics near dams, or in places with strong currents/cold water-even if it's sunny and warm-can make it difficult to rescue you quickly.Įven if you avoid these situations, if you are on an unfamiliar boat, or in unfamiliar waters, you should strongly consider wearing your life jacket.If you boat in rough weather - Difficult sea conditions make for difficult rescues.When you are by yourself - If you boat alone, there's generally no one around that can help immediately.Wearing a PFD will get you higher up, and the jacket colors should make you easier to see. In congested waterways - Many boats and turbulent water might make it difficult to see you in the water.Boating at night, or at times of reduced visibility - When it is hard to see, it will take that much longer to find you if you fall overboard.While you should always wear your PFD, it is particularly important to wear your PFD during the following times: If you feel comfortable without a life jacket on during calm conditions, always keep your eye on weather and water conditions as they can deteriorate very rapidly. In fact, most boating fatalities occur when the boat is moving slowly or not at all. Accidents happen.both on the dock, and on quiet, still waters. In general, the best time to wear your lifejacket is when you are near the water. What you would find on a typical life jacket label Boat Owners Association of The United States
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