Friday 16 November 2012

Life Jackets And Boating Safety

By Robert Cliford


Life jackets are an important part of boating safety. Your local laws probably require you to have these life saving devices on board your boat. However, they won't do much good if they are not worn. You never know when an accident will happen and you might not have time to grab a personal flotation device when your life depends upon it.

You can choose from a variety of life jackets. So while you may enjoy feeling the spray of the water and sun on your skin, you should know these safety devices don't have to cover you completely and feel bulky. You might prefer the inflatable life jackets. These only take up as much space as a fanny pack, and when they contact water, they inflate automatically. An inflatable PFD is the ideal choice for someone who hates to wear a life vest.

To be effective, life jackets need to fit the wearer properly. Because proper fit is essential, children should never wear large jackets made for adults. A life jacket that fits correctly will hold you upright in the water and support the back of your head so you can breathe even while unconscious. For that to happen, there needs to be a snug fit under the arms and chin.

In addition, make sure your inflatable life jackets are taken care of properly. One won't do any good if it leaks or has broken parts. They should be checked for buoyancy at least every year and discarded if they don't work properly or are faded from sun damage. Along with making sure your life vest is in good condition and that it fits right, you should also buy a brand that has been approved by the Coast Guard so you know it will work effectively.

The Coast Guard requires a life vest for every person on board a boat, but it isn't mandatory that boaters wear them at all times. Of course, it is best to always wear the safety device, but if you don't, it must be easily accessible. If you have a collision or your boat catches on fire, you have to be able to grab your life vest right away. Always have a vest within reach and keep it in the open so you don't have to try to rip open a bag to get to it.

No matter what kind of water activity you enjoy, whether it is white water rafting, skiing, or just boating around the lake, it is always a good idea to keep your life vest on. You should also learn about the different kinds of life jackets so you choose the right one. For instance, the inflatable type vests are the most compact style, but they are best for adults that are good swimmers. Kids and non-swimmers should wear vests made out of foam.

Wearing a life jacket might be the thing that saves you life when an incident occurs. You might be knocked off balance when fishing, faint from an illness, be in a boat collision, or sink with your boat when it takes on water.

When everyone on your boat has a personal flotation device, and wears it properly, you can feel at ease, and know they will be protected if an accident occurs. Being a responsible boater means you take precautions to keep your party and other boaters safe, so everyone can have an exciting day of fun and avoid tragedy.




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