Life jackets are one of the most important aspects of staying safe on the water. Chances are, local laws require you to have the right number of these safety devices on board your vessel. Keep in mind, the best life jacket is one that is worn the entire time you are on the water. 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.
There are several types of life jackets to choose from. Some life vests are compact so they don't cover you completely; you are still free to soak up the sun and spray from the water. In fact, you could opt for 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.
In order for life jackets to be effective, they have to fit properly too. That is why children must not wear adult life vests. Life jackets are made to hold you upright in the water and keep your head positioned so you can continue to breathe even when unconscious. To do that, the vest needs to fit snugly under the chin and arms.
Your life jackets should always be maintained in good repair too. 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. To ensure your life vests will work as they should, make sure they fit correctly, are in good condition, and have been approved by the Coast Guard.
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. It is a best practice to always wear a life vest, but if you don't, you must have one readily accessible. If a fire breaks out on your boat, or if it starts to sink, you have to be able to quickly get and put on your life vest in order to save your life. That means the vests should be within arm's reach and not enclosed in bags or cases.
It is a good idea to wear a life jacket when you are on the water whether you are out boating, water skiing, or white water rafting. You should also learn about the different kinds of life jackets so you choose the right one. For example, inflatable vests are very popular since they are so small, but they are intended for adults who know how to swim. Vests constructed of foam are best for kids and non-swimming adults.
When the unexpected happens, a life jacket just might save your life. You could lose your balance when standing in the boat, or get dizzy and fall overboard; you might run into a stump or catch your boat on fire.
By having a personal flotation device for every member of your family, and making sure they are worn or within quick reach, you can rest easy knowing you are prepared if an unfortunate event occurs. Part of being a responsible boater means you take steps to ensure the safety of everyone in your group so the day is filled with fun and good memories rather than tragedy.
There are several types of life jackets to choose from. Some life vests are compact so they don't cover you completely; you are still free to soak up the sun and spray from the water. In fact, you could opt for 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.
In order for life jackets to be effective, they have to fit properly too. That is why children must not wear adult life vests. Life jackets are made to hold you upright in the water and keep your head positioned so you can continue to breathe even when unconscious. To do that, the vest needs to fit snugly under the chin and arms.
Your life jackets should always be maintained in good repair too. 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. To ensure your life vests will work as they should, make sure they fit correctly, are in good condition, and have been approved by the Coast Guard.
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. It is a best practice to always wear a life vest, but if you don't, you must have one readily accessible. If a fire breaks out on your boat, or if it starts to sink, you have to be able to quickly get and put on your life vest in order to save your life. That means the vests should be within arm's reach and not enclosed in bags or cases.
It is a good idea to wear a life jacket when you are on the water whether you are out boating, water skiing, or white water rafting. You should also learn about the different kinds of life jackets so you choose the right one. For example, inflatable vests are very popular since they are so small, but they are intended for adults who know how to swim. Vests constructed of foam are best for kids and non-swimming adults.
When the unexpected happens, a life jacket just might save your life. You could lose your balance when standing in the boat, or get dizzy and fall overboard; you might run into a stump or catch your boat on fire.
By having a personal flotation device for every member of your family, and making sure they are worn or within quick reach, you can rest easy knowing you are prepared if an unfortunate event occurs. Part of being a responsible boater means you take steps to ensure the safety of everyone in your group so the day is filled with fun and good memories rather than tragedy.
