Monday, December 3, 2012

Responsible Boating Begins With The Life Jackets

By Robert Cliford


Life jackets are one of the most important aspects of staying safe on the water. In fact, you may be required by law to have these safety devices on board your boat. Keep in mind, the best life jacket is one that is worn the entire time you are on the water. Accidents happen when they are least expected and your life could depend on being able to grab a personal flotation device quickly.

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 like this is the ideal solution for someone who wants to stay safe yet hates to wear a life vest.

To be effective, life jackets need to fit the wearer properly. That is why children must not wear adult life vests. These devices are designed to keep you upright and positioned properly, so you can breathe even if you are unconscious. The vest has to fit under the arms and chin snugly.

In addition, the inflatable life jackets must always be kept in good repair. If one has broken pieces or has a leak, it will be useless. 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. 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.

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 need to know how each kind of safety device works so you know which one to choose. For instance, the inflatable type vests are the most compact style, but they are best for adults that are good swimmers. Adults who don't swim well and children should wear vests that are made of foam.

When the unexpected happens, a life jacket just might save your life. You could faint from being in the sun and fall overboard or lose your balance when fishing; you could wreck the boat or sink it.

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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