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Life jackets, life vests, ski vests…they’re all common names for PFDs, or personal flotation devices. Their job, as the names imply, is to keep the wearer alive and afloat should they unexpectedly end up in the water or elect to participate in watersports such as skiing or wake surfing. Although the goal might be simple, life jacket styles, fit and method of use can all affect whether your PFD does the job it’s intended for. Here’s a guide to selecting, fitting and using various life jackets, vests and PFDs. Personal flotation devices come in various types, and ideally should be chosen to best match your activity or boating conditions. Once you select the proper type of PFD for your conditions and/or activity, make sure it is in good condition, with no holes or tears, and fits properly. A jacket that is too large can slip off the wearer. One that is too small might not offer sufficient buoyancy to keep the wearer afloat. Don’t make the all-too common mistake of having a life jacket available for every passenger aboard, but having those jackets stowed in a difficult-to-reach location. Accidents might be rare, but they happen—and when they do, they typically happen quickly. In the majority of cases, they happen too quickly to find and don a life jacket. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, drowning is the cause of death in the vast majority of recreational-boating accidents. Of those fatalities, over 80 percent of the victims were found not wearing a life jacket. That’s why the best life jacket available just might be the one you’re willing to wear…every time you’re out on the water. Worried that a life jacket will feel constricting and hot on a warm summer day? Try the comfort and freedom provided by a suspender-style inflatable PFD. In their non-inflated state, bulk is minimal. At the opposite end of the spectrum, “float coat” jackets combine flotation with the insulation of a jacket when it’s cool. They’re a favorite of fishing enthusiasts. Next Read: Sunscreen & Sun Safety Guide Looking for more safety tips? Read...
A safety vest or jacket capable of keeping an individual afloat. In July 2010, the National Marine Safety Committee introduced the new Australian Standard, AS 4758 into recreational boat safety equipment. The new standard introduces the identification of PFDs by 'levels' as opposed to the old standard regulations of Types 1, 2 & 3. PFDs made to AS 4758 now display these new levels:
TYPE I PFDA TYPE I PFD, or OFFSHORE LIFE JACKET, provides the most buoyancy. It is effective for all waters, especially open, rough, or remote waters where rescue may be delayed. It is designed to turn most unconscious wearers in the water to a face-up position. The TYPE I comes in two sizes: Adult size provides at least 22 pounds of buoyancy, the child size, 11 pounds, minimum. TYPE II PFDA TYPE II PFD, NEAR-SHORE BUOYANT VEST is intended for calm, inland water or where there is a good chance of quick rescue. This type will turn some unconscious wearers to a face-up position. The turning action is not as pronounced nor as effective as a TYPE I. An adult size provides at least 15.5 pounds buoyancy, a medium child size provides 11 pounds. Infant and small child sizes each provide at least 7 pounds buoyancy. TYPE III PFDA TYPE III PFD, or FLOTATION AID, is good for calm, inland water, or where there is a good chance of quick rescue. This PFD type will not turn unconscious wearers to a face-up position. The wearer may have to tilt their head back to avoid turning face down. TYPE III has the same minimum buoyancy as a TYPE II PFD. Float coat, fishing vests, and vests designed for various water sports are examples. Some Type III PFDs are designed to be inflated upon entering the water. TYPE IV PFDA TYPE IV PFD, or THROWABLE DEVICE, is intended for calm, inland water with heavy boat traffic, where help is always present but can be used in open water as well. It is designed to be thrown to a person in the water and grasped and held by the user until rescued. It is not designed to be worn. Type IV devices include buoyant cushions, ring buoys, and horseshoe buoys. TYPE V PFDTYPE V, special use devices, are intended for special activities (such as windsurfing, kayaking, or waterskiing) and can be used only for the specified conditions. They can be deck suits, work vests, board-sailing vests and others. They are the least bulky. Some are designed to automatically inflate when entering the water. It contains a small amount of inherent buoyancy and an inflatable chamber and must be worn when underway to be acceptable. USCG-approved inflatable PFDs must be functional and armed. Check and replace spent cartridges in inflatable PFDs. Make sure all your PFDs are in good conditionUltraviolet sunlight, rough handling and improper storage make it necessary to ensure that your PFD is in serviceable condition. This is a USCG requirement. Check for rips, tears, and holes and make sure seams, straps, zippers and hardware are okay. Make sure there is no sign of waterlogging, mildew odor, or shrinkage of the buoyant materials. If your PFD is discolored, torn or has torn straps, discard and replace it. Exposure to sunlight and moisture can deteriorate PFDs rapidly. Let your PFD drip dry thoroughly before putting it away. If your PFD has been in salt water, rinse it thoroughly with fresh water. Stow your PFDs in a well-ventilated place. |