An important part of Personal Safety Equipment are boater’s life jackets or PFDs. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know about one of the most important pieces of safety equipment a boater can own. Show Life JacketsLife jackets can be found in both ‘Standard’ and ‘Small Vessel’ styles and are available in both youth and adult sizes. They are red, orange or yellow in colour, feature a ‘keyhole’ or ‘vest’ design and are typically bulkier and more uncomfortable than PFDs. Manufactured with increased flotation in the front of the jacket, life jackets are designed to turn an unconscious person face up in the water. There are a few different types of life jackets:
Personal Flotation DevicesPersonal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are more comfortable and less restrictive than life jackets. PFDs are designed to keep a person afloat but are NOT designed to turn an unconscious person face up in the water. PFDs come in keyhole, vest, coat and coverall designs. Child, youth and adult sizes are available and should be fitted to the size of the person wearing the device. PFDs should fit snugly but not restrict the free movement of arms and legs.
The rules for inflatable PFDs:
How to Choose a Life Jacket or PFDWhen choosing a life jacket or PFD, you should consider the following:
Safe Boating Tip: If you are in a smaller, open boat (such as a small fishing boat), other boaters may find it difficult to see you. Choosing a brightly-coloured flotation device will help to make you more visible to others. Choosing a Life Jacket or PFD for a ChildMany life jackets, although certified for use, may not properly protect a child. Choose a life jacket or PFD that has been specifically designed for use by children to ensure their safety. A children’s life jacket or PFD should have the following:
Children should be encouraged to wear a life jacket or PFD at all times–both on the boat and when they are near the water. Be sure that children understand how to properly fit and use their life jacket or PFD and never consider a flotation device to be a substitute for adult supervision. The life jacket or PFD should always properly fit the child. Never try to ‘make do’ with a flotation device and never purchase a larger size with the hope that the child will ‘grow into it’. Testing Life Jackets and PFDsLife jackets and PFDs should be tested for buoyancy at the start of each season and on a regular basis throughout the season. Even if they are new! How to test a flotation device:
Children should also test their life jackets or PFDs to ensure proper fit and buoyancy. Have your child follow the same procedures in a controlled environment under parental supervision. Maintaining your Life Jackets and PFDsLife jackets and PFDs are designed to save lives. But in order for them to do their job, you have to take care of yours. It is each boater’s responsibility to maintain and care for their flotation device on a regular basis. Here are a few tips:
When cleaning your life jacket or PFD, consider the following:
Putting on a Flotation Device in the WaterAlthough we highly recommend that you wear a life jacket or PFD at all times while onboard your boat, here are our tips on how to put a flotation device on in the water. Find a supervised area in which to practice the following procedure:
Learn more about how life jackets and PFDs save lives when they are worn. Ready to start boating? Get your boating license today and get on the water in just a few hours! |