July 31, 2006
Buckle Up - Wear a Life Jacket
By simply wearing a lifejacket, more than 80% of the boating fatalities each year could be avoided. Unfortunately, boating accidents can and will happen – most often times they happen quickly and with little warning. Leaving little to no time to reach for stowed life jackets.
To save money, some boaters buys the most inexpensive life jackets that meet the mandatory standard for life jackets – but these are bulky and uncomfortable – no one likes wearing these. However, effective Coast Guard Approved life jackets are NOW available that are not only COMFORTABLE but come in a variety of styles. Many are thin and flexible. Some are built right into fishing vests while others are inflatable — as compact as a scarf or fanny pack until they hit water and then once submerged they automatically fill with air. These can be found at all boating stores.
There’s no such thing as one size fits all - Life jackets come in all sizes, and it is important, especially when children are boating, for each boater to wear a properly-fitting personal flotation device (PFD). Adult-sized life jackets DO NOT WORK for children. Special children’s life jackets are available at all boating stores. To work correctly, a life jacket must be worn, fit snugly, and not allow the child’s chin or ears to slip through.
You wouldn’t let your child sit in your car without a seat belt or booster seat – so why let them on your boat without a life jacket?! We have car seats and booster seats for children for the exact same reason we have children’s life jackets.
To that end – most of us don’t even think twice about buckling up in a car – the should also hold true about wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) whenever out on the water.
The U.S. Coast Guard reminds all of us that as a recreational boat owner, you’re in command of and responsible for the safety of all your passengers. Make sure everyone onboard is properly wearing a life jacket before you shove off.
There’s no excuse not to wear a life jacket on the water!
Posted by ribcraftusa at July 31, 2006 11:35 AM
