Anyone under the age of 16 must wear a personal flotation device at all times on an open boat or on deck if the vessel has accommodation, irrespective of the size of the vessel. In initial submersion, the body will experience a gasp reflex, which is a rapid intake of air.
This is followed by a fourfold increase in breathing rate and associated increases in heart rate and blood pressure, making some people susceptible to heart attacks.
These symptoms will last up to 3—5 minutes during which even the fittest person is unable to swim or to focus on breathing. Wearing a lifejacket with the correct buoyancy is vital to survival. During the initial stages of cold water shock, try to stay calm and let your lifejacket keep you afloat. The clothing you are wearing, the fitting and features of your lifejacket and the amount of energy you expend will all be critical factors to survival from this point onwards.
If you are wearing a well-fitting lifejacket with crotch straps, there is no need to swim and you can concentrate on keeping warm, conserving energy and making yourself visible.
In a group, form a huddle by using one hand to hold on to the person next to you while the other is protecting your airway. If you are on your own, cross your ankles, put your knees together and bring your arms around your body and float in the Heat Escape Lessening Position HELP , pictured below:. Most level and level inflatable lifejackets are produced in one size suitable for all adults weighing over 40kgs 6 stone 4lbs.
Because of their buoyancy, all adults, regardless of their size, have a net weight of about 5kg when immersed in water. Buoyancy aids and level lifejackets, however, come in a range of sizes from baby to adult XXXL. Make sure you get one that fits properly. Take time to find a style of lifejacket that is comfortable to wear and suits your needs — the best lifejacket is one you will wear. Is it a good fit? Is it comfortable?
Do you like it? Picking the right one for you may take time, but it will be time and money well spent. If you are buying online, think about finding a way to try on the style of your choice first; do you have friends or family with the same jacket. Older lifejackets may carry the CE mark. This is numbered from EN to EN, depending on the amount of buoyancy provided. Buoyancy aids at level 50 are recommended for use by swimmers in sheltered waters or by those doing watersports where help is close at hand.
However, they do not have sufficient buoyancy to protect a person who is unable to help themselves. They are not designed to turn a person from a face-down position in the water. The level lifejacket is recommended for use in sheltered and calm waters. It may not have sufficient buoyancy to protect a person who is unable to help themselves and may not roll an unconscious person on to their back.
The level lifejacket is for general use on coastal and offshore waters where a high standard of performance is required. It should turn an unconscious person on to their back and requires no subsequent action by the wearer to keep their face out of the water. The level lifejacket is recommended for offshore use, primarily for extreme conditions and for those wearing heavy protective clothing that may adversely affect the self-righting capacity of lesser lifejackets.
As with the level , this lifejacket is designed to ensure that the wearer is floating in the correct position with their mouth and nose clear of the surface of the water.
There are three inflation methods of gas-only lifejackets. Choose one that best suits your activity. Most inflatable lifejackets are inflated by piercing a bottle filled with carbon dioxide CO2 attached to the firing head. Orally-inflated-only lifejackets ones without a gas cylinder are not recommended for everyday use. Manually inflated lifejackets are operated by pulling a cord, which pushes a firing pin into the CO2 bottle, which inflates the lifejacket. Manual activation prevents the possibility of false activation, which can be caused by a damp automatic mechanism or the wearer being hit by a large wave.
Of course, manual activation will not work if you are unconscious, or suffering from the effects of cold water shock. Water activated automatic firing heads have a small pellet or bobbin that holds back a powerful spring.
Due to the effects of cold water shock, most people choose a lifejacket that will inflate automatically if they enter the water. Hydrostatic Hammar lifejackets work the same way as an automatic lifejacket with a dissolving pellet but the pellet is protected by a case that only lets water in once it is a few centimetres under water. Choose this type of lifejacket if you take part in an activity where you are regularly soaked by waves or excessive spray.
Automatic lifejackets always have a means to manually activate the CO2 bottle as well as a mouthpiece to allow oral inflation. The primary means of inflating a lifejacket should always be the pull cord. Always aim to inflate your lifejacket before entering the water. Newer lifejackets may have indicators to show if gas bottles are empty or if automatic firing systems have been triggered.
Choose a buoyancy aid if you are a competent swimmer taking part in an activity where you expect to end up in the water and are preferably wearing clothing that will already provide you with some extra buoyancy such as a wetsuit or a dry suit. Buoyancy aids are vital when learning a new watersport. A buoyancy aid has integral foam buoyancy. But it is not designed to turn a person the right way up, and so would not support an unconscious person in the water.
Buoyancy aids for kayaking are cut away around the shoulders and the arms; they need to be comfortable for paddling and swimming. They should have a belt or a drawstring to pull them tight around the chest. Choose a brightly coloured one that can be easily spotted. Choose completely cut away arms to allow for comfortable paddling over long periods, and multiple pockets to store safety, navigation and fishing equipment.
These have more buoyancy to keep you afloat in fast-flowing water and so are bulkier. The fronts are often cut high to allow the wearer to lean forward easily. Dinghy sailing buoyancy aids tend to be slimmer to allow freedom of movement around the boat. They are high cut to allow bending and room to wear a trapeze harness.
Carry a knife to avoid entrapment in the event of a capsize. There is a diverse range of lifejackets specifically designed for anglers, from fishing vests with integral gas inflation to slim-line fly fishing horseshoe jackets. These are not recommenced for rough waters since they will not turn most unconscious people face up.
These are the most common for wakeboarder, skiers, and surfers. According to Idaho Boating Laws, any vessels 16 feet in length or longer except canoes and kayaks of any length must have one U. Since a Type IV is not designed to be worn, it is neither for rough waters or for anyone who is unable to hold on to it. These are often developed and customized specifically for specific sports such as kayaking, wakeboarding, or windsurfing.
As you learn how best to keep you and yours safe on your boat, make sure you keep up to date with Idaho boating laws and responsibilities. Outdoor sports enthusiasts can even be sure their trusty companions are safe on the water, as there are even life jackets for hunting dogs! Mesh Camo For hunting Designed for waterfowl hunting Quilted shooting patch on right shoulder Mesh pocket for storage see owner's manual May not turn unconscious wearer face up Special fit allows for freedom of movement Float Coat For hunting Designed for waterfowl hunting Hip-length, concealed hood, two-way zupper with storm flap May prevent hypothermia May not turn unconscious wearer face up Inflatable Fishing Vest For angling Inflates automatically upon immersion or manual activation Includes pockets and straps for supplies and tackle Requires Regular Maintenance see owner's manual May turn unconscious wearer face up Not for children under 16 or non-swimmers Not for sports where immersion is expected whitewater paddling, waterskiing, etc.
Life Jackets for Pets Four-legged family members need to stay safe on the water, too. There are a variety of life jackets made specifically for dogs and even a few other types of pets. Check for them at marine supply stores and pet shops. A salesperson can help you measure your pet for the right fit. The U. Coast Guard requires recreational vessels to have a wearable life jacket for each person aboard.
These life jackets must be: U. Coast Guard approved The proper size for the intended wearer In good and serviceable condition Properly stowed readily accessible. Types of Life Jackets. Try it on for size! Child Hybrid Inflatable. For general recreational boating Inherently buoyant, also inflates automatically upon immersion or manual activation Requires regular maintenance see owner's manual May turn unconscious wearer face up Not for sports where immersion is expected whitewater paddling, waterskiing, etc.
Child Life Jacket.
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