The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary has some tips for finding the right life jacket, in honor of National Safe Boating Week, May 22 to 28, reports Chronicle Online.
Try it on!
- Check the manufacturer’s ratings for your size and weight.
- Make sure the life jacket is properly zipped and/or buckled.
- Check for fit by raising your arms above your head while wearing the life jacket and ask a friend to grasp the tops of the arm openings and gently pull up.
- Ensure your life jacket fits properly with no excess room above the openings and the life jacket does not ride up over your chin or face.
Fit Facts
- Life jackets that are too big will cause the flotation device to push up around your face, which could be dangerous.
- Life jackets that are too small may not be able to keep your body afloat.
Important Reminders
- Make sure your life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard approved.
- Double check that your life jacket is appropriate for your favorite water activities.
- Check your life jacket is in good serviceable condition, with no tears or holes.
- Life jackets meant for adult-sized people do not work for children. If you are boating with children, make sure they are wearing a child-sized life jacket based on their weight.
Some state laws vary, but it is always safe to assume that you should be wearing a life jacket. On recreational boats under 26 feet while underway, children under 6 years old must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket unless they are below decks or in an enclosed cabin.
If you’re going in the Gulf nine miles or more or in the Atlantic three miles or more, children under 13 must wear a life jacket. Children must be 16 or older to wear an inflatable life jacket. For questions, check with local Marine Law Enforcement Authorities.
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Source: Chronicle Online
