Be Sure And Wear Your Life Jacket
Why Should I Wear My Life Jacket? The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that life jackets could have saved the lives of more than 80 percent of boating fatality victims. As a boat operator, you’re in command of the safety of your passengers. But accidents can and do happen with terrifying speed on the water. There’s rarely time to reach stowed life jackets. The U.S. Coast Guard challenges you and your passengers to wear your life jacket all the time while underway.
New Life Jackets Are Attractive and Easy To Wear
Boaters enjoy the feel of sun and spray. So it’s tempting to boat without wearing a life jacket, especially on nice days. But modern life jackets are available in a wide variety of shapes, colors and sizes. Many are thin and flexible. Some are built right into fishing vests or hunter coats. Others are inflatable – as compact as a scarf or fanny pack until they hit water, when they automatically fill with air.
There’s no excuse not to wear a life jacket on the water! Things to Know:
■Certain life jackets are designed to keep your head above water and help you remain in a position which permits proper breathing.
■To meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements, a boat must have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, III, or V life jacket for each person aboard. Boats 16 feet and larger must have at least one Type IV throwable device as well.
■All states have regulations regarding life jacket wear by children.
■Adult-sized life jackets will not work for children. Special life jackets are available for children. To work correctly, a life jacket must be worn, fit snugly, and not allow the child’s chin or ears to slip through.
■Life jackets should be tested for wear and buoyancy at least once each year. Waterlogged, faded or leaky jackets should be discarded.
■Life jackets must be properly stowed.
■A life jacket, especially a snug-fitting flotation coat or deck-suit style, can help you survive in cold water.
How Do Life Jackets Save Lives?
■When capsized in rough water.
■When sinking in unexpectedly heavy sea conditions.
■When thrown from the boat as a result of a collision.
■When injured by rocks or submerged objects.
■When unconscious from carbon monoxide fumes.
■When tossed into freezing water.
■When thrown off balance while fishing.
■When unable to swim because of heavy or waterlogged clothing.
If you have questions or would like more information about life jackets, call 1-800-368-5647.
Courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard
Lifesaving Devices (PFDs) (Texas Parks & Wildlife Boating & Water Safety Digest. Read and know the Law BEFORE going boating.)
All Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) must be U.S. Coast Guard approved, in serviceable condition, readily accessible, and of the appropriate size for intended user.
All children under 13 years of age in motorboats under 26 feet in length must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD while underway. Underway means not at anchor, made fast to the shore, or aground.
All vessels, including canoes and kayaks, must be equipped with one Type I, II, III or V wearable PFD for each person on board. A Type V PFD is acceptable only if used in accordance with the specific instructions on the label of the device.
Vessels 16 feet and longer, excluding canoes and kayaks, are required to be equipped with one Type IV throwable PFD in addition to the Type I, II, III, or V PFD required for each person on board.
Inflatable PFDs are authorized only when used in accordance with requirements as presented on U.S. Coast Guard approval labels. Inflatable PFDs are not approved for use on personal watercraft, waterskiing, or other high speed activity.
