Page 19 - Mid America Boating - June 2023 issue

FOCUS ON BOATING SAFETy • Type II is intended to turn some unconscious rise above the wearer’s chin or ears.
F R OM US C G A U X IL I A R y persons from a face down position in the water • Foam filled lifejackets should be tested for
to a position where the wearer’s respiration is
wear and buoyancy at least once a year. Water-
Wearing a not impeded. logged, faded, or otherwise damaged lifejack-
• Type III is intended to support a conscious
ets should be discarded.
life jacket will person in the water in an upright position. • Inflatable lifejackets should be maintained
This type of device is not required to turn an
per the manufacturer’s instructions.
save your life unconscious person in the water from a face- • Most adults only need 7 to 12 pounds of
down position to a position where the wearer’s
buoyancy (31 to 53 Newton) to keep their
respiration is not impeded.
• Type V is approved for restricted uses or heads above water.
• Though not always required by law, a lifejack-
By David G. Epstein, Branch Chief, U.S. activities such as boardsailing, or commercial et should be worn at all times when the vessel
Coast Guard Auxiliary white-water rafting. These devices may not be is underway. A wearable lifejacket can save 19 [ MID-AMERICA BOATING ] JUNE 2023
suitable for other boating activities. The label your life, but only when you wear it.
There’s a good reason why the US Coast Guard indicates whether a particular design of Type V • Wearable lifejackets must be readily acces-
Auxiliary asks you to please always wear your can be used in specific application, what restric- sible. You must be able to put your lifejacket
life jacket . We want you to be safe on the water tions or limitations apply, and its performance on in a reasonable amount of time in an emer-
and it can save your life and those of your type” (Source: US Coast Guard Auxiliary). gency (vessel sinking, on fire, etc.).Lifejackets
friends and family. For sizing information and help in select- should not be stowed in plastic bags, in locked
As warm weather boating is here, you might ing a life jacket, please see www.uscgboating. or closed compartments or have other gear
think the risk of drowning decreases; in fact, org/images/howtochoosetherightlifejacket_ stowed on top of them.
most boat related drownings happen on warm, brochure.pdf • Throwable devices must be immediately
sunny days. So, always wear your life jacket! available for use.
Key Takeaways Child Lifejacket Requirements:
Why you need to wear a life jacket • The best lifejacket is the one you will wear. • Federal Law requires that when a vessel is
Quite simply, wearing a life jacket will save • Certain lifejackets are designed to keep your underway, children under 13 years of age must
your life by: • Ensure it is appropriate for the activity (motor head above water and help you remain in a wear their lifejacket.
• Keeping you above water if you unexpectedly boating, paddle boating, etc.) and that it is in position that permits proper breathing. • Exceptions for when below deck or within an
fall into the water. good condition and safety checked. • Some styles of lifejackets are not intended enclosed cabin.
• Helping you stay buoyant if you jump into the • Make sure it fits well, checking chest size. for weak or non-swimmers (read the label and • State laws may vary. Check with your state
water to save someone. • Try your life jacket on and make sure it’s be honest). boating safety officials.”
• Providing a means to stay above water if you comfortable and can be secured with an • To meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements, a So, please wear your life jacket at all times!
fall in and are hurt, injured or tired. adjustable feature. recreational vessel must have a U.S. Coast Guard MAB
• Keeping you above water if you can’t swim Approved lifejacket for each person aboard.
well or don’t swim at all. Types of Personal Flotation Devices • Lifejacket wear regulations for children may David G. Epstein, BC-SRB, FSO-HR is an officer
Choosing a life jacket • Type I has the greatest required inherent vary by state. with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary which is the
When purchasing a life jacket, it should be: buoyancy and turns most unconscious persons • Adult-sized lifejackets may not work for chil- uniformed Auxiliary of Team Coast Guard. He is a
• US Coast Guard approved (there may be addi- in the water from a face down position to a verti- dren. Child size lifejackets are available. Branch Chief in the Strategic Planning Directorate and
tional federal, state, and local requirements). cal and slightly backward position, therefore, • When worn correctly a foam filled lifejacket Staff Officer for Flotilla 14-05-03 in New York City.
You should check the label of the jacket. greatly increasing one’s chance of survival. will fit snugly and will not allow the lifejacket to For more information, please visit http://cgaux.org