 Today, most people don't think twice about buckling up their seat belts when they get into an automobile. However, these same people are reluctant to buckle up their personal flotation device (PFD) or life jacket when heading out on the water for a day of boating and fishing. Comfort-or the lack of it- is probably the biggest reason that people stow their PFDs away rather than wear them. This is particularly true for those folks involved in active outdoor sports such as boating, canoeing, or fishing. Anglers and boaters spend the most hours on the water and the majority of their activity occurs during the hot summer months. Although these people know the importance of wearing a life jacket, they hate to wear one if it interferes with casting or paddling. But today's PFD designs are helping overcome these obstacles to their use. Life jackets are required in most parts of the country, so to encourage greater use and safety, manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to improve PFD design. Without a doubt, today's PFDs are more comfortable to wear, providing greater ventilation and freedom of movement without sacrificing the protection and buoyancy that the U.S. Coast Guard requires for certification. There are a variety of PFDs for different boating needs, such as fishermen, skiers and water vehicle operators as well as general boating use. For greater comfort and protection, look for a PFD that is designed for your favorite activity. To meet Coast Guard boating requirements, you must have the proper type and number of PFDs aboard as follows: For boats 16 feet and over, you must have one of Types I, II, II or V for each person aboard, and one Type IV throwable device. For boats under 16 feet, you must have one type of wearable or throwable PFD for each person aboard. Why Are PFDs So Important? More than 90 percent of deaths in boating are from drowning. And 80 percent of those drowning victims were not wearing a PFD. These fashionable, easy-to-wear devices protect against drowning and even help against hypothermia. Most adults need an extra 7 to 12 lbs. of buoyancy to keep their head above water. Here's a list of minimum buoyancies for each type of PFD: Type I 22 lbs. Type II 15.5 lbs Type III 15.5 lbs. Ring buoy 16.5 lbs. Boat cushion 18 lbs. Hybrid 22/7.5 lbs. Special 15.5 to 22 lbs. For your PFD to work, it has to be kept in good condition, so be sure to always air-dry it thoroughly before stowing it in an accessible place on board. Check it twice a year, as well as each time you wear it, for mildew, leaks, insecure straps, or hardened stuffing. Don't crush it, and keep it away from oil and grease. All of these problems will cause some PFD materials to deteriorate and lose buoyancy. Also remember these tips: Make sure there is one PFD for every person in the boat. It's not only a good idea, it's the law in most states. Try before you buy. PFDs should fit snugly, so buy the proper size for each person in your family, especially children Choose a life vest that's designed for the activity you enjoy. For example, PFDs for water skiing provide more impact protection and security. Make sure that the life vest you buy is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. # # # Jim-Buoy USCG-Approved Life Rings Life rings are a vital addition to any watercraft. When looking for rings, look for solid, closed-cell plastic construction, and a material that will resist weather and temperature extremes, and will not rot or mildew. 38 Off 4-Belt Matching Vests for Adults & Kids PFDs come in a variety of shapes, styles, and colors, for different on-the-water activities. Flotation vests for water sports like skiing are becoming fashion accessories in addition to safety necessities -- they're durable and attractive. Thanks to Jim White, and beOutdoors.com for their permission to reprint this article. Please bear in mind That beOutdoors.com has a copyright on this material. |
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