Personal Flotation Devices
Most adults need an extra 7 to 12 pounds of buoyancy to keep their heads above water. A life jacket (PFD) can provide that “extra lift” to keep you afloat until help comes. Your weight isn’t the only factor in how much “extra lift” you need. A person’s body fat, lung size, clothing and the water conditions also play an important part.
There are different types and styles of PFDs. When selecting a life jacket (PFD), read the label to make sure it is for a person your size and weight. You also need to consider the type of boating and the area in which you will be boating. Many boaters object to wearing traditional life jackets because they can be uncomfortable and hot. However, the new inflatable life jacket (PFDs), which were recently approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, are lightweight, comfortable, and provide the wearer with greater mobility. Manual inflatables are certified as Type III. They require the wearer to pull an inflatable tab in order to work, so they will not be of any help to an unconscious wearer. Automatic inflatables will inflate within 5 seconds of immersion and also have a manual inflation tab. Both types have backup oral inflation tubes. The automatics are certified as Type V and must be worn in order to be legally counted. Inflatables cannot be used by persons under 16 years of age, persons under 90 pounds, or for high speed water sports such as water-skiing or Personal Watercraft operation or riding. As with all life jackets (PFD), be sure to read the label carefully to be certain that you are using it correctly.
Five types of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
PFD Facts - Life Jackets Float....You Don’t
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Type I and Type II tend to turn an unconscious person face up with Type I providing the most buoyancy. TYPE V may only be used for its special designated purpose. They must be worn to count.
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All life jackets must be United States Coast Guard approved and in good serviceable condition.
*
All life jackets must be readily accessible. Better yet-wear yours!
*
Buy the right size. A life jacket should not be able to be pulled up past the ears.
*
Buy the right kind - will depend on the type of boating.
*
Ski belts are not legal life jackets in Connecticut.
*
85% of fatalities could be avoided if people wore their life jackets.
Special PFD Requirements: Connecticut
During the period from October 1st through May 31st, all persons on board a manually propelled vessel shall wear a Type I, II, III or V, U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device and no operator, or owner or user of a manually propelled vessel shall allow any person to be aboard who is not wearing such a device.
The operator or owner of any vessel being used for recreational purposes shall require any child twelve years of age and under who is aboard such vessel to wear a personal flotation device while such vessel is underway unless the child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
Trying Your Life Jacket
Try on your life jacket to see if it fits comfortably snug. Then test it in shallow water to see how it handles.
Tilt your head back. The life jacket should keep your chin above water so you can breathe easily.
Caring for Your Life Jacket
Follow these points to be sure that your life jacket stays in good condition:
*
If your life jacket doesn’t fit, get one that does.
*
Don’t put heavy objects on your life jacket or use it for a kneeling pad or boat fender. Life jackets lose buoyancy when crushed.
*
Let your life jacket drip dry thoroughly before putting it away. Always stow it in a well-ventilated place.
*
Don’t leave your life jacket on board for long periods of time when the boat is not in use.
*
Never dry your life jacket on any direct heat source.
*
Put your name on your life jacket if you’re the only wearer.
*
Practice throwing your Type IV PFD. Cushions throw best underhand.
*
Service inflatables regularly as required.
Most adults need an extra 7 to 12 pounds of buoyancy to keep their heads above water. A life jacket (PFD) can provide that “extra lift” to keep you afloat until help comes. Your weight isn’t the only factor in how much “extra lift” you need. A person’s body fat, lung size, clothing and the water conditions also play an important part.
There are different types and styles of PFDs. When selecting a life jacket (PFD), read the label to make sure it is for a person your size and weight. You also need to consider the type of boating and the area in which you will be boating. Many boaters object to wearing traditional life jackets because they can be uncomfortable and hot. However, the new inflatable life jacket (PFDs), which were recently approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, are lightweight, comfortable, and provide the wearer with greater mobility. Manual inflatables are certified as Type III. They require the wearer to pull an inflatable tab in order to work, so they will not be of any help to an unconscious wearer. Automatic inflatables will inflate within 5 seconds of immersion and also have a manual inflation tab. Both types have backup oral inflation tubes. The automatics are certified as Type V and must be worn in order to be legally counted. Inflatables cannot be used by persons under 16 years of age, persons under 90 pounds, or for high speed water sports such as water-skiing or Personal Watercraft operation or riding. As with all life jackets (PFD), be sure to read the label carefully to be certain that you are using it correctly.
Five types of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
PFD Facts - Life Jackets Float....You Don’t
*
Type I and Type II tend to turn an unconscious person face up with Type I providing the most buoyancy. TYPE V may only be used for its special designated purpose. They must be worn to count.
*
All life jackets must be United States Coast Guard approved and in good serviceable condition.
*
All life jackets must be readily accessible. Better yet-wear yours!
*
Buy the right size. A life jacket should not be able to be pulled up past the ears.
*
Buy the right kind - will depend on the type of boating.
*
Ski belts are not legal life jackets in Connecticut.
*
85% of fatalities could be avoided if people wore their life jackets.
Special PFD Requirements: Connecticut
During the period from October 1st through May 31st, all persons on board a manually propelled vessel shall wear a Type I, II, III or V, U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device and no operator, or owner or user of a manually propelled vessel shall allow any person to be aboard who is not wearing such a device.
The operator or owner of any vessel being used for recreational purposes shall require any child twelve years of age and under who is aboard such vessel to wear a personal flotation device while such vessel is underway unless the child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
Trying Your Life Jacket
Try on your life jacket to see if it fits comfortably snug. Then test it in shallow water to see how it handles.
Tilt your head back. The life jacket should keep your chin above water so you can breathe easily.
Caring for Your Life Jacket
Follow these points to be sure that your life jacket stays in good condition:
*
If your life jacket doesn’t fit, get one that does.
*
Don’t put heavy objects on your life jacket or use it for a kneeling pad or boat fender. Life jackets lose buoyancy when crushed.
*
Let your life jacket drip dry thoroughly before putting it away. Always stow it in a well-ventilated place.
*
Don’t leave your life jacket on board for long periods of time when the boat is not in use.
*
Never dry your life jacket on any direct heat source.
*
Put your name on your life jacket if you’re the only wearer.
*
Practice throwing your Type IV PFD. Cushions throw best underhand.
*
Service inflatables regularly as required.