April 16, 2024| Community, Safety
By: Larry Orlans
Federal and state regulations require all boaters (including kayakers, canoers, and paddleboarders) have an appropriately sized, U.S. Coast Guard-approved, wearable life jacket on board for every person on their boat. All children under the age of 13 MUST BE WEARING a life jacket while a boat is underway, but boating safety advocates recommend that all boaters and passengers not only have a life jacket, but wear it at all times while boating. From November 1 through May 1, wearing a life jacket is required by everyone of any age, on any boat under 26 feet in length.
Accidents on the water can happen much too fast to reach and put on a stowed life jacket. Drowning is the reported cause of death in 79 percent of all boating fatalities – and 86 percent of drowning victims in recreational boating accidents were not wearing a life jacket in 2019.
The good news is that today’s life jackets are much more comfortable, lightweight and stylish than the bulky orange style most boaters know. Life jackets that use inflatable technologies are cool and comfortable. They may resemble a pair of suspenders or a belt pack. Many inflate automatically when immersed in water. Inflatable life jackets should not be used by anyone under 16 years of age.
In addition to the wearing requirements, it is very important to verify that the life jacket is properly fitted. If it is too loose, it could come off when the wearer is in the water. The shoulder portion of the life jacket should not rise above the ear lobe when lifted at that location. If the child-sized life jacket is equipped with a crotch strap, be sure that it is adjusted so that the jacket will not slide off the child.
Life Jacket Fit PSA :20 from National Safe Boating Council on Vimeo.
Check your life jackets at the beginning of the boating season to be sure that they are still in good condition. Any torn or deteriorated ones should be discarded. When buying new ones, verify that they are U.S. Coast Guard approved, on the printed label inside of the life jacket.
Always buy the brightest colored life jackets possible. You want to be easily seen in the water. You may find that allowing young children to pick out their own life jacket, as long it meets the above criteria, reduces their reluctance to wear it. And life jackets should have a plastic whistle attached, to satisfy the requirement that you have a sound-producing device with you as well.
As you prepare for your next boating adventure, remember that wearing a life jacket is a simple yet crucial step in ensuring your safety and the safety of your passengers. By following the guidelines for wearing, fitting, and maintaining your life jackets, you can confidently enjoy your time on the water. Prioritizing safety not only protects you and your loved ones but also allows you to focus on having fun and making memories during your time on the water.
This post is part of our Spring Safety Series. Larry Orlans is a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Safety Instructor and Auxiliary Operations Officer for Flotilla 15-10.
