Connecticut Water Trails Association
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Connecticut Water Trails Association |
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Connecticut Water Trails Program
How To Choose A PFD -
Proper Fit Is Important
The
next important step in choosing a PFD is ensuring it fits properly and
is comfortable. Try on several models with different amounts of clothing
to gauge how the PFD will feel when worn at various times throughout the
year.
Working in pairs, have one person (A) stand behind the other person (B) and test the life jacket for proper fit.
While person B puts his arms straight overhead
(similar to a football referee signaling a touchdown) person A should
grasp the tops of person B's arm openings and gently pull up. As shown
in the illustration above, excess room above the arm openings and the
life jacket "riding up" over the chin and face are signs of a "bad fit."
A snug fit in these areas represents a "good fit."
Working in pairs, have one person
Adjustable straps will help you alter the fit for the amount of clothing you'll wear. Note that a PFD should fit snug; if it is too loose it will not provide proper flotation in the water.
A proper fit means once it's zippered and/or buckled, it should keep your head and upper shoulders above the water. If it fits too loose, the flotation will push the jacket up around your face. If your life jacket is too small, it won't keep your body afloat.
A common fitting procedure is to put on
the PFD, and tighten all straps and close zippers. Next, raise your arms
above your head and have someone try and lift the PFD up by the
shoulders. The unit is not a proper fit if it is too loose. Signs of
this are if the device freely moves and almost comes off, or if the main
zipper touches your nose.
When not using your life jacket (when you're not boating), store it in a readily accessible place away from sunlight and chemicals. Nylon and other synthetic materials used to make your life jacket will be harmed over time by ultra-violet radiation from the sun. Fabric that becomes discolored may indicate ultra-violet damage. In other words, don’t leave your PFD hanging outside all summer exposed to the sun and expect it to be unharmed. Also, prolonged exposure to chemicals or exhaust fumes can attack the flotation’s foam.
Take care of your life jacket--it's your lifeline.
Fitting Tips
Choosing A Child PFD
Like sizing an adult PFD, the procedure is similar for a child. The vest should fit snug. To test the fit, tighten all straps and close zippers and then lift the child by holding the PFD's shoulders. The child's ears and neck should not slip though the head opening. It is also advisable that a child wear, at minimum, a Type II PFD.
Testing Your PFD
Adult and child PFDs should also be water tested
after purchase to ensure they're a proper fit. The advantage to testing
a child's PFD is not only to ensure proper fit and flotation. It's an
opportunity for your child to become comfortable with the device on in
the water. Help your child get comfortable in the water and explain why
they need to wear a PFD. This will help them remain calm in an
emergency. It is also recommended to test your Inflatable PFD.
Experience how it inflates when in the water and get familiar with
re-arming it.
BE AWARE: Your PFD may not act the same in swift water or heavy seas as it does in calm water.
70% of all boating fatality accidents result from drowning.
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