Many people assume that simply wearing a life-jacket or another personal flotation device is enough to provide adequate safety while enjoying activities on the water.
But just as important as wearing the PFD, is that it fit properly.
Selecting a life-jacket is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Nor are all life-jackets suitable for all types of water sports and other marine activities.
The amount of buoyancy the jacket provides is relative to the activity and the size of the person wearing the jacket. Furthermore, it is unwise to think that children can simply wear an adult life-jacket in a pinch.
Life-jackets that are too small or too large can come off or ride up in the water. A jacket that rides up can end up rising over the mouth and nose, making breathing difficult.
The proper fit of a life-jacket is one where the jacket is snug, but not suffocating. All of the zippers, ties, straps, snaps, and other connection points should be correctly secured.
Those who have experience in the water can test out the fit of a life-jacket by walking into the water up to the neck.
After lifting up the legs and tilting the head back, the person should be able to float comfortably and not have to put any effort into staying above water.
As well, the life-jacket shouldn’t obstruct the mouth. The person should also be able to swim easily on the back or side without restriction of the arms.
Life-jackets for young children may have a flotation collar that helps to keep the head upright, as a child’s head tends to be his or her heaviest part of the body.
In addition, there will likely be a strap that secures between the legs to prevent the vest from riding up.
All life-jackets should be replaced when they start to fade to the colour of the inside label. This might be an indication the safety protection has started to deteriorate.