National Safe Boating Week is a national campaign to encourage all boaters to wear their life jackets, no matter the type of activity. Boating safety advocates recommend that all boaters and passengers not only have a life jacket, but wear it at all times while boating. Accidents on the water happen too fast to reach and put on a stowed life jacket.
The best life jacket is one you will wear.
Suspender Inflatable - Inflatable jackets are nice because they offer more mobility as you move around your boat. Don't accidentally jump in the water with one on though...many of them inflate when immersed.-
Belt-Pack Inflatable - These inflatables are for the true minimalist. Many Stand Up Paddle Boarders will use these while out at sea doing long runs offshore, but also nice for having on the boat on a hot summer day. 
Inherently Buoyant - Full size impact vest jackets worn mostly by water skiers, tubers, and other water sports enthusiasts will remain tight and clasped during impact with the water.
Children - Always buy the right size for your child (not one they will "grow into"). Many are fun looking with cartoon characters on them, but more importantly have handles for grabbing them by the scruff, head rests for floating on their backs, and other safety features.
Pets - Not all pets are water savvy. Make sure you find a jacket that fits your pet and has similar safety features to the kids jacket (a handle to grab them if need be).
Make sure it fits
A jacket should fit snug. You don't want to be overly constricted, but you definitely don't want it loose..
Life Jacket Care
- Use properly
- No rips, waterlogging or mildew
- Dry after use
- Hand wash in mild detergent
- Store in a dry place when not boating
Inflatable Life Jacket Care
- Test: Orally inflate & holds air for 16 hours
- Inspect inflation mechanism (not discharged, no corrosion, and properly installed)
- If it holds air, repack and use
- Replace the CO2 cylinder every time it is activated
Refer to OWNER’S MANUAL for specific maintenance requirements.
Choose the Right Life Jacket
- Boating safe advocates recommend all boaters and passengers wear a life jacket at all times while boating.
- All life jackets that are U.S. Coast Guard approved have an approval number. Look for it to ensure your life jacket meets the law requirements and is safe.
- You may see a new label on the inside of new life jackets with a performance level icon.
- Life jackets with the new label are approved for use in the U.S. and Canada, whereas devices with the old labels continue to be approved in one country or the other, not both.
- Life jackets you may already own may have the old “type” life jacket label (Type 1-Type V).
- The new label DOES NOT make obsolete life jackets with the old label.
- You can continue to use your life jacket as long as it is in good condition and appropriate for the activity.
Warnings
Some impact vests are NOT approved lifejackets so it's important to read the labels. This can be very important if you plan on:
- Water skiing or tubing
- Personal watercraft or wakeboarding
- White water paddling
Turn Ability
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Life jacket will turn an unconscious wearer face up – test before use. |
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Life jacket will NOT turn an unconscious wearer face up. |
Measured in Newtons
- Life jackets with the new label have a performance icon measured in newtons.
- Lower level number offers more mobility, comfort, and style with good flotation, and intended for near shore (calm water) activities.
- Higher level number offers greater flotation, turning, and stability in the water, and for offshore activities (greater time to rescue).
- There are areas where you may be boating near shore when rescue is hours away, and a higher level is needed.
- Be honest about your swimming ability. Poor swimmers may need a higher level to stay upright and easily tread water.
No matter what the activity or style chosen, the most important thing is this: Be responsible and always wear your life jacket while boating. Let's have a safe summer and awesome boating season!
Contact Wells Insurance for any of your Marine Insurance needs by calling us at 910-762-8551.
*Information provided by the National Safe Boating Council
