A repost from the D13 blog:
As we enter the boating season and get life jackets out of storage for the first time since last season it is important to pay particular attention to the fit of the life jackets for the kids on our boats. As all parents know, growing out of clothes and shoes is a constant challenge. Children grow out of life jackets too. Life jackets need to be carefully fitted to children in order to be effective. Children can fall out of life jackets that are too large or improperly fastened and may not receive sufficient flotation from a life jacket that is too small. Even a life jacket that appears to fit may allow a child to shift downward so that their face is immersed once they enter the water.
- Choose the right size.
- Make sure it is in serviceable condition.
- Buckle all the buckles, tie the ties, zip the zippers, and use the straps... including the crotch strap if equipped.
- Tighten the straps, the life jacket should be snug as it will loosen in the water.
- Pick the child up with the life jacket, vest types should not pull up above the ears.
- Make sure kids wear the life jacket and wear yours. You are not only modeling good behavior but you will also be able to assist your kids if everyone ends up in the water. WEAR IT!
This last weekend U.S.C.G. Auxiliary Flotilla 76 participated in the annual SafeKids day at the Oregon Zoo. Along with our partners, AMR River Rescue, Oregon Parks and Recreation, and the Army Corps of Engineers we talk to thousands of parents and kids. We fit many of the kids with life jackets and show parents the key elements of proper life jacket wear. In this video Taneka Means of AMR River Rescue and Robert Smith of Oregon Parks and Recreation demonstrate fitting a life jacket:
For a longer version, with more information on fitting a life jacket from Melissa Rinehart of the Army Corps of Engineers, Tim Young and Earl Markham of the USCG Auxiliary as well as beach safety from Robert Smith watch this (5 mins):
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