Boating Tips to Safely Use Inflatable Life Jackets
Boating Tips to Safely Use Inflatable Life Jackets
From the South Dakota
Boating Handbook, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
Summer is the time for water activities. Water safety is on everyone’s mind as the temperatures rise. The following are frequently asked questions and the answers regarding inflatable life jackets.
I do not know how to swim. Should I use an inflatable life jacket?
No. A poor or non-swimmer could panic in an unexpected fall into the water and may forget they need to activate the manual “jerk to inflate” cord. Please use an inherently buoyant or hybrid life jacket, has both inherent and inflatable system of buoyancy, that provides flotation without any action on your part.
Is there an age requirement for inflatable life jackets?
Yes. Inflatables are ony approved for use by people age 16 years or older. People under the age of 16 must have inherently buoyant or hybrid life jacket in their size range and it should be properly worn.
Are inflatable life jackets approved for all boating activities?
No. Full inflatable life jackets are not approved for high-speed activities such as riding on a personal watercraft, waterskiing or tubing, participating in whitewater activities or working in commercial boating activities, please wear an inherently buoyant life jacket.
Will any CO2 cylinder work from a store?
No. It is important to use a rearm kit that includes a cylinder that is supplied by the maker of the life jacket. The correct cylinder to use will be indicated on the life jacket itself and in the owner’s manual and can be obtained by contacting the life jacket manufacturer.
Can I use my CO2 cylinder more than once?
No. Once the cylinder has ben punctured, all of the gas will escape into the chamber. This is why you need to check to see if the cylinder is full before each outing. If your device has a Cylinder Seal Indicator, it will show green if the cylinder is full. If it shows red, you must replace the cylinder.
Can an inflatable life jacket be worn under clothes?
It’s important to know that inflatable life jackets can never be worn under clothing, including coats or jackets. If so, the life jacket would function ineffectively and could lead to serious injury, discomfort or difficulty breathing.
How do I maintain my inflatable life jacket?
Frequent inspections are important. Inspection would include orally inflating the life jacket and ensuring it holds air for 16 to 24 hours, inspecting the cylinder is not discharged and not corroded and checking that the cylinder is screwed in tight. Always refer to the owner’s manual.
