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Wear A Lifejacket, We Do!

Lifejackets are at the top of the USCG and USCG Auxiliary Safety Equipment List.  Wearing an appropriate Lifejacket can significantly improve your chances of being around to tell others about your on-the-water adventures including any mishaps you may unexpectedly encounter!

As a minimum, all watercraft must carry one approved Type I, II, III, or V Lifejacket in good servicable condition for every person on board or being towed by the vessel.  Vessels over 16 feet must also carry at least one approved Type IV Throwable Device.

Since 01 April 2006 Maryland Law requires that for children less than 4 years old or under 50 pounds a Lifejacket have these Additional Safety Features:

1. a STRAP that is secured between the legs

2. an INFLATABLE HEADREST or HIGH COLLAR

3. a WEB HANDLE

Don't have an appropriate Lifejacket for your child, borrow one through the free lifejacket loaner program or consider purchasing one.  Then, get them into the habit of "Wearing It!"  Their life could depend on it.

The lives of four out of five boaters who die in boating accidents could be saved if those involved were wearing a Lifejacket.   Help save lives by encouraging everyone to wear an appropriate Lifejacket (suited to their activities and existing environmental conditions) while on or near the water.   Using appropriate protective gear in cold weather can help reduce the risk of hypothermia (a major water related killer)!

When was the last time your vessel's safety gear was checked?  It is called safety gear because your life, or that of a loved one, may depend on it.  As the operator of a watercraft, you are responsible for the vessel as well as all people on board, so regularly review your safety gear condition, requirements, and needs:

1. Has a Lifejacket been crushed (used as a fender or cushion) or ripped making it ineffective?

2. Are you using your watercraft differently or have your on-the-water activities changed?

3. Has your family grown in number and/or physical size?

4. Does your family dog or cat come along?

5. Are members of your family inviting relatives or friends to come along?

6. Are you short a Lifejacket due to one being lost, thrown away, or damaged by mildew or solvents?

Lifejacket's should be worn by everyone onboard a watercraft with any extras stored in the cockpit area so they can float free if the boat should sink.  Never store them in a place that may not be readily accessible during an emergency.

The U.S. Coast Guard seal of approval on a Lifejacket indicates it is a well-designed quality device that provides sufficient buoyancy to keep an average adult afloat.  Its presence will allow you to focus your efforts on finding a comfortable and attractive device that fits properly and looks great.  Be sure to help your children pick an appropriate Lifejacket that fits properly.

Pick Lifejackets that:

• will be worn (individual views as cool or likes the look), 

• are comfortable and fit properly (Lifejacket's come in sizes, so be sure to check and select proper size), 

• designed to match type of activity as well as operating conditions (location/weather), and

• will keep individual afloat and protected until help can arrive, if needed!

NEVER make alterations of any kind to a Lifejacket.

Types of Lifejacket's Currently Approved by US Coast Guard

Type of Lifejacket used should be based on activities, operating environment and location:

1. Type I  -  best for boating in severe conditions where rescue may be delayed

2. Type II  -  good for calm, inland water where there is a good chance of fast rescue. Smaller sizes may have high collars to help keep a child’s face out of the water.

3. Type III  -  best used in calm water where there’s a good chance of fast rescue (provides similar flotation to Type II, but is more comfortable and offers better freedom of movement).  Comes in a variety of styles and sizes.

4. Type IV  -  throwable Device that does not replace a wearable Lifejacket and should not be used by children as swim aid.

5. Type V  -  special purpose devices that come in a wide range of designs and styles such as inflatable suspenders, float coats, survival suites, fishing vests, work vests, ...

For instance:

• If you go offshore, as a minimum buy several Type I Off-Shore Devices (only lifejacket designed to turn unconscious people face up in rough water).

• If weather conditions require you to put on a jacket, consider using a Type V "Float Coat." 

• If you are into sailboat racing, try a Type II, III or V Inflatable Suspenders. 

• For water-skiing, PWC's, or just having fun in the water, a Type III (High Impact) Flotation Aid is the answer.

• If you are working or fishing, a Work or Fishing Vests is best.

U.S. Coast Guard Seal of Approval Minimum Buoyancies Requirements

Semper Paratus (Always Ready) Safety Tips

• Don't take unnecessary chances, make sure you have appropriate and fully functioning safety gear onboard by checking its presence and condition before every outing.

• Carry an assortment of Lifejacket types, sizes, and styles selected to match your on-the-water activities, even if it means having extra Lifejacket's onboard.

• Be prepared by ensuring number of Lifejackets available match at least maximum number of persons specified on manufacturer's capacity plate (usually located by helm).

• If you encounter deteriorating weather conditions or become disabled, make sure everyone is wearing a proper Lifejacket and any spare Lifejacket's are kept near helm until conditions improve or help arrives.

No one can watch a child every second.  Drowning is often silent, takes as little as five minutes, and usually happens when an adult is nearby.  To reduce the chance of an accidental drowning, follow these simple guidelines on when and where they should wear a Lifejacket:

1. Children from birth to 5: on beaches or docks and in boats or water toys.

2. Children ages 6 to 12: on docks, river banks, PWC's, water skis, or water boards, and in boats, inner tubes, and other water toys.

3. Teens and young adults: on PWC's, water skis, or water boards, and in boats, inner tubes and other water toys.

If a proper size Lifejacket for your child or infant is not available for a weekend outing, you can borrow one through the free lifejacket loaner program.  If you regularly go out on the water, purchase one and get them into the habit of "Wearing It!"  Their life could depend on it. 

Lifejacket's for infants and young children should:

1. Have a Coast Guard seal of approval on the label

2. Keep them face-up when in the water and provide head support

3. Have a web handle above their head to assist with retrieving them out of the water

4. Have a strap that goes between the legs to prevent the vest or the vest accidentally coming off

See Maryland Lifejacket Law effective 01 April 2006

Regularly check a child's Lifejacket for:

1. Proper fit.  Check weight and size on label to see if it seems appropriate and then have the child try it on.  Pick up small children by the Lifejacket shoulders.  If it is a proper size, the child’s chin and ears should not slip through the vest.

2. Comfort and appearance.  This is especially important for teens, who are less likely to tolerate an uncomfortable or clunky looking Lifejacket.

Make sure you:

1. Never use toys like plastic rings or water wings in place of a Lifejacket.

2. Never make any type of alterations or modifications to a Lifejacket.

3. Have your child practice wearing their Lifejacket in shallow water so they become comfortable with it to help prevent panic and thrashing about in a real emergency which could turn them onto their face, even though the Lifejacket (such as one with a collar) is designed to keep them on their back (face out of the water). 

Lifejacket, Life-vest, PFD or Floatation Aid, no matter what you call it

The Most Important Fact To Remember About It Is

It won't work if you don't Wear it!

Semper Paratus (Always Ready) Safety Tips

• Lifejackets DO NOT "take the place of" or "reduce the need for" proper adult supervision.

• A fun and worthwhile activity is for everyone to tryout their Lifejacket in shallow water.  This will help them become familiar with how it feels and works while in the water.

• Set a good example by wearing a Lifejacket and reminding others around you to wear them as well! 

• Buy Lifejackets as gifts for friends and loved ones:

  1. Give a Type V infant Lifejacket as a baby shower gift to families who enjoy boating!

  2. Give a Type V Inflatable Lifejacket designed for the type of activities boating enthusiasts in your life enjoy most.  It makes a wonderful and loving gift, especially if it means they will WEAR IT!

Let's Talk Lifejackets is a presentation that includes a virtual fashion show of the wide variety of Lifejacket's now available to help identify attractive and practical Lifejackets that can be worn during different boating activities.

A wide variety of new style Type V special purpose Lifejackets are available from many manufacturers including Stearns, Inc, Mustang Survival, and SoSpenders.

Boat Smart From The Start

Your life or the life of someone else may depend on it!

Lifejackets are Survival Equipment - Treat Them With Respect!

For a Lifejacket to work and do its job, it has to remain in good serviceable condition which can be accomplished by:

1. Thoroughly air-drying Lifejackets before stowing or putting them away

2. Never crushing or placing heavy weight on them such as using a Lifejacket as a fender or standing/sitting on it

3. Avoiding contact with oil, grease, or other solvents which can cause Lifejacket materials to deteriorate and lose buoyancy

4. Avoiding contact with sharp objects and performing regular checks and maintenance when your Lifejacket is an Inflatable

Inspect Lifejackets monthly for signs of mildew, rot, rust, tears, leaks, insecure or damaged straps and hardware, hardened or crushed stuffing, missing safety items added to the device, or other characteristics important to its proper operation.  Immediately correct any problems you find (throwaway and replace Lifejacket's or replace missing safety items).

US Coast Guard Initiative "You're In Command" covers:

1. Why Should I Wear My Lifejacket?

2. New Lifejackets Are Attractive and Easy To Wear.

3. Things You Should Know!

4. How Do Lifejackets Save Lives?

BoatUS Foundation Lifejacket Technical Guide

Thank you for investing the time and effort to learn about Lifejackets and Boating Safety

For Questions, Clarifications, Or Additional Information

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Website created and maintained by:  W.V. Discenza, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

Last Updated:  April 20, 2008 18:38