They Are Called "Life Jackets" For A Reason

PIERRE, S.D. - Game, Fish and Parks officials are reminding boaters and other water enthusiasts that the only way a life jacket can do its job is by wearing it.

"Most drownings result from either an unexpected fall overboard or a capsizing," said Game, Fish and Parks Boating Safety Coordinator Al Bahe. "An unexpected emergency is NOT the time to find out if your life jacket fits correctly, is adjusted properly and will actually float you in the water. That is like trying to fasten your seat belt during a car accident. Take a few minutes now to make sure the life jackets in your boat would save your life if you fall overboard or if your boat capsizes.Simply put, life jackets save lives. If you unexpectedly fall out of a boat, where is your life jacket? If you are wearing it, your chances of surviving an unexpected dunking are very good."

Here are some tips on choosing the right life jacket from the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Safe Boating Council:

The primary function of a life jacket is to keep you afloat, with your mouth well above water. It is critical that the life jacket you choose does this. Life jackets come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. Some are made to be more rugged and last longer while others are made to protect you from cold water. No matter which life jacket you choose, be sure to get one that is right for you, your planned activities, and the water conditions you expect to encounter.

Select a properly sized life jacket.

*       Make sure it's Coast Guard approved.
*       Try on the life jacket to see if it fits comfortably snug.
*       Ensure all straps, zippers, and ties are fastened.
*       Raise your arms over your head.
*       Have someone lift your life jacket straight up by the shoulders.
*       The life jacket should stay in place. If your mouth and nose fall below the topmost edge at the shoulder or collar, or it    almost comes off, the life jacket is too loose.


Buoyancy Testing Your Life Jacket

*       Test your life jacket in shallow water to see how it floats you.
*       Put on your life jacket and ensure that all straps, zippers, and
         ties are fastened.
*       Tuck in any loose strap ends.
*       Relax your body and let your head tilt back.
*       Make sure your life jacket keeps your chin above water and you can
         breathe easily.
*       If your mouth is not well above the water, get a new life jacket or
one with more buoyancy.


Child's Life Jacket

Check the life jacket label for proper weight range to match your child's weight. South Dakota regulations require each child on board who is under seven years of age is wearing a Coast Guard approved life jacket when the boat is operating at greater than no-wake (idle) speed. Exception: the child is within a cabin or below deck.

While some children in the 30-50 pound weight range who can swim may like the extra freedom of movement that a Type III life jacket provides, most children in this weight range, especially those who cannot swim, should wear a Type II life jacket. To check for a good fit, place the child in the life jacket and tighten all closures and straps until snug. Next grab the jacket
by the shoulders and lift straight up until the child is off the ground. If the child's mouth or nose falls below the upper most edge of the jacket's collar or shoulder area, then the jacket does not fit, and if the child enters the water, their mouth and nose will be under water.

A child's life jacket should be tested in the water immediately after purchase. Children tend to panic when they fall into the water suddenly. They move their arms and legs violently and try to climb out of the water, making it hard to float safely in a life jacket. A life jacket will keep a child afloat, but may not keep a struggling child face-up. That is why it is so important to teach children how to put on a life jacket and to teach them to relax in the water.

Boat safe and boat smart - WEAR IT!

-GFP-