Personal Flotation Devices (they can't save your life if you can't find one when you need it!)

Now that summer is here, it is time to dust off the gear, rinse off the boat, and head for your favourite fishing spot. You don't even have to tell the kids twice, away you go. STOP!! Have you checked your safety gear yet this year? Your life, or that of a loved one, may depend on having it on board, and in good condition. So you bought a set of PFDs back when you bought a boat - that was then, this is now! Have you checked their condition, and checked that they hold the user up well in the water? Has your family grown in number and/or size? Is your son taking along his best friend? Do you have children, who should be encouraged to wear a lifejacket at all times? I think you can see where I am heading. The only constant we have in life is that things change. By law you need to have one approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) of an appropriate size for everyone on board or on the water ski behind you.

To increase your awareness I would like to point out a couple of common misconceptions. First, is that the “Department of Transport Approved" label on your PFD guarantees it will save your life. Not true. The stamp only indicates that it has been constructed and tested to minimum standards of construction and flotation. Second, is that less expensive life vests are all you need - after all everyone in your family can swim. Wrong! Most people are not strong enough swimmers to survive an extended period of time in the water. What if you are injured? You need a PFD that will keep you afloat even when exhausted or incapacitated. Only specific Off-Shore Devices are recommended for rough water, and are capable of turning an unconscious person face up. In Canada, they are the only PFDs that are allowed to use the term ‘Lifejacket’, and they come in only orange, red or yellow for greater visibility. Other Near-Shore Devices are only considered effective for keeping your head above water in calm, protected waters, and there are Flotation Aid Devices quite literally designed only to be worn to help you to float during wet boating activities like water-skiing or kayaking where rescue is expected to be immediately available. Throwable Devices/ Lifesaving Cushions are no longer allowed as a substitute for a proper vest or jacket. Think of your boating habits before you buy.

Are you one of those who thinks PFDs are too bulky or ugly to be worn? Think again! Take another look at the display at your favourite marine store or sporting goods store. Style and function are in. If you have to put on a jacket because of weather conditions put on a "Float Coat". If you are racing and need to move around the foredeck quickly, try some of the new Inflatable PFDs (unless you are under 16, or using it for sailboarding, PWC or whitewater activities – if it has an automatic inflator, it will inflate the instant it is immersed in water). If you are working or fishing, buy some of the very functional Work or Fishing Vests produced by Stearns, Mustang or other safety conscious manufacturers. Also consider attaching a whistle to each PFD. Get your children in the habit of wearing comfortable life vests all of the time, and encourage others to wear them when they are at risk. Children should also learn how to put their PFDs on in the water; because of the way their bodyweight is distributed, children do not float well in a face up position, and tend to panic easily. Never forget that a lifejacket is no substitute for adult supervision!

Please don't store PFDs under the V-Berth where they may not be accessible during an emergency. The best place for them is in the cockpit, under a seat cushion, where they can float free if the boat sinks. Should you encounter severe weather conditions, or are disabled and awaiting assistance, you should break out, and don, your emergency set of PFDs until conditions improve or help arrives. Also, what method do you have in place to bring an exhausted or injured person back on board? Do you have a boarding ladder or a life sling, or could you improvise one? Carry a variety of PFD sizes based on your family configuration, even if it means carrying a couple of extras. A good rule of thumb is to have enough stylish, functional Life Vests on board for maximum number of persons allowed. A full set of PFDs is well worth the cost to protect your loved ones, and provides a valuable, extra level of security in case of an accident. The number of boaters who die in boating accidents due to lack of a lifejacket is still four out of five. There is only one way to change this statistic - wear your PFD more often!

Adapted from Sea Tow International at http://www.boatingsafety.com/lifejack.htm
And the Canadian Coast Guard at http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/main_e.htm Toll Free Number 1-800-267-6687