When you go boating, it's not enough just to have life preservers on board for each member of your party. According to the Ohio Deptartment of Natural Resources life jackets need to be in good shape with all parts intact, and they should be easily accessible. Before you head out, check the label of each life jacket to find out its recommended use and what size and weight it fits.
Offshore Life Jacket
Offshore life jackets, known as Type I, are for rough open water where you might have to float a long time before you're rescued. According to the website for Rend Lake in southern Illinois, these jackets are bulky, but they keep you afloat and usually turn you face up if you're unconscious.
Near-Shore Buoyant Vest
Near-shore buoyant vests, or Type II, are the most common life jackets. They're not as expensive or bulky as Type I jackets, and they're a good choice when quick rescue is likely. They'll turn most unconscious people face up in the water, according to the Boating Sidekicks website.
Flotation Aid
Flotation aids, or Type III, are usually the most comfortable to wear and offer excellent freedom of movement. But according to Rend Lake, you might have to tilt your head back to keep from rolling face down in the water, and that effort can tire you out quickly. Also, Type III devices usually won't turn you face up if you're unconscious, according to Boating Sidekicks.
Throwable Device
You don't wear a Type IV life preserver, you throw it to someone who's fallen overboard or is having other trouble in the water. These preservers are a backup to wearable jackets, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. They're not suitable for young children or nonswimmers, or if the victim is unconscious.
Special Use Devices
According to Rend Lake, Type V life preservers are for specialized activities such board sailing, kayaking, water skiing and whitewater rafting. You should wear these jackets only for the use listed on the label, according to Ahoy Captain, a boating outfitter. Type V also covers a hybrid vest that has both a foam and an inflatable section. This makes it as comfortable as a Type III, but when it's inflated, it provides as much flotation ability as a Type I or II.
Member Comments