Stearns Safety & Survival 1189 manual VIII. Wear Your PFD, IX. Hypothermia

Page 15

VIII. WEAR YOUR PFD

In approximately 80 percent of all boating fatalities, the victims were not wearing a PFD. Most fatal accidents happen on calm sunny days. This inflatable PFD is much more comfortable to wear than other PFD types. Get into the habit of wearing this PFD. Non-swimmers and children especially should wear a hybrid or non-inflatable PFD at all times when on or near the water.

IX. HYPOTHERMIA

Prolonged exposure to cold water causes a condition known as hypothermia - a substantial loss of body heat, which leads to exhaustion and unconsciousness. Most drowning victims first suffer from hypothermia. The following chart shows the effects of hypothermia:

PFDs can increase survival time because they allow you to float without using energy treading water and because of their insulating properties. Naturally, the warmer the water, the less insulation you will require. When operating in cold waters [below 60°F (15.6°C)] you should consider using a coat or jacket style PFD or a Type V Thermal Protective PFD as they cover more of the body than the vest or belt style PFDs.

15

Image 15

Contents Approval Conditions and Carriage Requirements Do not Remove Prior to SaleMechanism Parts List Specifications IndicatorsInflation System Harness FIT and Sizing Information Harness USE InstructionsAdditional Harness Information II. Mandatory Carriage RequirementsIII. Instructions for USE How to Inspect the Mechanism Read below for More Detailed InformationInspecting Your PFD For Damage Donning Instructions Inflated Donning InstructionsWear your PFD over, not under clothing Inflation Instructions Other Inflation PrecautionsDo not Twist or Wring Inflatable Chamber to Deflate Deflation InstructionsFreezing Temperatures IV. is Your PFD in Good and Serviceable CONDITION?Other USE Guidelines Users Inspection Repair Care and Cleaning InstructionsRearming Kits StorageMake sure it works VI. WHY are Pfds Required Safety EQUIPMENT?VII. HOW and WHY to Test Your PFD? Make sure it floats youYour fully armed PFD, HOW do YOU Test Your PFD Using Manual INFLATOR?HOW do YOU Test Your PFD Using the Oral INFLATOR? IX. Hypothermia VIII. Wear Your PFDSome Points to Remember About Hypothermia Protection XI. Additional Information Stearns Do not Attach Pfds to Your BoatCO2 Permeation Loss Buddy Line InformationRepacking Instructions Printer id