Maximizing Performance

Why should someone do this? It is important to learn how to use this PFD in the water. Try your PFD in the water before attempting to use it in deep water or in an emergency to find out what position and adjustments provide the best support for you.

It is important, especially in cold water and wave conditions, to get your head out of the water as much as possible. Doing this will reduce the amount of heat loss through your head, (see "Hypothermia", Pages 19 and 20), improve your ability to see around you to identify any sources of rescue and to keep your mouth out of the water as much as possible to reduce the chance of inhaling water. Most, but perhaps not all people, will be able to get their heads completely out of the water by placing their bodies in a near vertical position and float with their arms extended out over the top of the chamber (see figure 1 below).

Once in the water with the PFD inflated, you should be able to float comfortably on your back (see figure 2 below). You may find it more comfortable to loosen the body strap slightly, without unbuckling it, and let it slide up to your chest. Then, orally add more air to the chamber if necessary and readjust the neck strap to provide head support. You may find that positioning the neck strap in various locations on your neck or even the back of your head, will provide better head support.