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Section 1 • Safety
5.Lifesaving Equipment
!WARNING
Have all passengers and the operator wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times when boating.
When someone is overboard, it can be too late to have them put on a PFD.
Even strong swimmers can tire quickly in the water and drown due to exhaustion, hypothermia, or both. The buoyancy provided by a personal flotation device (PFD) will allow the person who has fallen overboard to remain afloat with far less effort and heat loss, extending survival time necessary to find and retrieve them.
Boat operators are required to carry one wearable personal flotation device (Type I, II, III or V) for every person on board. Boats must also have at least one throwable device (Type IV).
The law requires that PFDs must be readily accessible, if not worn. "Readily accessible" means removed from storage bags and unbuckled. But, children and
PFD Classifications:
(FIG. 1.4.1) | |
| buoyant, it is designed to turn an |
| unconscious person face up; used in |
| all types of waters where rescue may |
| be slow, particularly in cold or rough |
| conditions. |
(FIG. 1.4.3) | Flotation Aid (Type III) – vest is |
| designed so conscious wearers can |
| turn face up; often designed for |
| comfort while engaged in sports such |
| as skiing. |
(FIG. 1.4.4) | Throwable Devices (Type IV) – |
| horseshoe buoys, ring buoys and |
| buoyant cushions are designed to be |
| grasped, not worn. |
(FIG. 1.4.5) | |
| |
| sailboat harnesses, |
| vests, float coats, and hybrid vests |
| which have minimum inherent |
| buoyancy and an inflatable |
| chamber. |
Before purchasing PFDs, ensure that there is an attached tag indicating they are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard or by your national boating law enforcement agency.
Children and
The operator is responsible for instruction everyone aboard on the location and use of PFDs.
Size PFDs for the wearer. Children require special attention in the use of PFDs.
Test PFD buoyancy at least once a year.
(FIG. 1.4.2) |
| |
| "keyhole" vest with |
|
| head and neck support is also |
|
| designed to turn a person face up, |
|
| but the turning action is not as |
|
| pronounced; used in calm, inland |
|
| waters or where quick rescue is |
|
| likely. |
|
1.4 | R | H2X® |
Speed changes you. TM.