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Size Does Matter |
Special to the Post | 6/26/09
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There’s no doubt that life jackets save lives. In 2007, 698 people drowned in boating accidents. Most of them would be alive today if they had been wearing a life jacket. But size does matter – particularly when choosing a life jacket for a child – and a life jacket that doesn’t fit properly can be as dangerous as not wearing one. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary has a few tips to follow when choosing a life jacket.
Choose only a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved life jacket, and the correct size for the weight of the person. The USCG stamp of approval, size, whether it is for a child or an adult, and appropriate weight of the wearer should be listed inside the jacket. A person’s chest size and stomach size may come into play when selecting the right life jacket.
 Use the “touchdown” test to see if your life jacket fits properly; lift your arms above your head as if calling a touchdown. The chest portion of the jacket should not touch your chin when you look left, right or over your shoulder. If the jacket passes this test, it most likely fits. If possible try it out in shallow water. The life jacket should not ride up on your body. However, ride-up may happen if your stomach is larger than your chest.
Weigh a child and measure for chest size under the arms before shopping for a child’s life jacket. A properly fitting jacket should be snug but not tight.
Check for proper fit of a life jacket on a child. Wearing the jacket, the child should stand normally with arms at his or her sides. Grab the jacket at the shoulders and firmly lift up. The jacket does not fit if it moves more than three inches up and down the child’s body during the test.
Ensure a life jacket for an infant or child has a crotch strap to help keep the life jacket on, an oversized float collar to help keep the head out of the water and a grab loop for easier water rescue. All straps should be intact and fastened at all times.
There are life jackets suited to every water sport and it’s possible to purchase life jackets that are light and comfortable. For more information about life jacket types, download the U.S. Coast Guard brochure “How to Choose the Right Life Jacket” at this web page.
Keep Your Head Above Water . . . Wear It!
On Navajo Lake both in Colorado and New Mexico waters U.S. Coast Guard Flotilla 23, Guardians of the Lake, assists boaters in distress on the water, teaches basic and advanced boating skills, performs free Vessel Safety Checks and conducts search & rescue (SAR) operations, provides support to State Parks Marine Officers. We also act as a force multiplier for SAR operations when authorities require a marine platform. Visit our website or send questions to info@guardian23.org .
Celebrating our 70th anniversary in June 2009, the 30,000+ men and women of the Auxiliary can be found on the dock, in the classroom, on the water and in the air promoting safe boating and in support of the United States Coast Guard. In 2008, Auxiliarists volunteered over 4.4 million hours to benefit boaters and their families. On an average day, Members execute 91 search & rescue missions, save 3 lives, assist 41 boaters in distress and save property valued at more than $420,000. |
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