The First Deadly Mistake:
Failure to Wear Personal Flotation Devices
Primary Factor Contributing to the Accident:
1. Failure to wear a PFD. While three of the four people in this boat made it to shore, the chances of the victim surviving to reach shore would have been much higher had she worn a properly fitting PFD.
Coast Guard-Approved PFDs- A Comparative Look at What's Available
Type I PFD. This is for rough, open water. It is the most buoyant of all PFDs and will automatically turn your face up in the water, even if you are unconscious. The disadvantage is that it is quite bulky and not all that comfortable to wear if you are really active in the boat.
Type II PFD. This is commonly (but not necessarily fondly) known as the horse collar. It is for relatively calm inland water where the chance for a fast rescue is fairly good. The advantage is that it will float you high and will turn you face-up if you are unconscious. The downside with this PFD is that it is uncomfortable (especially around the top of the neck) and it provides none of the insulation value that other PFDs commonly do. Beyond some specific children's sizes, one size in the horse collar pretty much fits all. You can pick up some version of this one at just about any discount sporting goods store. This PFD is so uncomfortable that most people are tempted to take it off. Once it's off, it's awkward to get back on so, in a crisis, it is effectively useless to you. If you plan on doing anything more than lily dipping around the local pond, skip this one and buy something you will wear.
Type III PFD. This is the PFD that you will most likely see on the river. It's designed to be comfortable while paddling or fishing. Type IIIs allow you to get a really close fit. One disadvantage is that, unlike Types I and II, the Type III PFD won't float you face-up automatically. It is the choice of most serious floaters because, when properly fitted, it will give you good buoyancy while still allowing you freedom to paddle comfortably.
Type IV PFD. These are the throw able devices. They encompass every-thing from life-saving rings to buoyant cushions, if your boat is a canoe or kayak or less than sixteen feet long, the law does not require you to carry these in the boat. It's not a bad idea to carry one in any event.
Type V PFD. These are inflatable devices, usually inflated by a CO2 cartridge.
Make sure you choose the PFD most suitable for your activity. If you are running rivers, some variation of the Type III will be your best choice.
PFDs for ChildrenAll too often, perfectly loving, caring parents outfit their kids with whatever happens to be handy in the way of PFDs. As illustrated by the previous example, the results of this approach can be disastrous. Of all the pieces of equipment in boating, your kid's PFD is not the place to scrimp. Get a good quality PFD that fits. If your child is under twelve, get one with leg loops that keep the jacket from riding up and get one that will keep your child face-up.
A properly designed PFD for an infant or small child will include a crotch strap, flotation collar, and a grab loop.
Getting the Proper Fit on Your PFD When buying PFDs, people tend to err towards a jacket that is loose fitting. Typically the rationale is comfort. "If it's too tight, it will chafe and pinch;' they'll say. Or "if it's too tight, I can't breathe." While both of these can be true, it is possible to get a snug-fitting, comfortable PFD.
Wearing a loose PFD can be fatal. A loose-fitting PFD may float you, but likely not high enough to keep your mouth and nose above water. As a result of wearing a loose-fitting PFD, you stand a good chance of drowning with most of your head above water-a unique, and altogether unpleasant, experience.
A loose-fitting PFD may be as bad as no PFD at all if it doesn't float you high enough to keep your nose and mouth above the water. It's simple to get a PFD that fits well. Here's how you do it:
1. Put on the PFD you want to buy, zip it up, buckle the belt, and pull the adjustment straps until they are snug (ideally, the PFD should have a range of adjustability so that you can get a snug, but comfortable fit over a range of clothing, from a T-shirt to a pile sweater to a parka or rain-coat). Try some paddling motions to make sure the PFD doesn't chafe or impair your range of motion.
2. You'll need another person for this part-kneel or sit, and with your arms raised over your head, ask a shop employee, friend, or significant other to lift the PFD by the shoulder straps as high as it will go. If the neck of the PFD goes up to your chin, it's too large. Try another one. If it completely pulls off your body, take that as a hint; try one a couple of sizes smaller or get a bigger body. Cardinal Rules on
PFDs
1. Wear your PFD.
2. Make sure your PFD fits.
3. Wear your PFD.
4. Don't sit on your PFD-take care of your PFD.
5. Wear your PFD, and in case you missed it:
6. Wear your PFD.
| Caring For Your PFD A few emphatic "don'ts" to ensure your PFD a long and happy life: 1. Don't use your PFD as a pillow, cushion, or lunchtime lounge chair. The flotation in virtually all modern PFDs is closed-cell foam, which compresses over time. The repeated crushing of your PFD will lessen its buoyancy. If you need something to sit on, buy a Crazy Creek chair. They are cheaper and way more comfortable. 2. Don't leave your PFD lying around for extended periods (days to weeks) in the sun, wind, rain, and other elements. While PFDs are supposed to get wet and will hold up to a great deal of punishment, the foam is susceptible to ultraviolet (UV) damage over time. UV damage will harden the foam and make it less buoyant. Likewise, the material covering the foam, usually some kind of nylon, will eventually rot. UV rays accelerate that process. Drying and storing your PFD out of the elements will extend its life considerably. 3. When packing your gear, don't put your PFD at the bottom of the pile and don't put heavy stuff on top of it. (Compression again. See #1 above.) EmergencyIn case of emergency, please contact any of the following agencies:Police Coast Guard : Tel No. 63775539 or 63775540 Maritime and Port Authority : Tel No. 63252488 and 63252489 of Singapore Marine VHF Hague Plan Channel 7 |
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