How Life Jackets Prevent You From Drowning
Are you eagerly waiting for a fun-filled summer? You should keep in mind that water safety is the key to enjoying water sports to the fullest. Wearing a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD) can save your life, regardless of whether you are in a kayak or a motor boat. No matter if you’re a professional swimmer or are swimming in shallow water, some beaches won’t allow you to go in the water without a life jacket.
REASONS TO WEAR A LIFE JACKET
90% of drowning accidents in boats can be avoided by wearing a lifejacket or PFD. If you have ever been forcefully tossed off a boat or jet ski, you run the risk of taking a heavy impact in the water. The most-loved feature of life jackets is that the majority of them turn you around so you face the sky rather than the water, keeping you afloat and allowing you to breathe properly.
Wearing safety gear minimizes the impact your muscles feel when you first fall into the water, which can help avoid the uncomfortable condition known as hypothermia. When you’re wearing a PFD or a jacket, it also slows down body heat loss using the Heat Escape Lessening Position (HELP) if you are by yourself.
Most people assume that you should only wear a life jacket during swimming, which is completely wrong. You should wear it when working closer to water, working on a small boat or other vessels, and during every type of water activity like jet skiing, parasailing, and much more.
HOW TO WEAR A LIFE JACKET FOR OPTIMAL PROTECTION
Get the right size
For maximum safety, pick a life jacket that fits you snugly and matches your size and weight. You can refer to the manufacturer’s size chart to choose the perfect size. Even though finding one that fits you properly requires some effort, nothing is more important than your safety. An ideal fit should be tight without limiting your movements. While you shouldn’t be able to slide your arms through arm openings, you should still be able to breathe normally and move your arms without restriction.
Assess your life jacket’s condition
Before putting on safety gear, you should always check for cracks, rips, and other signs of wear. Also, make sure you close the straps or clasps firmly and check for any additional safety features, like a whistle, on your life jacket. Before heading out into deeper water, it’s a smart practice to test the stability of your life jacket by diving into shallow water.
Put on warm clothing
You can avoid hypothermia by wearing warm clothing underneath the safety jacket. It’s important to keep in mind that hypothermia can develop even in higher temperatures. One of the greatest options for retaining body heat is a wetsuit, which might be overly bulky and constrictive for some people but it offers optimal protection. In a warm environment, bathing suit bottoms with a rash guard are a better option. Simply ensure that you wear the life jacket over a protective layer to protect your skin from water damage.
Try the team approach
While it is preferable to go out in a group, if it’s not possible, you should at least follow the team approach. It’s much easier for a lifeguard to identify a group of people for quick help when needed as compared to an individual swimming alone.
THE VERDICT
It’s no secret that a life jacket is an essential piece of gear for keeping you safe in the water, but you shouldn’t actually rely on it as your primary protective barrier. While wearing a life jacket might assist you to avoid drowning, accidents are always possible, so always be extra careful.