Coast Guard statistics highlight the need to wear a life jacket. During 2008, over two-thirds of boating related deaths were caused by drowning and among these fatalities, ninety percent didn’t wear a life jacket. Officials believe that the lives of more than 400 boaters could be saved every year by just wearing a life jacket.
Inflatable life jackets are a viable option for many boaters and those that work near the water. They aren’t meant for use in all applications. The National Safe Boating Council has made a number of suggestions on how to best utilize these life saving devices.
So why don’t people wear life jackets? Excuses among boaters vary, but one of the most common complaints about wearing a life jacket is that they are heavy and uncomfortable. Inflatable life jackets are an answer to this problem.
What is an Inflatable Life Jacket?
Conventional life jackets are inherently buoyant, they are made of materials that naturally want to float. Inflatable life jackets use air compartments that provide buoyancy while they are inflated. This difference in design makes inflatable life jackets less bulky and easier to wear, especially in hot weather. They provide good buoyancy and are quite effective when used correctly.
The National Safe Boating Council points out that inflatable life jackets have some important use characteristics that need to be considered:
- Inflatable life jackets are not meant for use by non-swimmers. In a panic, they may forget how to activate the life jacket.
- They shouldn’t be used in active water sports like skiing or tubing. Inflatable life jackets are not approved for whitewater activities.
- Owners must inspect and maintain these devices to keep them effective.
- Inflatable life jackets only come in adult sizes, they aren’t for use by children. They approved for use by those 16 years of age and older.
- Depending on the life jacket design, it may need to be worn to comply with safety regulations.
Styles of Inflatable Life Jackets
Inflatable life jackets either automatically inflate or need to be manually deployed. Most devices use a carbon dioxide gas cylinder for inflation. Inflatable life jackets come with a backup oral inflation tube that can be used to deflate the life jacket after use. Styles of inflatables include:
- Stole – Worn over the shoulders, this design provides for free movement and look like a pair of suspenders
- Belt Pack – Worn around the waist, much like a fanny pack. They require the user to don the life jacket after entering the water, what can be a difficult proposition
- Vest – Inflating mechanisms can be incorporated into a vest with a number of pockets. An example could be a fishing or work vest
Inflatable life jackets are attractive option for boaters. When traveling with an inflatable jacket, be sure to check airline polices before making the trip to the airport. Federal regulations don’t prohibit carriage of these devices on commercial aircraft, but air carriers do vary in what they will allow. Technology has greatly improved life jacket design and effectiveness. Regardless of the design, the very best life jacket is the one that is worn.
Alan Sorum - Alan Sorum is the Maritime Operations Project Manager for the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (PWSRCAC). Alan is ...
