A life vest also known as a life jacket, is a sleeveless jacket whose design makes it inflatable and buoyant in water. Life vests are important because they prevent people from drowning.
We are all usually tempted to go travel on a boat without life vests since it would be more fun. However, that vest will be your best chance of survival in case the boat capsizes. There are varying types of life vests available in the market. These differ in colors, sizes and shapes. Here are tips on life vests that will help you guarantee life safety in water.
1. Get a fitting life vest.
Do not go on boat rides without confirming if your life vest fits. Ensure the life vest you get has features suitable to you. Vests usually have a manufacture’s label showing the size and weight of the person meant to wear them. If the vest is too big it will cover your face fully suffocating you. If it is too small it will not have the capacity to support you, you might as well drown. Before traveling into the water, try on the life vest. Make sure it is fastened properly and that there is no excess room above the openings in the vest. Children should not be allowed to wear adult life vests.
2. Test the life vest.
It is best to test the life vest in shallow waters. This is to see if it will keep your head safely above water. Also try and see if it allows you to breathe and freely move your arms. It should not go above your chin or face. Ensure when testing the life vest, you are being supervised just in case an accident happens. Check if the it is in good condition. Look out for tears, broken buckles and fasteners. In case you find rips, replace the vest. If the vest is for a child check for the special safety features such as large collar and loop grab.
3. Get a good type of life vest.
Since there are many life vests available in stores, there is high probability some do not meet safety standards. A good life vest is one that can turn an unconscious wearer to face up to facilitate breathing. It should also be good for non-swimmers, is not bulky, needs little maintenance and has great flotation. Get a bright colored vest for visibility in water.
These three tips will come in handy in case of a boating accident and will help save lives.
