Kids and Life Jackets

On our last call Kurt mentioned life jackets being "over-sized" being in violation and just as bad as not having a life jacket.  Thought I would do some research to understand why...

A couple comments from this "how to choose the right life jacket"
http://www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/Publications/howtochoosetherightlifejacket_brochure.pdf

One-half of all recreational boating fatalities happen in calm water.

Skydivers wear their parachutes...

Football players wear their helmets...

Drivers wear their seat belts...

Responsible boaters wear their life jackets!

I also founds so general rules about the requirements around kids.  The general rule is that anyone under 13 must be wearing a life jacket while the boat is underway.  This does vary by state so be sure to check your local rules.

Some other good tips are to make sure the life jacket fits well by trying it on in the store.  And for kids, take them swimming with their life jacket and have them practice what do do if they fall in.

The Correct Fit

Select a life jacket for the activity you will be participating in. Many large stores  sell life jackets, as well as marine retail stores. Follow these steps to ensure the life jacket you select fits properly:

• Put on the life jacket, ensuring all straps, zippers and ties are fastened firmly and correctly.
• Raise your arms over your head (reach for the sky).
• Have someone firmly lift the life jacket straight up by the shoulders.
• The life jacket must stay in place. If it rises above your nose or mouth, so will water! 

Test Your PFD

• Test your life jacket in the shallow end of a pool or shallow water to see how you float. Children should always be watched closely.
• Relax and let your head tilt slightly back.
• The life jacket must keep your chin above water.
• A life jacket that is too large may slip off and float away.

I never did find something to specifically list the risk of a life jacket too big, beyond it coming off.  In my mind the other risks is that is comes up over the childs face or that the PFD won't flip the child on their back.  If they don't weigh enough to make the flip happen, they could stay face down. 

Check your kids sizes before you go out!

Natalie in her < 30 lb and Audrey in here 30-50 lb at Bull Trout Lake:

Have fun!