Water Safety and the Benefit of Using a PFD

By Robert Cliford


The United States Coast Guard has the responsibility of approving any pfd, short for personal flotation device, used within the country. Authorized search and rescue agencies typically test the performance of new safety equipment. The equipment comes in different sizes and shapes. Sports sections carry them for one specific reason. When it is worn, it becomes a protective barrier between a person and the surface of the water. In the event a person is washed overboard, the vest makes the victim more visible to rescue workers.

Water safety is encouraged around the world and even films portray the display of sailors wearing bulky bright orange lifejackets secured firmly in place. The typical lifejacket drill that takes place on cruise ships features that type of device. Even though straps take in the looseness, an initial good fit is necessary. The lifejackets are stored at different stations across the ship. If your station is missing a vest for your child, ask the team leader to place one in the locker. Even if you have been on a cruise a dozen times, the equipment changes from ship to ship. People wearing orange are easier to see whether they are standing on the deck or swimming in the water.

Safety devices in a swimming pool include cute arm floats of various colors and patterns that are designed for children under forty pounds. Helping the child float along the water while keeping the face above the water instills confidence in the buoyancy of the floats. Children learn proper swimming posture for the crawl without interference from buoyant apparel. Help the child fix the straps so the device is securely fastened. Keep an eye on your child at all times. Keep tabs on your child by adding floats decorated with highly visible large red flowers and orange blossoms.

One type of inflatable pfd has hooks and safety lines attached to the ship, keeping the wearer from falling from the deck during a storm. Those on board wearing foul weather gear are minimally inconvenienced when wearing an inflatable device. That means they will most likely wear it and will have it on if it is needed. Whether someone decides to take a swim in the lake or ocean, or circumstances place them there, the conditions differ greatly from swimming in a pool. Even if a person is an excellent swimmer, making headway in an angry sea is a challenge that taxes the strongest individuals.

The wearer can blow air into the PFD if auto-inflation fails. There is approximately twelve additional pounds of buoyancy than that of an adult non-inflatable lifejacket, making it easy to see its value. It is designed to turn unconscious wearers onto their back and hold conscious wearers higher in the water, making it easier to breathe.

Avoid using mildewed devices, as they are unsafe and unreliable. In the unlikely event you fall into the water, knowing you are wearing proper flotation apparel to survive will help you remain calm. It lets you conserve strength while you use its floating ability. Some are designed with a light, which indicates your position to rescue teams. To be effective, it must fit properly and be in good condition. It could save your life.




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