Choose life jackets for the whole family with care

The use of life jackets and personal floatation devices has become more popular among Finnish boaters in recent years. To a large extent, this is related to improved availability of more comfortable and convenient inflatable (automatic) life jackets.

However, there are a few things to consider when choosing and using them, perhaps the most important of which is the sizing of the life jackets.

In principle, similarly to floatation suits, life jackets are personal protective equipment. Because of this, they must be chosen according to the person’s size. For example, when buying life jackets for children, leaving room for growth is unreasonable, because too large a life jacket will not function as intended. Such a life jacket need not stay on when needed the most.

A life jacket must be tight against the body. However, it may not squeeze at any point, because when filling up, too small a life jacket restricts motions and is uncomfortable.

The life jacket must be adjusted according to the clothing worn. The waist belt must be set so that a fisted hand fits under it. However, the belt must not be too loose; otherwise, the life jacket tends to rise.

Crotch straps constitute an essential part of safe life jacket use. They should be kept fastened whenever the life jacket is worn. Besides, a strap hanging loose can be caught on something on board the boat.

It is important to choose the carrying capacity of the life jacket according to the user and the water body. Most often, the carrying capacity of personal floatation devices is 50 Newtons. The most common carrying capacity of children’s automatic life jackets is 100 Newtons, while the carrying capacity of adult life jackets is usually 150 Newtons. In case of particularly large users or open sea conditions, the carrying capacity of a life jacket can be even higher, for example, 170 Newtons or even 290 Newtons. Life jackets with such carrying capacity are usually intended for ocean conditions.

Life jackets and, above all, inflatable life jackets need to be taken care of. This spring, boating club inspectors have paid special attention to the maintenance of life jackets.

You can take care of inflatable life jacket maintenance yourself. However, if there is any uncertainty about own skills, contacting a service shop is a good idea. In general, all boat supply stores that sell life jackets also offer maintenance services.

When trusting in own skills, some things need to be remembered

First, a visual inspection of the life jacket, which needs to be opened for this. Are there any wear damages or tears in the life jacket and especially in the air chambers? Traces of wear will soon develop into holes. If there is a hole in the life jacket, it should not be repaired but a new life jacket purchased instead.

Once the life jacket is opened, inflate it with air and leave it so for a day. If the life jacket is deflated by the next day, there is a hole in it – this can be confirmed by inflating the life jacket again and submerging it in water. If the life jacket is not deflated, the air chamber is intact.

Next, unscrew the gas cartridge. Check its end for holes in the membrane. The cartridge can also be weighed. If the weight shown on the scale is the same as the number of grams stamped in the cartridge, the cartridge is full.

After this, check that the inflator is in order and ready for operation.

Finally, pack the life jacket according to the instructions and make sure there are no twists in the air chambers and straps, which in the worst case can wring the air chambers and prevent the life jacket from filling with air.

Enjoy safe boating!