Tips For Safe Boating

     People who hunt and fish from boats have one of the highest boat fatality rates.  More die from falling off of boats 16 feet and smaller than larger boats, and most boats are anchored at the time.

     The National Safe Boating Council theme for 1996 is "Life Jackets: They Float, You Don't".  This theme emphasizes the predicament many boaters find themselves in when unexpected things happen.

     Wear  a Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) that fits well.  Make sure it is the proper type and approved for your specific usage.  Actually put it on, adjust it and test it in the water, so you will know how it will feel when needed.  Do the same for all family members - especially children.  Knowing what to expect in the water can prevent panic.  Non-swimmers should wear a PFD on any small boat.  Never leave PFDs sealed in plastic wrapping.  They must be ready to put on fast.

     Whenever water conditions or weather cause concern, have everyone aboard immediately put on a PFD.  If you fall in the water, stay with the boat.

     There are five different types of PFDs from which you can choose.

     A Type I PFD (Off-Shore Life Jacket) provides the most buoyancy.  It is effective for all waters, especially open, rough, or remote, where rescue may be delayed.  It is designed to turn most unconscious wearers in the water to a face-up position.  The Type I comes in two sizes.

     A Type II PFD (Near-Shore Buoyant Vest) is intended for calm, inland water or where there is a good chance of quick rescue.  This type will turn some unconscious wearers to a face-up position in the water. The turning action is not as pronounced, and it will not turn as many persons to a face-up position under the same conditions as a Type I.

     A Type III PFD (Flotation Aid) is good for calm, inland water, or where there is a good chance of quick rescue.  It is designed so wearers can place themselves in a face-up position in the water.  The wearer may have to tilt their head back to avoid turning face-down in the water, which can contribute to exhaustion and hypothermia.  The Type III has the same minimum buoyancy as a Type II PFD.  It comes in many styles, colors, and sizes and is generally the most comfortable type for continuous wear.  Float coats, fishing vests, and vests designed with features suitable for various sports activities are examples of this type of PFD.

     A Type IV PFD (Throwable Device) is intended for calm, inland water with heavy boat traffic, where help is always present.  It is designed to be thrown to a person in the water and grasped and held by the user until rescued.  It is not designed to be worn.  Type IV devices include buoyant cushions, ring buoys, and horseshoe buoys.

     A Type V PFD (Special Use Device) is intended for specific activities and may be carried instead of another only if used according to the approval condition on the label.  Some Type V devices provide significant hypothermia protection.  Varieties include deck suits, work vests, board sailing vests, and Hybrid PFDs.

     A Type V Hybrid inflatable PFD is the least bulky of all PFD types.  It contains a small amount of inherent buoyancy and an inflatable chamber.  Its performance is equal to a Type I, II, or III PFD (as noted on the PFD label) when inflated.  Hybrid PFDs must be worn when underway to be acceptable.

Remember, "Life Jackets:  They Float, You Don't".

Excerpted by Mary Goetteman from "Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational Boats", produced by the U.S. Coast Guard Boating Education Branch.

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