Life jackets save people’s lives! If a boater wears one, their chances of surviving falling overboard increase considerably. The same is true for passengers, which is why a boater must ensure that everyone on their boat, including themselves, is wearing a life jacket. Don’t just save a life jacket for a “what-if” scenario; always wear one while boating.
For about an inch of the body of water, toddlers can drown, and youngsters aged one to four are rated the most vulnerable. It is necessary that kids have life jackets on for safety. According to the Royal Life Saving Society Australia National Drowning Report 2021, a total of 968 drowning incidents occurred in Australia, out of which 65 per cent of death occurred during recreational activities like swimming, watercraft, diving, boating, rock fishing, etc. 93 per cent of children aged 5-14 years drowning deaths were during recreational activities or by falling & jumping. One of the main reasons for drowning deaths was that they didn’t wear lifejackets. To prevent children from these mishappenings, make sure your kid wears a life jacket during water-related activities.
These safety tips can save children’s life:
- Check to see if the life jacket complies with safety regulations.
PFDs and life jackets are wrapped around the waist in the same method, but life jackets have unique features that turn a wearer from facing down to facing up in the water surface, even if unconscious; PFDs lack this feature. Swimming toys like noodles, inflatable rings, and water wings are not considered water safety gear. Therefore, they should not replace life jackets.
- Select a size depending on your child’s current body weight.
Do not buy a more oversized buoyancy aid for your children to grow into; instead, ensure that your youngster has a suitable size for the life jacket that you purchase. It should be close-fitting but not quite so skin-tight that it prevents you from unzipping it up or fastening the buckles. Kids’ life jackets must not be lifted above their ears or head.
- Choose brighter colours
The brighter the colour, the safer the life jacket is. Vibrant colours can guarantee that your child is seen in or from anywhere in the water.
- Have all of the necessary features.
These are the recommended features for choosing the right life jacket for your child.
- A broad collar to keep your child’s head safe.
- The collar incorporates a circular grabbing strap for a secure grasp.
- Plastic zippers and buckles tied around the waist with tight-fitting straps. Elastic in front and back should be strapped around the child’s core, as it tightens between the kid’s legs to keep the jacket in position.
- Reflective tape and a whistle in case of emergency are recommended.
- Give it a shot
Inspect the flotation device for durability, such as damaged latches, locks, harnesses, or zippers, every time you zip your child into it and make sure everything is in working order. If you discover rips in the life jacket, replace it immediately.
Swimming or other water activities will not keep you or your child from drowning. Not wearing a life jacket can even get the best swimmers into difficulties if they are suddenly submerged in cold water or are knocked unconscious and drowned. Therefore, children should be provided with utmost safety. It is crucial for your child to wear a floatation device to prevent drowning.