Kids Water Safety: Life Jackets

Spring is here and soon it will be time to head to your local lake or river to go fishing and/or boating. You probably already have your fishing poles and tackle ready to go...but have you checked your family's life jackets yet? Before you head out the doorwith your children this spring check their life jacket! To work properly life jackets must fit properly. Children grow fast so their life jacket from last year may not fit properly this year.  All children 12 & under are required by law to wear a life jacket while boating.

When picking out a life jacket for a child make sure to pick a life jacket that is made for children and meets the proper weight requirements for that child. Always have children try on a life jacket before purchasing it to make sure it fits properly. With the life jacket properly fastened have them hold their hands up over their heads and then pull up on the tops of the arm openings of their life jacket. If the life jacket rides up over their face or chin it is too big. Try the next smaller size or a different brand or fit. DO NOT buy a too big jacket with the hopes that your child will grow into it. Always make sure the life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard-approved.

Small children should have life jackets with a head support, handle, and leg straps. This supports their head in the water and will, in most situations, float them face up. The handle (usually on the head support) makes it easier for adults to grab small child if they are floating in the water. The leg straps help prevent the life jacket from riding up over their head. Infants under six months of age and under sixteen pounds are usually too small for even the smallest rated life jackets. Consider waiting until they are older before you take them out on the water.

Older children do not need head support and leg straps (though some life jackets for older children do come with leg straps). Again, proper fit is the key for safety. Make sure older children and teenagers always wear their life jackets on or around water. Life jackets should be comfortable as well because children may be wearing them for lengths of time. Many teenagers do not like how life jackets look. However, there are many styles that are sleek and “cool” enough looking to satisfy their tastes.

Once you have properly fitted and purchased a life jacket for your child take them into the water and show them how to float in it. When children fall into the water they often panic. Teaching children what to do if they fall into the water and making sure they know how to float is very important. It is important for them to learn that the life jacket will float them as well.  Always make sure that your child’s life jacket is properly secured before going on or in the water.

Remember: A life jacket does not take the place of adult supervision. Never leave children unattended on a boat or around water. It takes only moments for a tragedy to happen.

IDNR: Boating and Lifejackets

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UV1IC-sYAag

MDNR: Selecting a life vest for your child

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/pfd_selecting.html

 

Life jackets must fit you properly to float you properly!