Lisa - Water & Boating

Why Life Jackets Should Be Mandatory? Hi, everyone! I'm here to talk about a very important topic: why life jackets should be mandatory. I know, I know, it might not seem like the most exciting thing in the world. But trust me, it's important! Think about it: if everyone was required to wear a life jacket, it would save lives. It's as simple as that. So next time you're out on the water, make sure you're wearing a life jacket! Visit Our Website Drowning is a leading cause of death worldwide Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and many of these drownings could be prevented if more people wore life jackets. In fact, the U.S. Coast Guard reports that 70% of boating deaths happen to people who weren't wearing a life jacket. There are many reasons why people don't wear life jackets, even though they're required by law in some states. Some people think they're too hot or uncomfortable, while others believe they're only necessary for weak swimmers. But the truth is that anyone can benefit from wearing a life jacket, regardless of their swimming ability. Life jackets are designed to keep your head above water, even if you're unconscious. They're also very comfortable and come in a variety of styles to suit any activity or weather conditions. There's no excuse not to wear one! If you're still not convinced, consider this: in 2017, there were 658 fatalities from drowning in the United States. Of those, 486 (74%) were not wearing a life jacket . Don't become a statistic – make sure you and your family always wear life jackets when out on the water. The benefits of wearing a life jacket: staying safe and afloat Life jackets are one of the most important pieces of safety equipment that a person can wear while out on the water. Wearing a life jacket can help keep you safe and afloat in the event of an accident or capsizing. Here are some of the benefits of wearing a life jacket: • Wearing a life jacket can help keep you safe in the event of an accident or capsizing. • Life jackets provide flotation and support, helping to keep your head above water. • Wearing a life jacket can help prevent hypothermia by keeping your body temperature regulated. • Life jackets can provide extra buoyancy in the event that you need to swim for help. • Wearing a life jacket is law in some states, so it’s important to be aware of the regulations in your area. Make sure your life jacket fits properly size, fit, and type There are many different types and sizes of life jackets, and it’s important to choose the right one for you. Life jackets come in adult and child sizes, and they should be fitted to the wearer for comfort and safety. There are three main types of life jackets: offshore life jackets, near-shore buoyancy vests, and inflatable life jackets. Offshore life jackets are the most durable and provide the most protection, while near-shore buoyancy vests are less bulky and more comfortable to wear. Inflatable life jackets are compact and easy to store, but they require regular maintenance. Size is the most important factor to consider when choosing a life jacket. Adult life jackets come in sizes from small to extra-large, and they should be snug but not too tight. Child life jackets also come in a variety of sizes, from infants to adults. It’s important to choose alife jacket that fits well and is comfortable to wear. Type is another important factor to consider when choosing a life jacket. Offshore life jackets are designed for rough waters and provide the most protection, while near-shore buoyancy vests are less bulky and more comfortable to wear. Inflatable life jackets are compact and easy to store, but they require regular maintenance. Fit is also an important factor to consider when choosing a life jacket. Life jackets should be snug but not too tight, and they should be comfortable to wear. Childlife jackets should be snug but not too tight, and they should allow for free movement of the arms and legs. Tips for wearing a life jacket correctly: staying comfortable and safe Most people don’t wear their life jackets correctly. In fact, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, about 85% of people who drown while wearing a life jacket were not wearing it correctly. That’s a sobering statistic, and it underscores the importance of learning how to wear a life jacket properly. Wearing a life jacket is not complicated, but there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure that you are comfortable and safe: -Loosen all straps before putting on the life jacket. You want it to be snug but not too tight, and you should be able to breathe easily.-Tighten the straps once the life jacket is in place. Cross the straps in the back and secure them with the buckle in the front. Check life jacket is not too loose by doing the “raise your arms” test: raise your arms over your head. If the life jacket rides up, it’s too loose and you need to adjust it.-Inflate the lifejacket if it is an inflatable model. This will give you additional buoyancy and make it easier to float.Life jacket maintenance: keeping your jacket in good conditionWearing a life jacket is no guarantee of safety, but it significantly increases the chances of surviving if you end up in the water. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your jacket is well-maintained and in good condition. Here are some tips for life jacket maintenance: Inspect your life jacket regularly, at least once a month. Check for rips, tears, or other damage. If you notice any damage, repair or replace the life jacket as soon as possible. Make sure all the straps on your life jacket are secure and in good condition. If you have a inflatable life jacket, check that the CO2 cartridge is in date and not damaged. Clean your life jacket with fresh water and mild soap after each use. Hang it up to dry in a cool, shady place.What to do if you get caught in a rip current: stay calm and floatIf you get caught in a rip current, the best thing to do is stay calm and float. Rip currents are powerful, but they are not usually very wide, so if you can stay calm and swim parallel to the shore, you will eventually be able to swim out of the rip current and back to safety.How to help someone who is drowning: reach, throw, row, or go If someone is close to you and appears to be drowning, you can likely reach out and touch them. If you are able to touch them, extend your arm and let them grab hold of you. Then, pull them toward you while keeping your head above water. If the person is not close enough to reach, look for something that they can grab onto that will help you pull them in—a rope, a piece of clothing, or even a stick. Once they have a hold of the object, pull them toward you while keeping your head above water. If there is nothing available to throw or extend to the person, and the person is unable to swim to you, lie on your back in the water and kick your legs to move toward them. Reach out with one arm and hook it around their armpit. Tuck their chin into the crook of your elbow and keep their head above water as you both kick your legs to move toward shore. If there is a boat or other flotation device nearby, get to it and then row or paddle over to the drowning person. Bring the flotation device close enough for them to grab onto, and then tow them back to shore. Swimming safety tips for kids: never swim alone and use life jackets It’s vitally important that children learn to swim safely, and that starts with never swimming alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2017, about one in five people who drowned in the United States were children 14 and younger. And for every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries. In addition to always swimming with a buddy, the CDC recommends wearing life jackets when swimming in natural bodies of water such as lakes and rivers. Life jackets can help prevent drownings by keeping swimmers afloat if they get too tired to swim or if they get pulled into the water by a current. There are many different types of life jackets available, so it’s important to choose one that fits properly. The U.S. Coast Guard has a helpful guide on how to choose a life jacket. Following these simple safety tips can help make sure that your child has a fun and safe summer filled with memories – not accidents. Pool safety tips: knowing the dangers and how to stay safe Most people think that pools are only dangerous for small children, but that’s not true. Adults can get into trouble in the water, too. That’s why it’s important to know the dangers and how to stay safe. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4, and it’s the second leading cause of death for children ages 5-9. But it’s not just young children who are at risk. Drowning is also the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury death for adults ages 65 and older. There are many ways to stay safe in and around pools, but one of the most important is to wear a life jacket. Life jackets can save lives by keeping people afloat if they fall into the water. They also provide a measure of protection against other dangers, such as hypothermia. Wearing a life jacket is especially important for children and non-swimmers, but even strong swimmers can benefit from having one on in certain situations. For example, life jackets can provide extra buoyancy when swimming in rough water or when fatigue sets in. There are many different types of life jackets available, so it’s important to choose one that fits well and is comfortable to wear. It should also be appropriate for the activity you’re engaging in. For example, there are life jackets designed specifically for boating or jet skiing. Pool safety tips: knowing the dangers and how to stay safe Watch this funny video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GukIoZ8d3Ew Beach safety tips: rip currents, jellyfish, and more Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that flow away from shore. They typically form along the surf zone, where waves are breaking. Rip currents can move at speeds of up to 8 feet per second—faster than an Olympic swimmer. Jellyfish are common in coastal waters around the world. Some jellyfish sting if they come into contact with skin, while others can sting if they are eaten. Contact with a jellyfish can cause redness, swelling, and pain. In some cases, it can also lead to an allergic reaction or difficulty breathing. Most jellyfish stings can be treated at home with over-the-counter pain relievers and antihistamines. However, some stings can be more serious and require immediate medical attention. Some beaches have lifeguards on duty during the summer months. However, not all beaches do. If you are swimming at a beach without a lifeguard, make sure to stay close to shore and within your depth. Wearing a life jacket can help prevent drowning if you get caught in a rip current or other dangerous situation.