How To Choose an Appropriate Life Jacket
How To Choose an Appropriate Life Jacket — Not all life jackets are created equal. There are a few things that you need to keep in mind when purchasing and using this important piece of equipment: ¦Make sure the life jacket is U. S. Coast Guard approved. If it is not approved, DO NOT BUY IT! It is not considered a valid life jacket and may not work as you would expect it to when needed. ¦Make sure the life jacket fits the intended wearer. The easiest way to check to see if it fits is to do up the jacket and tighten the straps. Have someone pull up on the shoulders of the jacket. If the jacket pops up to you ears, it is too large and will more than likely come off when you enter the water. ¦Make sure the jacket is in good condition. If your life jacket has any rips, tears, missing buckles, etc., it is time to purchase a new jacket! ¦Make sure the life jacket will work for the intended activity. Inflatable life jackets cannot be worn during activities when there is even the slightest chance you will knock unconscious, such as water skiing or riding a PWC. Also, you must also be at least 16 to wear an inflatable life jacket.
