Personal Watercraft LifeJacket Sizing and Availability
To ensure that the lifejacket fits properly, have the wearer put it on and adjust the straps as necessary to make it fit snugly (Step 1). A properly fitted lifejacket will not ride higher than the wearer’s ears or mouth. You should also test lifejackets in the water to ensure it can hold your weight and that you can swim comfortably (Steps 2-4). Lifejackets should be worn whenever the vessel is in operation. However, if not worn they must be readily accessible. Readily accessible means easily located and retrieved without searching, delay or hindrance and free of wrapping or packaging.Never use your lifejacket as a cushion for kneeling or sitting on, or acting as a fender. • Regularly check lifejackets for buoyancy: with your lifejacket on, wade into the water to waist height, bend your knees, roll onto your back, and see how well you float. • Regularly check the CO2 cartridge on inflatable style lifejackets.
Clean with a mild soap and running water. • Never dry your lifejacket close to a direct heat source, clean it with strong detergents, or dry clean it. Make sure your lifejackets are in good shape before you go boating. Regularly check for rips and tears. In particular, check straps and hardware before you leave the dock. Lifejackets with rips, tears, or other damage will NOT meet Coast Guard standards, and you could be fined. • Air-dry lifejackets in a well ventilated space out of sunlight.
