PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES (PFD's)

What is PFD? A Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is the cheapest form in insurance you can buy. It's a jacket, a vest, a cushion, or a ring buoy, that will serve as a lifesaving aid.

Most boating accidents involve calls overboard, capsizing or sinking. A properly fitted and correctly used PFD can save your life. Recent statistics reveal that over 80 percent of boating related deaths result from drowning. These boaters probably would have lived had they been wearing a PFD.

Children, the elderly and non-swimmers should always wear their life jackets while the boat is underway. In rough water it's recommended that all persons wear they PFD's. Persons water skiing should always wear PFD's.

When boating in cold water, PFD's should be worn AT ALL TIMES. Cold water can numb the extremities and limit reflexes almost immediately. Should you be plunged into cold water, you may not have the opportunity of the ability to put on a PFD.

Each passenger on board should know where the PFD's are located and should be sure their wearable device fits properly. It's a good idea to hold a practice emergency drill on the proper use of PFD's at least once a year. Practice swimming and floating while wearing a PFD. Try putting one on while in the water.

Families should mark each person's device with their name and stow it with the name facing up in an accessible, well-ventilated area out of the sun. Children's PFD's should be checked periodically for proper fit.

Remember that a PFD is considered an aid: it should not be considered a substitute for good swimming ability.