How to Safely Wear and Use a Life Jacket

You might know how to swim, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need a life jacket when you get near the water.

Wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket is vital because accidents happen. For example, you could get tired, hurt or tangled up in an underwater object. Most dangerous incidents happen in calm waters and good weather, according to the Coast Guard.

During Scouting activities, you are required to wear a life jacket when you’re swimming in clear water more than 12 feet deep, in turbid water more than 8 feet deep or in flowing water. You must also wear a life jacket in a watercraft and while getting in and out of a watercraft.

You can learn more about life jackets in the following three safety videos.

LIFE JACKET SAFETY

Life jacket types: The best life jacket is the one you’re wearing. There are various types of life jackets, so make sure your life jacket is appropriate for the aquatic activity you’re doing. You should also check the label to make sure it is approved by the Coast Guard.

Proper fit: A snug fits is a proper fit. All straps, buckles and zippers must be secure.

Life jacket condition: Life jackets with tears, broken pieces or buoyancy loss should not be used.

When to wear a life jacket: Before you get in a boat, you should put on a life jacket. You should also wear a life jacket in clear water more than 12 feet deep, in murky water where you can’t see your feet when treading water or if you’re in flowing water.

HOW TO PROPERLY FIT A LIFE JACKET

How do you find a life jacket that fits correctly?

1. Read the label to select your size. A life jacket that is too big or too small for you is not safe.

2. Don the life jacket.

3. Fasten the restraints. Make sure all straps, buckles and zippers are secure. Adjust the straps until it’s tight but comfortable. If the life jacket slips a lot when you’re out of the water, it can slip even more when you’re in the water

4. Kneel down and lift your arms over your head to test its fit. Also have a buddy grab your life jacket at the shoulders or shoulder straps and try to tug it up over your head. If the life jacket can be pulled up over your ears, it’s too big. Tighten all straps and zippers. If it can still be pulled up over your ears, find a jacket in a smaller size.

In calm, shallow water, you can test the fit by relaxing and tilting your head back. Your chin should be well above water. If it isn’t, readjust for a snugger fit or try a life jacket with a higher buoyancy rating.

5. Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat policies govern all Scouting aquatics activities.

HOW TO READ AND UNDERSTAND THE NEW LIFE JACKET LABELS

Older life jackets are labeled as Type I, II, III, IV or V. Type I is for offshore activities when you might be in the water for a long time. Types II and III can be worn for most other boating activities.

That old system has been replaced, and new life jackets now come with a new type of label. There are four key parts to the new labels:

1. Buoyancy: Look for an icon on the label containing a number. The higher the number, the better you float.

2. Turning performance: This icon indicates whether the life jacket will autorotate you to a face-up position if you’re face down in the water and unable to move yourself.

3. Activities: These icons indicate which activities are suitable for this life jacket

4. U.S. Coast Guard Approved: This indicates that the life jacket has been tested repeatedly for in-water performance.

Remember to check your life jacket before you wear it. A life jacket with tears, broken pieces or buoyancy loss should be disposed of.