A Personal Flotation Device, commonly known as a life jacket, functions as safety equipment designed to increase a person’s buoyancy in the water. For this device to work effectively, keeping the user’s head above the surface and their airway clear, it must be worn correctly. Improper use can severely reduce its ability to provide adequate support. Understanding how to properly put on a life jacket significantly improves safety during any water activity.
Selecting the Correct Fit
The first step in proper life jacket use is selecting a model that matches the user’s size specifications. For adults, sizing is determined by chest circumference, not body weight; users should measure the broadest part of their chest to compare against the manufacturer’s recommendations. Flotation devices for children are sized strictly by weight, typically falling into categories like Infant (8–30 pounds), Child (30–50 pounds), and Youth (50–90 pounds). Selecting a jacket that is too large for a child is hazardous, as they risk slipping out of the device completely once they are in the water. All jackets must be checked for a current certification label, ensuring they meet regulatory standards.
The most common choice for recreational boating is the Type III PFD, which is designed for continuous wear and offers comfort and mobility. Before putting the jacket on, loosen all adjustable straps to their maximum length. This practice ensures a proper initial fit and allows for the full range of tightening adjustments. The individual should also confirm the jacket is not damaged, checking for rips, tears, or broken buckles that could compromise its integrity.
Step-by-Step Donning Procedure
With the straps fully loosened, the wearer should slide their arms through the armholes, like putting on a vest. The side of the life jacket containing the manufacturer’s label should rest against the user’s body. Next, secure the main entry point, usually by zipping the front closure completely. If the jacket uses buckles or clips for the primary closure instead of a zipper, these should be securely fastened.
After securing the main entry, any secondary waist or torso clips should be snapped together before proceeding to the tightening stage. For children’s life jackets and some adult models, a crotch strap or leg loop is included. If these straps are present, they must be fastened beneath the torso. This safety feature anchors the jacket low on the body, preventing it from riding up and obstructing the user’s airway should they end up submerged.
Ensuring a Secure and Snug Fit
Once the life jacket is fully on and all clips and zippers are fastened, the adjustment process begins with the lowest straps first. The wearer should pull the straps on the lower torso or waist to cinch the jacket firmly around the body. Working systematically from the bottom straps upward, the user should tighten the adjustment webbing on the sides and chest evenly. This bottom-up tightening technique establishes the jacket’s anchor point, minimizing the potential for the device to ride up once the wearer is in the water.
The final step in the adjustment sequence is to tighten the shoulder straps, which should remove any remaining slack and position the buoyant material high on the chest. The goal is a fit that is “comfortably snug,” meaning the jacket does not shift excessively with movement but does not restrict breathing or circulation. To verify the fit, a “tug test” should be performed by having a helper grasp the shoulders of the jacket and gently pull upward. If the life jacket moves up past the wearer’s nose or ears, the fit is too loose and requires further tightening or a smaller size.