Lifejacket reminders issued

Boaties are being reminded that lifejackets only work if they are properly maintained and fit the people wearing them.

Inflatable lifejackets have taken the market by storm because they're lightweight, easy to wear and able to fit a variety of people – but they also require regular servicing.


People with children on board are reminded to make sure all lifejackets fit properly.

'Inflatable jackets are not the same as other buoyancy aids,” says Waikato Regional Council maritime services manager Nicole Botherway.

'People can't guarantee they will work when needed unless they do maintenance and regular checks.

'Checking the canister isn't corroded, hasn't been used, and is properly screwed is essential. Other checks include looking for signs of wear on the jacket, and inflating the bladder overnight to make sure there aren't any holes.”

Information on servicing is available at: www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/lifejacket

They also have to fit, and skippers are reminded to ensure children among their passengers are wearing correctly fitting lifejackets.

Recent research indicates about a third of children wear lifejackets that are 'substantially” too big.

'If lifejackets are too big there's a real risk that kids will fall straight out of them once they hit the water,” adds Nicole.

'Last summer we saw way too many kids in lifejackets that were too large. A lifejacket needs to fit comfortably snug.

'A lifejacket that is well fitted will feel like a good handshake - firm but not too tight.”

Regional council harbourmasters around the Coromandel will be keeping a particular eye out for any cases where children's lifejackets appear to be a poor fit.

Parents need to make sure that they, or anyone else taking their kids out, have the right gear for them.

'Drowning is a horrible way to die,” says Nicole. 'Ensuring your children are wearing a correctly fitting lifejacket will put them in the best situation if they do end up in the water.

'Too many parents are getting lifejackets thinking their kids will grow into them but a lifejacket needs to be ready to help them now.

'This is safest for your child, and a legal requirement. Lifejackets must be an appropriate size to securely fit a person.”

Tips for checking whether a lifejacket is appropriate for a person are available at: www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/makeitfit.

Check the weight guidelines for the lifejacket.

A maximum of three fingers should be able to be put under where the lifejacket contacts the shoulder.

Test lifejackets in shallow water.

Use of a crotch strap can help ensure lifejackets stay on children.

In Coromandel waters, people in vessels six metres or less must wear lifejackets at all times.

In bigger vessels, the right lifejackets for those on board must be carried and worn in situations of high risk.

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1 comment

Practise manual inflation

Posted on 17-12-2014 12:46 | By water rat

There's potential for trouble with a lot of these inflatable jackets as they age, and are not checked. it's worth re-acquainting yourself with the manual blow tube on a regular basis, in case the co2 bottle lets you down at a critical moment.


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