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Coast Guard Says, "Help Your Kids Float With A `PFD'"
Thursday, July 08, 2010
COAST GUARD SAYS, "HELP YOUR KIDS FLOAT WITH A `PFD'"
This past July 4th weekend, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary personnel noticed children without life jackets "bow riding" while their families' vessels were underway. For these reasons, the U.S. Coast Guard and Auxiliary urge adults to follow regulations concerning life jackets.
All vessels must be equipped with U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)–approved life jackets, called personal flotation devices (PFDs). The quantity and type depend on the length of your vessel and the number of people on board and/or being towed. Each PFD must be in good condition, be based on the proper chest size and body weight for the intended wearer, and at the very least, be readily accessible! Readily accessible means you must be able to put the PFD on in a reasonable amount of time in an emergency (such as a vessel sinking or being on fire). PFDs should not be stowed in plastic bags or in locked or closed compartments, and they should not have other gear stowed on top of them.
An emergency situation (rough water, rapid onset of bad weather, or dangerous boating traffic) can occur suddenly — leaving little or no time to put on life jackets. Life jackets are very difficult to put on once you are in the water. Be a smart boater, and have everyone on board your vessel wear their life jackets at all times!
Additional PFD Requirements
Besides the above regulations, vessels 16 feet in length or longer must have one USCG–approved Type IV "Life Ring" PFD on board and immediately available (within arm’s reach). Kayaks and canoes are not required to carry a Type IV; however, they are a good idea for all vessels.
Children 12 years old and younger must wear a USCG–approved PFD at all times while underway on any vessel 20 feet or less in length and on all kayaks and canoes.
Each person on board a Personal Water Craft or sailboard, and anyone being towed behind a vessel, must wear a USCG–approved PFD. Inflatable PFDs are not approved for these activities.
When on Pittsburgh District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes, each person on board a vessel under 16 feet in length, or in a canoe or kayak, must wear a USCG–approved PFD.
For more information on boating safety, visit www.cgaux.org.
Submitted by:
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
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