P.7
Drownings are the leading cause of fatalities involving recreational boating. A
PFD provides flotation to help keep your head above water, help you to stay
face up in the water, and increase your chances for survival and rescue. Most
adults only need an extra 7 to 12 pounds of flotation to keep their heads above
water. The proper size PFD will properly support the weight of the wearer.
Since this inflatable PFD does not have inherent buoyancy, it provides inflation
only when inflated. Familiarize yourself with the use of this PFD so you know
what to do in an emergency.
The U.S. Coast Guard recommends that you purchase two rearming
kits. One to be used immediately to test the inflation system and the
other to carry onboard as a spare.
Note: Since you should replace the water sensing element each year, the U.S.
Coast Guard recommends you test the automatic inflation system in-the-water
at the beginning of each season. By doing this, you demonstrate that the
automatic inflation system is still working properly and reduce the likelihood of
premature inflation and its associated dangers. The only check of the manual
inflation system (with CO2 cylinder and green indicator tab removed) would be
to determine that the lever arm and piercing pin move freely when moving the
lever several times down and up.
HOW AND WHY TO TEST YOUR PFD?
WHY ARE PFDs REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT?
Inflate your PFD and try it out in the water to:
Make sure it floats you:
- Comfortably (when worn properly)
- Adequately for expected wave conditions (Body shapes/
densities affect performance)
Make sure it works:
- A flow of bubbles should not appear (See “Visually Inspect and
Leak Test your PFD on page 8)
- It should inflate quickly and easily
Learn how it works by:
- Activating the CO2 inflation system
- Rearming the CO2 inflation system
- Using the Oral inflator tube
