Human life is accorded the utmost importance when dealing with any form of disaster at sea, and life-saving equipment plays a significant part in saving lives. A ship’s crew must be familiar with all of its life-saving equipment, including operating and maintaining it in various emergency scenarios. Life jackets, or life vests, are life-saving devices utilised in various situations.
What is the purpose of a life vest?
The purpose of a life jacket is to keep the wearer’s body buoyant in water using a buoyant or inflated jacket. Life jackets come in various types depending on the situation, such as:
Type 1: Nothing beats this jacket in terms of swaying in the wind. When face-down in the water, most people will be flipped and pushed somewhat backward by this gadget. With this jacket, a person may remain in that posture for a considerable time. It’s designed for usage in large bodies of water, including lakes, rivers, and seas. A one-size-fits-all for adults above 90 pounds and children under 90 pounds are the only two sizes available.
Type 2. Compared to the Type 1 jacket, this one can help a wearer float upright and slightly backward. It’s possible that floating with one’s face up will do more harm than good for an unconscious individual. It’s soft and available in a wide range of children’s sizes.
Type 3: This jacket is intended for swimmers’ calm, inland water usage. You can select your pick from various styles and colours. This type of life jacket should only be utilised for water activities if the rescue is likely to occur promptly.
When donning a life jacket, what should you keep in mind?
Assess your swimming ability before choosing a life jacket: Swimming is a sport that requires a realistic assessment of your abilities. This will help you choose the best life jacket for your needs.
Wear and test your life jacket to make sure it’s comfortable: Life jackets should be snug enough to keep you safe in the event of an emergency. All of the harnesses should be fastened to check for a proper fit. To keep your vest in place, you must ensure it doesn’t ride up. The jacket should not extend past your ears if someone else lifts it at the shoulders for you.
Be ready for an emergency: If you’re in the water, make sure your life jacket is visible. Make sure that your life vest has an emergency light and a whistle attached if you fall into the water or get tangled in currents. It may aid rescuers in locating you in the event of an emergency.
Borrow them: Life jacket loaner programmes are available at some parks, which allow visitors to borrow a life jacket for the duration of their visit. Take a few before you leave, then return them after you’re done.
Each time a person crosses a body of water, they should wear a life jacket. Numerous variables are out of your control that might cause an accident in boating. Some instances include weather, machinery malfunction, or other people’s behaviour, like speeding in a boat. A person may be a competent swimmer, but the additional weight of water-logged clothing, the distance to shore, or the individual’s unconsciousness when they get into the water can make it difficult to keep afloat. Make sure to keep in mind that life jackets may not always be worn after an accident in the water.