SWIMWEAR SHOP

Life Jackets Save Lives In Florida Boat Accidents

If they were polled, most boaters and their passengers would tell you that life jackets weren’t really a necessity. After all, the majority of drownings happen way out at sea, not when people are just leisurely motoring down the canals and waterways around the state, right? Wrong! According to the Personal Flotation Device Manufacturers Association, “nine out of ten drownings occur in inland waters, most within a few feet of safety, and involving boats less than 20 feet long. Most drowning victims had access to a Personal Flotation Device, but did not wear it”. Still think you don’t need to wear a life jacket while boating on the Florida waterways? Consider this: 85% of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket.

If you haven’t taken a look at Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) lately, you’ll probably be surprise to know that they are no longer the bulky orange life vests from a decade ago. While they are still brightly colored so a rescuer can more easily spot a person floating in the water, they come in much more attractive colors than orange! Also, boaters will be happy to know that the newer PFDs are lighter weight and much more comfortable to move around in while you are wearing them.

The Personal Flotation Device Manufacturers Associations says most adults need 7 to 12 pounds of bouyancy to keep their heads above water. They’ll tell you that how much ‘extra lift’ you need in water is determined by body fat and weight, lung size, clothing and water conditions (rough or calm). In general, the more physically fit you are, the more ‘lift’ you need. Many states have specific regulations regarding the type of lifejacket children must wear, so make sure you are aware of the requirements in your state before selecting a product for your child.

There are several categories of PFDs, so be sure to check the bouyancy rating when choosing a new PFD. There are jackets that have been designed for use in inland waters and those that are rated for offshore use where sea conditions can hamper a rescue. Each category has certain features that will help keep you alive, depending on the calmness of the water or the length of time that might be required for rescue if you are involved in a Florida boat accident, so it is important to choose the correct type. Some jackets will even turn an unconscious, face-down victim over in the water so they can breathe!

It is a federal law that each boat have one life jacket for each person on the boat. That means if you are planning to carry guests on board, you’ll need to be sure to carry spare PFDs.

The Coast Guard requires that:

1. Each PFD on your boat be in good condition, be the proper size for the intended wearer, and very importantly, be readily accessible;
2. Readily accessible means you must be able to put the PFD on in a reasonable amount of time in an emergency (vessel sinking, on fire, etc.);
3. PFD’s 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;
4. Vessels 16 feet in length or longer must have one Type IV USCG-approved PFD on board and immediately available (a type IV PFD is one that can be thrown to a person in the water);
5. Children under 6 years of age must wear a USCG-approved Type I, II, or III PFD at all times while on any vessel less than 26 feet in length that is underway upon Florida waters;
6. Each person on board a Personal Water Craft (PWC), and anyone being towed behind a vessel, must wear a USCG-approved PFD. Inflatable PFDs are not to be worn on PWC’s or while water-skiing.

Keep in mind, too, that Florida boat accidents can happen for any number of reasons: you can slip and fall overboard just from innattention or slipping on the deck, drinking on the boat can contribute to a fall overboard, bad weather can contribute, and being hit by another boat can cause a fall overboard. In most instances, the passenger either does not have enough time to grab a life jacket before falling overboard or is unconscious and unable to put on a life jacket, so it is important for all boating passengers to wear a PFD at all times.

The majority of us get into our cars and automatically fasten the seat belt – putting on a life jacket when stepping onto a boat should be just as automatic. Unfortunately, it’s not. In fact, more than 85% of all fatalities in Florida boat accidents are due to drowning, and the majority of those deaths could have been prevented if the victim was wearing a life jacket

For more information about claims for injuries suffered in a boat accident in Florida, contact Florida boating accident lawyer Joseph M. Maus at 1-866-556-5529 for a free, no-obligation consultation, or email him today.

About the Author

South Florida Attorney Joseph M. Maus and Associates has been helping victims of injuries and accidents for close to 15 years. The firm prides itself on having the resources and experience of the largest state-wide law firms, yet providing individualized attention to each and every client.

Safety Gear Presentation PART 1 at Peters Marine Service

SKIWARM ADULT MENS TYPE III PFD WATER SKI BOATING LIFE VEST SIZE XXL MODEL 7361 $39.99

Stearns Flotation Aid- Type III PFD Ski Vest: youth; 50-90 lbs. $15.00

Black and Yellow Colored Adult S/M Sized Type III PFD Ski Vest for Boats $32.09

Black and Yellow Colored Adult L/XL Sized Type III PFD Ski Vest for Boats $32.09

Black and Yellow Colored Adult 2XL/3XL Sized Type III PFD Ski Vest for Boats $32.09

STEARNS Life saving Ski Vest Jacket Kids Youth 26-29 ” LONG uscg app. Type3 PFD $6.00

CONNELLY ADULT XSMALL SKI/WAKEBOARD VEST CHEST SIZE XS 28-32 TYPE III PFD NICE $14.99

CONNELLY ADULT MEDIUM SKI/WAKEBOARD VEST CHEST SIZE M 36-40 TYPE III PFD NICE $14.99

OCEAN PACIFIC MENS FLOTATION AID TYPE III PFD SKI / WAKE BOARD VESTS LARGE & MED $47.99

MW 4-Buckle Adult Life Jacket PFD Ski Vest SM MED S/M $19.95

OCEAN PACIFIC MENS FLOTATION AID TYPE III PFD SKI / WAKE BOARD VEST MEDIUM $23.99

MW Youth Life Vest Water Ski Jacket PFD 50-90lbs NEW $16.45

WATER SKI BOAT ULTRA ECLIPSE PFD3 BUOYANCY VEST ADULT SMALL PINK $69.00

MW Child USCG Life Jacket Ski Vest Blue Flotation PFD $14.95

MW Adult Deluxe Life Jacket PFD Ski Vest XXL 2XL 3XL $19.95

Winning Edge Adult Life Jacket Ski Vest Preserver PFD $24.95

Winning Edge Adult Life Jacket Ski Vest Preserver PFD $24.95

Winning Edge Adult Life Jacket Ski Vest Preserver PFD $24.95

Winning Edge Adult Life Jacket Ski Vest Preserver PFD $24.95

Ski Vest Ultra Contender PFD3 Child Size 10 YO Blue Newest Style & Regulations $49.27

Ski Vest Ultra Contender PFD3 Child Size 8 YO Blue Newest Style & Regulations $49.27

Ski Vest Ultra Contender PFD3 Child Size 6 YO Blue Newest Style & Regulations $49.27

Ski Vest Ultra Contender PFD3 Child Size 4 YO Blue Newest Style & Regulations $49.27

STEARNS BARBIE YOUTH SKI LIFE VEST PRESERVER PFD III $7.50

Helium Epic Mens Large Neoprene Life Vest Jacket Water Ski Wakeboard Wake PFD $94.99

★ STEARNS RED DOLPHIN CHILD’S SMALL LIFE SKI VEST TYPE III PFD FLOTATION DEVICE★ $8.99

★ RED CHILD’S SM LIFE SKI BOATING VEST TYPE III PFD FLOTATION DEVICE 30-50 LBS★ $8.99

HO Water SKI PFD Life Vest YOUTH 30-50 lbs 20-25″ $17.99

stearns childs ski nautical kayak boat grumman canoe life vest jacket PFD $19.99

stearns adult ski nautical kayak boat grumman canoe life vest jacket PFD x large $29.99

Stearns Childs Life Jacket PFD III Infinity Ski Vest 30 – 50 lbs Water Safety $14.89

MW Adult Universal Life Jacket Ski Vest – Blue $18.95 MW Adult Universal Life VestFits all peson with a Chest Size of 30 – 52’3-Buckle Design with Open Sides for Maximum ComfortUSCG(U.S. Coast Guard) Approved Type IIIColor: Blue…

Aviva Sports Comfi-Neoprene PFD – Youth $39.99 Warm sturdy vest that will stretch when wet. Must fit right to be effective. U.S. Coast Guard approved….

Kawasaki OEM Jet Ski® Hard Core Neoprene Life Vest. K302-7518 Neoprene outer shell with contrast stitching. Lightweight water-resistant lining with strategically placed drainage panels. Soft beveled 100% PVC foam. Anatomically cut for comfort.KK® front zipper with zipper head restraint system. Lanyard D-ring tab. Two webbed belts with quick release buckles (1 1/2″ wide). Jet Ski® logos screenprinted on left chest, sides and back. Kawasaki molded PVC patch …

Kawasaki OEM Jet Ski® Faction 3 Buckle Nylon Life Vest. K300-7515 Jet Ski® Faction 3 Buckle Nylon Vest. Heavy-duty coated nylon. 3 webbed belts with quick release buckles (1 1/2″ wide). Lanyard D-ring tab. Screenprinted graphics on chest, back, and side. Kawasaki molded PVC patch on belt. 100 mph rated. US Coast Guard Approved/UL Listed….

X20 Universal Adult Life Jacket Vest – Blue & Black $18.55 The X20 Universal Adult Life Jacket is the most versitile life vest on the market today. This Life Vest can be used for a wide range activities from Wakeboarding to Boating and Tubing, plus it’s adjustable enough to fit the majority of adults and teens (90 lbs+). We recommend this vest if you wear a S, M, L, or XL T-shirt size (32 -50″ Chest Size)….

Rave Sport 02436 Universal Nylon PFD Youth Life Vest $34.45 Each Universal Nylon Life Vest. Surelock buckles. Type III PFD (Infant is Type II). Chest size: 2529 (6474cm).

Mustang Inflatable Vest PFD with LIFT Auto HydrostaticActivation $465.2 The MD0450 Auto Hydrostatic Inflatable Vest with LIFT is a lightweight inflatable PFD designed with a shorter length and a low flexible profile to ensure total mobility during the most rigorous activities. Engineered with revolutionary LIFT technology for increased freeboard and Hydrostatic Inflator Technology (HIT) for reliable inflation in a low maintenance design the MD0450 was designed primarily for performance sailors security and rescue professionals and people in offshore environments. LIFT technology improves safety for users in variable wind and wave conditions by elevating the mouth out of the water by up to 9 inches (23cm). This increase in freeboard has been shown to reduce underwater mouth immersions by 80 reducing the risks of drowing and exposure. Hydrostatic Inflator Technology will only automatically inflate when submerged in 4 or more inches of water and not inadvertantly due to rain spray or humidity. Made for the most severe marine environments the Auto Hydrostatic Inflatable Vest with LIFT will meet the challenges of the most demanding users. 40 lb buoyancy when inflated. LIFT provides up to 9 of freeboard the highest elevation out of water ever seen in a PFD for extra safety in severe weather. This reduces mouth immersions and increases visibility to rescue crews. Auto hydrostatic inflator is maintenance free for 5 years unless inflated. When inflated LIFT bladder has stabilizing wings on sides and behind the neck to provide support in rough waters. Safety Inspection Window window allows user to easily inspect inflator status: green indicates inflator is ready for use. SecureZIP closure withstands rigorous activity and is easy to repack. Comfortable neoprene collar. Mesh back allows for good air flow to keep wearer cool. Durable 420Denier nylon. Cylinder is contained inside bladder to protect against corrosion. Backup oral inflation tube. Strobe light holder safety whistle and SOLAS reflective tape on badder. Dring.

Rave Sport 02435 Universal Nylon PFD Child Life Vest $34.45 Surelock buckles. Type III PFD (Infant is Type II). Child life jacket features leg strap. Chest size: 2025 (5164cm).

NRS Rapid Rescuer PFD $229.95 Type III/V PFD. With 22lbs of flotation, adjustability to fit chest sizes from 30 to 56 inches, and all the features you will ever need in a rescue vest the NRS Rapid Rescuer can handle any situation. With box-stitched stress points and a 500-denier Cordura shell, the new NRS Rapid Rescuer is tough enough to handle any situation. Two huge front pockets stretch to hold anything from a GPS to a VHF. Three lash tabs on the front are great for a knife, whistle or anything else you need to keep handy. A d-ring, strobe holder, and tether attachment round out the attachment points on the front with a safety light stick holder on the back and reflective tape everywhere. Universal Plus sizing will fit chest sizes between 30 and 58 inches, with 7 adjustment points to ensure a secure fit.

Astral Camino Life Jacket (PFD) $114.95 The Astral Camino Life Jacket (PFD) is designed to be completly breathable. This kayak lifejacket made by Astral brings you the Airescape ventilation system keeping you cool and comfortable all day in this full featured life jacket. The Camino has Astral’s Airescape ventilation system mesh liner, contoured inner foam and vent ports that combine to eliminate excess heat build-up and perspiration. When you are kayaking, you don’t want to be restricted and the Camino vest won’t allow that. This is a full back kayaking PFD. The ergonomic design offers great fit and range of motion. There are also two large front pockets for storage room. The Astral Camino life jacket for kayaking is a great look with outstanding performance.