When it comes to boating safety, Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are essential. Here are some important considerations:
Get Tips for PFDs: Stay Safe
- Wear Your PFD: A PFD is only effective if you’re wearing it. Anyone venturing out in any type of craft—whether a canoe or windsurfer—should wear one.
- Crossing Coastal Bars: Ensure everyone on board is wearing an approved PFD when crossing a coastal bar, check your local State’s rules!
- Boating Alone: If you’re boating alone, always wear a PFD and carry a Personal Locating Beacon in your pocket in case you fall overboard and the boat drifts away (or worse, you forgot to put the kill switch on your jacket!!)
- Nighttime Boating: Always wear a PFD at night.
- Children’s Safety: Young children need suitable PFDs, as very young children may not naturally float and could sink immediately.
- Australian Standards: PFDs must meet the current Australian Standard and fit the intended wearer. If children are on board, ensure the vessel is equipped with PFDs that fit them.
- PFD Maintenance: PFDs should have a clear label identifying the type, body mass flotation, and Australian Standard. If the label is illegible, the PFD is not suitable.
- CO² Cartridge PFDs: Ensure you check your cartridge when servicing your jacket – they have the weight and replacement date on them.
- Accessibility: Don’t leave PFDs in their plastic wrappers. Keep them accessible and ready for use in an emergency.
- Instruction and Awareness: Ensure all passengers know where the PFDs are stored and how to put them on. Ensure they are tight enough, a loose jacket will come off when you fall in the water!
- Pillow-Style PFDs: Avoid using pillow-style PFDs as seat cushions, as this can reduce their lifespan.
- Water Police Checks: Water Police often check the condition of life jackets during vessel inspections. If they find split seams, faded labels, or other damage, you may receive a warning or fine.