3. Buoyancy aids and lifejackets (Water Safety)

What does this mean in practice?

The scouts used to specify what sort of personal flotation was required for each activity, they are now saying, assess the situation and use what is appropriate. so let’s look at some examples;

Canoeing - the buoyancy aid is better, though for non swimmers a foam style lifejacket might be appropriate

Dinghy sailing - relatively high likelihood of falling in the water (for most dinghies) - Buoyancy aid

Keelboat - relatively low likelihood of falling in the water, a lifejacket or buoyancy aid might be appropriate

Powerboating - Lifejacket, unless it is a safety boat when a buoyancy aid may be a better choice

Crotch Strap or not?

Let’s face it once they get to scout age kids will choose a PFD without a crotch strap if given the option, however for many of them having a crotch strap helps to make the scout issue Buoyancy aids safer, because humans are not a standard size and the crotch strap evens the playing field especially if it is likely that they will enter the water from height or with force which might push a non-strapped buoyancy aid up over the head.

See the video on the left below to see the difference having a crotch strap on makes.

Checking buoyancy aids and Lifejackets are safe to use

We should visually check a buoyancy aid/PFD each time before it is put on, to make sure it has not been damaged.

it is recommended to test buoyancy aids and lifejackets at least annually to ensure they still provide adequate buoyancy, foam buoyancy aids will lose their ability to support you over time, as the cells in the foam get compressed or split allowing water in where once was air. being left damp and being sat on speed up this process.

To check a buoyancy aid or foam lifejacket; are all the straps and buckles in working order, is the material damaged? no tears or excessive wear

we also like to buoyancy test ours with a weight in a wheelie bin (clean), there are 3 main levels of buoyancy provided 42 Newtons, 46/7 Newtons and 50 Newtons so we test with an appropriate weight to ensure the foam is still floaty.

To check a Lifejacket; is quite simple, visually inspect the whole jacket, undo the poppers/zip/Velcro and have a good look especially where it is folded, then if OK check the gas cylinder is not punctured and the firing mechanism as per the manufacturer’s instructions (almost all have a YouTube channel for this sort of thing), finally inflate with a pump and leave for at least 30 mins to see if it holds air. Corroded cylinders usually are fine functionally but can wear the bladder of the lifejacket and make holes..

Looking after and storage of kit

It is good practice to store equipment in a cool environment and out of direct sunlight, this will help to prolong the life of the product. If using the product in salt water it will help to rinse the equipment after use and to ensure that all equipment is dried in a suitable manner, hanging is always best.

Monitoring equipment

It is also recommended that all life jackets and buoyancy aids be individually marked with an identification system and that a record be kept of the date of purchase, any repairs and the dates of the annual inspections. This will assist with the long term planning for renewal and the budget implications associated with such renewals.