DID YOU KNOW?
Most accidents occur suddenly with no warning
There may be no time to grab a lifejacket unless it is close at hand, and it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to put on a lifejacket once you are in the water.
Crotch straps are recommended in situations other than very calm water
Even when tightly secured, lifejackets have a tendency to ride up on the wearer if there is any wave action. Crotch straps are mandatory for all child-sized lifejackets and in some yacht racing situations.
Size matters
Most drownings in boating accidents involve craft under 6 metres. Everyone on board boats under 6 metres should wear a lifejacket, unless the skipper has assessed this is not necessary, due to the low risk at the time.
We recommend that non-swimmers and children wear lifejackets at all times.
As a skipper, you must carry a correctly sized lifejacket for each person on board
This is a legal requirement that applies to all boats, including tenders and larger craft.
Maritime rules provide that it is the skipper’s legal responsibility to ensure that lifejackets are worn in situations of heightened risk, such as when crossing a bar, in rough water, during an emergency, and by non-swimmers.
If they are not worn, lifejackets must be stored so that they are immediately available in case of an emergency.
There may be no time to grab a lifejacket unless it is close at hand, and it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to put on a lifejacket once you are in the water.
Crotch straps are recommended in situations other than very calm water
Even when tightly secured, lifejackets have a tendency to ride up on the wearer if there is any wave action. Crotch straps are mandatory for all child-sized lifejackets and in some yacht racing situations.
Size matters
Most drownings in boating accidents involve craft under 6 metres. Everyone on board boats under 6 metres should wear a lifejacket, unless the skipper has assessed this is not necessary, due to the low risk at the time.
We recommend that non-swimmers and children wear lifejackets at all times.
As a skipper, you must carry a correctly sized lifejacket for each person on board
This is a legal requirement that applies to all boats, including tenders and larger craft.
Maritime rules provide that it is the skipper’s legal responsibility to ensure that lifejackets are worn in situations of heightened risk, such as when crossing a bar, in rough water, during an emergency, and by non-swimmers.
If they are not worn, lifejackets must be stored so that they are immediately available in case of an emergency.