Table of Contents Operation #1: Prepare to Depart
#1.1 The operator is able to: A: Put on a life jacket... B: ensuring it is serviceable, fits properly, and is appropriate for the boat/activity.
Understanding the Element
Studies consistently show that wearing a life jacket dramatically increases the chances of survival if a person falls overboard. Properly selecting and wearing an appropriate life jacket is critical to keeping the wearer afloat. This element affords the opportunity to encourage life jacket wear at all times while boating.
• The element does not indicate whether a life jacket should be worn; it only focuses on the ability to select and properly put one on.
• “Serviceable” means the life jacket has no rips, tears, or holes, and that all seams, straps, and buckles are in good condition. There should be no signs of waterlogging, mildew, or shrinkage of the buoyant materials.
• “Fits properly” means the life jacket is sized correctly for the wearer, i.e., fits comfortably snug. A correctly fitting life jacket is designed not to ride up on the body when the wearer is in the water. To check the buoyancy of a life jacket in the water, the wearer should relax their body and tilt their head back. The life jacket should keep the chin above water, and the wearer should be able to breathe easily.
• The USCG publishes a useful guide on selection and proper fitting of appropriate life jackets. For more information visit:
www.uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/life-jacket-wear-wearing-your-life-jacket.php.
Designing Instruction
• Instruct operators in this element before they go out on the water. Ensure the operator has properly fastened the life jacket ashore before boarding the boat, to help avoid their simply draping a life jacket over their shoulder.
• Instructors could wear their life jacket during the instruction of this skill to model a successful outcome.
• Ensure that all operators have read available literature and emphasize wearing, as opposed to merely carrying, appropriate life jackets.
• Provide several life jackets of various types, sizes, and conditions to acquaint the operator with criteria for selection and fitting.
Assessing Performance Level
Successful Performance
Needs
3 2
Improvement The operator:
Reads the label on the life jacket to ensure it is USCG approved and checks it is in serviceable condition. Selects a life jacket with proper chest size and weight for wearing, and appropriateness for boating activity. Fastens all straps, zippers, and ties. Tightens adjustment straps and tucks in loose ends. Adjusts to ensure proper fit.
The operator:
Reads the label on the life jacket to ensure it is USCG-approved and checks it is in serviceable condition. Selects a life jacket with proper chest size and weight for wearing, and appropriateness for boating activity. Fastens all straps, zippers, and ties. Tightens adjustment straps and tucks in loose ends. Readjusts straps to ensure proper fit if jacket is still loose.
Drownings are the leading cause of boating fatalities, accounting for over 450 fatalities every year.
Proficiency description
This Technical Support Document was produced in part through USCG grant funds to develop National On-Water Skills Standards. 15 ©2022 United States Sailing Association. Facilitated by Think First Serve.
Element
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