Archive for the 'Life Jacket' Category

Mustang Life Jackets

Author: boater, 07 02nd, 2009

The best Personal Flotation Device (PFD)such as Mustang Life Jackets is the one you wear. That’s why choosing the PFD that best27942.gif fits your favorite water sports activity is important. Foam vests are great for active in-the-water adventures while inflatable PFDs are quickly becoming commonplace in most other marine activities. Manually inflating PFDs are a good choice for people who are comfortable in the water and expect to be spending some time in it, such as paddlers or river fishermen. If you don?t expect to end up in the water, but want the confidence of knowing that your PFD will inflate automatically in seconds if the unexpected happens, an automatic inflatable PFD is your best choice . Our exclusive HIT? (Hydrostatic Inflator Technology) automatic inflatable PFDs are perfect if you spend time in high humidity or wet weather.

Manual inflatable PFDs inflate by pulling the jerk tab that hangs from the PFD at waist-height whereas automatic inflatable PFDs inflate when immersed in water (or by manually pulling the jerk tab). All of our Inflatable PFDs provide 35 lb buoyancy when inflated and at least 3 1/4″ of freeboard (distance between the mouth and the surface of the water). Remember to check your inflatable PFD regularly to ensure it is in good working order and ready to be called into action when needed.




Life Jackets

Author: boater, 05 26th, 2009

thumbnailcanqqc71.pngI was at my local lake over the long holiday weekend and their was sure a lot of people on the lake and law enforcement was sure very busy and one of the major problems was a lot of boats with a lot of people on them which make enforcement officers question if their are enough life jackets for everyone.  Remember children under twelve must wear a life jacket at all times and when the officer finds you do not have enough life jackets they are going to look for the safety equipment required on your boat so having a mustang life jacket for everyone can save you a lot of trouble.




Transmit™ Series Life Jacket

Author: boater, 05 21st, 2009

Coleman Transmit Life JacketBuilt-in 2-way radio
2-way radio has a 1.8 mile range
Radio is waterproof to one meter
Radio floats if dropped The Colemanl Transmit Series is a life vest that all people in a boat should have.

Vest is segmented foam to bend and flex with you

Glideskin panels for superior wind resistance

Neoprene shell with mesh drainage 

100% beveled PVC foam

USCG approved




Fasten Up: It’s The Law!

Author: WaterBlogged, 05 08th, 2009

Fasten Up: It’s The Law!

While some people don’t recognize this, on most bodies of water, it’s illegal for children and sometimes adults to not wear a life jacket while on a boat.  In truth, there’s no real reason not to wear a life jacket when boating other than the occasional discomfort.  But the discomfort is offset by the safety the life jacket provides.  For children, who aren’t strong swimmers, a life jacket is essential and in a lot of place, it’s illegal for children under a certain age to be on a boat without a life jacket. 

Adults should also wear a life jacket because we never know when we might hit our head falling off the boat, or become incapacitated in a manner that prevents us from swimming. Amongst life jackets, it’s important to choose a reliable life jacket that also provides comfort to the wearer.  A Mustang life jacket for example is an excellent life jacket that provides reliability and comfort.  Adults might even consider a Mustang automatic inflatable jacket. 




Boating Terminology

Author: boater, 04 24th, 2009

paddling.jpgAll across the country, boating is growing in popularity as people discover the fun and enjoyment that this recreational pastime offers. Although boating provides hours of enjoyment, it can also be very dangerous if the participants are not aware of the safety factors that must be considered. It is the intent of this curriculum to lay out the basics that must be considered in order to make your boating experience a pleasant one.  Make sure you have all the safety equipment you need such as fire protection and life jackets.




Life Jackets

Author: boater, 04 23rd, 2009

State

Which persons in your state are required to wear a PFD and under what circumstances?

What are the penalties for violating PFD regulations in your state?

Alabama

1)all children under the age of 8 while onboard any vessel unless in an enclosed cabin or enclosed sleeping area regardless of whether the vessel is in operation 2)all persons on a vessel within 800 feet below a hydroelectric dam and/or navigation lock and dam 3) anyone operating or riding as a passenger on a pwc 4) anyone being towed on water skis, surfboard, dics, spinners, tubes or other similar devices. 

referencing above, violation of 1)$100; violation of 2)$50; violation of 3)$25; violation of 4)$50 

Alaska

Under 13 when in open boats or on open decks or when water skiing 

$100 for under 13 violation $100 for type IV violation $100 for first PFD carriage violation and $50 for each additional person 

American Samoa

All on board while boat is underway. 

$1000 fine 

Arizona

All children 12 years of age and younger must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, or III life jackets (PFDs) while underway on any vessel. The life jackets (PFDs) must be fastened according to the manufacturer’s recommended use and must fit the child properly. 

 

Arkansas

Anyone 12yrs old or younger must wear a PFD at all times. The only exception is when they are within the enclosed area of a houseboat or cruiser, or within the area enclosed by railings on a party barge, cruiser or houseboat - while the boat is NOT underway. 

$100 to $250 

Australia

 

 

British Columbia

 

 

California

Age 12 and younger on vessels less than 26 ft in length or in enclosed cabin or tethered to the mast fo a sailboat . All water-skiers and PWC operators, unless competing in sanctioned races or exhibition 

Violations are infractions, with fine of not nore than $150  

Colorado

persons aboard a PWC, water skiers or persons engaged in similar activities, children less than 13 YOA unless such child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin, persons participating in a regulated river trip provided by a river outfitter unless such river trip is on designated flatwater 

$50.00, except for regulated river trips which have a minimum penalty of $100.00 

Connecticut

All people under 12 years old except when below decks - anyone being towed behind a vessel - all people on pwc’s 

Fine $75. 

Delaware

all children 13 and younger 

25 dollar fine 

District of Columbia

When the operator of a vessel sixteen feet (16 ft.) or more in length is under eighteen (18) years of age, the operator and all other persons aboard the vessel who are under eighteen (18) years of age shall wear a Coast Guard approved personal floatation device of the proper size. All persons aboard any vessel in the area from the southernmost point of the cove commonly known as Fletcher’s Cove in the Georgetown Channel of the Potomac River upstream to the District of Columbia boundary line at Little Falls shall wear a Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device at all times. No person may operate a recreational vessel underway with any child under thirteen years old aboard, unless each child is below the deck, in an enclosed cabin or wearing a US Coast Guard approved personal floatation device. 

Criminal Citation for violation of DCRM 19, Chapter 10, Section 26. $50.00 fine 

Florida

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. In addition, each person on board a PWC, and anyone being towed behind a vessel must wear a USCG-approved PFD.  

Non-criminal infraction, with a $50 - $80 fine, depending on the county where the violation occurs.  

Georgia

Children under 10 in an open vessel. All person in a designated Hazardous Area. 

Misdemeanor 

Guam

None 

Up to the court 

Hawaii

all children under the age of thirteen are required to wear a properly fitted personal flotation device whenever the vessel is underway on the ocean waters or navigable streams of the state or when moored or anchored offshore in a non-designated offshore mooring area, unless the children are below decks or in an enclosed cabin. 

§200-14 Violation of rules; penalty. (a) Any person who violates any rule adopted by the department under this part or who violates this part, shall be fined not more than $1,000 or less than $50 for each violation, and any vessel, the agents; owner, or crew of which violate the rules of the department or this part, shall be fined not more than $1,000 or less than $50 for each violation; provided that in addition to or as a condition to the suspension of the fines and penalties, the court may deprive the offender of the privilege of operating or mooring any vessel in state waters for a period of not more than thirty days. [§200-14.5] General administrative penalties. (a) Except as otherwise provided by law, the board is authorized to set, charge, and collect administrative fines and to recover administrative fees and costs, including attorney’s fees and costs, or bring legal action to recover administrative fines and fees and costs, including attorney’s fees and costs, or payment for damages or for the cost to correct damages resulting from a violation of subtitle 8 of title 12 or any rule adopted thereunder. Each day or instance of violation shall constitute a separate offense. (1) For a first violation or a violation beyond five years of a previous violation, a fine of not more than $5,000; (2) For a second violation within five years of a previous violation, by a fine of not more than $10,000; and: (3) For a third or subsequent violation within five years of the last violation, by a fine of not more than $15,000.  

Idaho

Youths aged 14 and younger on boats greater than 19 feet while underway. 

$84 infraction 

Illinois

Persons riding on PWC’s must wear and children under 13 years of age must wear while boat is under way…




Reference Guide to State Boating Laws

Author: boater, 04 21st, 2009

Boating Education Requirements
[Table 2.1]

 

State

Does your state require mandatory boating safety education for some segment of the population?

Who is required to complete a boating education course in your state?

Are only residents of your state required to complete a boating education course?

Other, please specify

Alabama

Yes 

In general, anyone 12 years old or older who operates a vessel on state waters.  

No 

 

Alaska

No 

No one 

Other, please specify 

See 11 

American Samoa

Yes 

PWC operators 18 and under 

 

 

Arizona

No 

Only volunteer boating safety education instructors for the agency. 

Other, please specify 

N/A 

Arkansas

Yes 

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1986 

No 

 

Australia

 

 

 

 

British Columbia

 

 

 

 

California

Yes 

State law allows courts to order any boat operator that is convicted of a moving violation. Violators must take and successfully complete course 

No 

 

Colorado

Yes 

A person 14 YOA or older, who is less than 16 YOA, may operate a motorboat only if he or she has completed an approved boating safety course. 

No 

 

Connecticut

Yes 

All residents or owners of real property or anyone wishing to boat morethan 60 days in a year 

Other, please specify 

also people boating greater than 60 days per year 

Delaware

Yes 

any person born on or after Jan 1st 1978 

No 

 

District of Columbia

Yes 

All persons 

No 

 

Florida

Yes 

Operators of vessels powered by motors of 10hp or more who are 21 years of age, or younger. In addition, anyone convicted of a criminal boating violation, a non-criminal boating safety infraction that resulted in a boating accident, or two non-criminal boating safety infractions with in a twelve-month period is required to enroll, attend and successfully complete a classroom boating safety course. 

No 

 

Georgia

Yes 

Age 12 to 15 to operate certain vessels on their own. 

No 

 

Guam

No 

 

 

 

Hawaii

Yes 

All operators of PWCs 

No 

 

Idaho

No 

People renting a PWC, boat operators convicted of OUI, repeat offenders of boating laws 

 

 

Illinois

Yes




Water Safety for Kids

Author: WaterBlogged, 04 08th, 2009

child inflatable toys

Kids love to splash around in the water, and water activities are also great for exercise and for familiarizing children with swimming.  But it’s also important to keep children safe while in the water, and this involves more action on the part of the parents than the child.  For one, children under the age of 13 should never be left unsupervised in the water; drowning is one of the leading causes of death amongst children.  Make sure that the child inflatable toys you’re child is using are safe, for example, they shouldn’t contain ropes or holes in which the child could become tangled.  You should also be ready to dive in the water at any time, and be extra careful at the beach because currents and riptides can be quite dangerous. 

If you’re on a boat or watercraft, ensure that you and your child are wearing a life vest at all times.  Under most any circumstances, a life vest can save your life, even if you lose consciousness in the water.




Pet Drowning Prevention

Author: boater, 03 09th, 2009

imagecac0rg3a.jpgIt is estimated there are 58 million dogs and 62 million cats in North America and sadly, thousands of these pets drown unnecessarily each year. Many of these downing’s go unreported, so there is no way of knowing the exact number of fatalities. Although, 99 % of dogs can swim, we have a false sense of security when we see our dogs running and jumping in and out of the water at the lake or our back yard pool. Most dogs (and yes some cats) can only swim for short distances, before they grow tired. If they can’t find a quick way of getting their paws back on firm ground, they will go into a panic state and that is what causes them to drown. Pets are not the only ones that are losing their lives, dedicated pet parents will throw caution to the wind and jump into a frozen lake or fast moving river to try and save their beloved pets.

What can we do to prevent our pets from becoming a drowning victim? Here are a few valuable tips:

1. Don’t assume your dog can swim.

2. Keep a close eye on your aging pet. They cannot swim as long or as far as they once did.

3. Never throw a dog or cat in water. They will panic from the initial shock.

4. Purchase a canine floatation device (CFD) or pet life jacket for your dog or cat. Make sure they wear it anywhere near water. Many pets fall off docks and moving boats undetected.

5. Solar blankets/pool covers look like a solid surfaces to a pet. Remove them whenever possible when your pets are around the pool.

6. Install a pet safety gate near the pool area.

7. Make sure your pet can not gain easy access to the neighbor’s pool.

8. Have a pool alarm installed in your pool or pond.

9. Don’t let your pet play or walk near fast flowing water.

10. Keep your pets away from frozen lakes & rivers.

The guilt associated with watching your pet drown is truly overwhelming and one never really recovers from that experience. I strongly encourage you to have a look around your property for obvious water hazards. Whether it is summer or winter, you need to drown proof your home as well as your vacation property NOW. If your pet is going to be anywhere near water, make sure they are wearing a canine floatation device or pet life jacket.




Why do Life Jackets Float?

Author: boater, 02 20th, 2009

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Emily asked, “Why do life jackets float? They are so small compared to my size and they don’t weigh much, a body displaces water, which pushes back and creates buoyancy.  The more water you displace, the greater the force pushing back.Think about this: A cubic foot of water weighs about 62 lbs. A solid cubic foot of wood weighs about 50 pounds. The solid block of wood will float because it can displace enough water to equal its weight. Now try the same thing with a box made of wood that is hollow inside. Let’s say it weighs about ten pounds. It will float much higher because it only has to displace 10 pounds of water to float.When you are in the water, you feel much lighter. That’s because your body has displaced water that is pushing back and creating buoyancy. A life jacket is filled with a very light material, usually foam, that can displace alot of water compared to its weight. A cubic foot of foam weighs about one pound. It will float on top of the water because it only has to displace one pound of water.

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Because your body already has some buoyancy, a life jacket doesn’t need to support all of your weight. It just needs to displace enough to keep your head above the water.

It is important to get a life jacket that fits you properly. It won’t be much use if it’s too big and you slip out of it. Also, choose a life jacket that’s designed for the activity you are doing. Off-shore life jackets are designed to keep you floating with your head above the water even in rough sea conditions, while life jackets designed for water skiers help you float in calm water and can also protect you from impact injuries.