The life jacket is an individual safety device, consisting of an orange jacket so that it is easily visible in water and resistant to the effects of sea water, hydrocarbons and low temperatures.
Besides, the individual life jacket is equipped with floating facilities consisting of foam blocks with closed cells, keeping their volume unchanged. They are also very resistant to sea water and to hydrocarbons and low temperatures.
This kind of life jacket assures, by means of a suitable distribution of the floating material, the support of a body with the face out of water, apart from the position taken by the body when diving in the water.
These life jackets must be worn correctly and be firmly tied by means of strong laces.
It is important to learn, particularly for children, how to float in water with the life jacket.
To avoid energy waste it is necessary to float by keeping legs and arms folded as far as possible and tight to the body to maintain the heat.
The individual life jacket is equipped with an orange whistle, fastened to the jacket by means of a safety cord.
The whistle is particularly useful to indicate the wearer’s position when the weather conditions do not allow sufficient visibility (bad weather, fog, etc..).
The individual life jacket has to be worn under following circumstances:
CAUTIONThe yacht must be equipped with a number of individual life jackets equal to the number of people present on board. All people boarded must know the location of the life jackets, how to wear them, how to tie them properly to the body, and where the whistle is located.
DANGERIf you are to choose a life jacket for a child, take care about for the correct size and that smaller children do not slip out of them once in water. We recommend that all children wear an individual life jacket when they move on the yacht.
CAUTIONCARING FOR AND INSPECTING THE LIFE JACKETS
The life jackets must be handled with care so that they are able to save your lives whenever necessary.
Check that all the belts, braces and buckles are in good condition and firmly secured on a regular basis. Make sure that all the seams are steadfast and that any welded or glued part adheres perfectly. Check that the reflecting strip, whistle and light are firmly secured and that the light battery has not yet expired.
Wash in warm soapy water after use.
Dry thoroughly.
Store in a dry, ventilated area away from direct sunlight and harmful chemicals.
Check the life jacket regularly to make sure it is in good working condition.
CAUTIONDo not use life jackets as pillows.
Practice their use before you start navigating.
For people with disabilities may not be suitable.
With waterproof clothing or similar you can not reach the optimal use.
The use of life jackets does not guarantee total safety and the final rescue of the wearer, but it does support in water for a long period.