Life vests are portable defibrillators consisting of lightweight garments equipped with monitors to detect your electrocardiogram (ECG). When your heart rhythm becomes abnormal, the LifeVest shocks you.
Designed to reduce sudden cardiac death among those who are susceptible to arrhythmias and have weak hearts, the device may be prescribed by a cardiologist.
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1. They don’t save lives
Life vests may come to mind as bright orange vests, but they’re actually Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs). PFDs help people remain afloat in case of drowning accidents.
Life jackets can be an invaluable way to prevent drowning; however, they cannot save every life that enters the water unprotected; only one out of fifteen will come out alive from an encounter without life jackets.
People choose not to wear life vests for various reasons. Overestimating their swimming ability, thinking that trouble will never arise and fearing drowning are among the main ones.
Even experienced swimmers can easily fall victim to sudden immersion in cold water or being knocked unconscious, and when an accident does happen you cannot always rely on others to find or reach for your life vest in time.
No matter your age, gender or body size, everyone should wear an appropriately fitted life vest in the water to stay safe. This is particularly essential if swimming in open water or an overcrowded swimming pool where drowning risks increase dramatically if unprotected by one.
If you decide to wear a life vest, make sure that it’s visible from afar and brightly-colored for maximum visibility. This will increase chances of rescuers finding you quickly, improving your odds for survival.
Studies have demonstrated that women, children and young adults are less likely to wear life jackets than their male counterparts or older adults. Although exact causes for this variance remain unidentified, several factors such as alcohol consumption, warm weather and swimming experience were thought to contribute.
2. They aren’t comfortable
Recreational boaters likely understand the significance of wearing a life vest. Not only is it required by law, but wearing one can sometimes be uncomfortable or difficult. Here is some guidance for making wearing your life jacket an easier and more convenient process.
Now there are options that make finding the appropriate life jacket easier, including floatable life vests that only inflate when submerged in water – slimmer and more convenient than their predecessor, according to Sgt. Dangler of Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office river patrol.
Life vests with wraparound designs offer additional convenience and comfort, preventing the flotation material from rubbing against your arms when in tight spots.
This style of vest is our top pick for children. Featuring a headrest flap that helps support the neck and prevent it from riding up when in water, as well as a grab handle for rescue purposes, this vest stands out as one of our favorites.
Lightweight and easy to adjust, the strap adjustments make this carrier lightweight. Plus, its vibrant colors offer maximum safety features!
If you’re in search of a life vest for your child, the Stearns Heads-Up Child Vest and Stohlquist Youth Fit could be ideal. Both jackets offer easy donning with plenty of adjustability – perfect for kids of various size requirements! However, make sure that before purchasing either jacket you measure their chest size to ensure they receive one that best fits their body type.
3. They don’t look good
Life vests tend to look bulky and cumbersome, which may explain why people do not use them as often as necessary.
But these devices are essential in order to remain afloat on the water and protect yourself and others. Furthermore, they could help avoid fines should an accident occur on the water.
Some life vests feature understraps and headrest flaps to help keep you in place in the water, while other more streamlined models might make for more comfortable wearing.
Which life vest you should select depends on your activity and weight goals, while taking into account body type and lung capacity.
Assuming you’re tall with thick legs and thighs, your buoyancy needs may exceed those of someone shorter and lighter. According to the USCG’s recommendations for adults, seven to 12 pounds is an appropriate range for buoyancy.
However, if you are smaller and have thin skin and thighs, a thinner-style neoprene vest could be more appropriate than thicker and more durable options such as the Stearns Kids Life Vest.
Paddle sports enthusiasts such as kayaking and canoeing often utilize this option because of its wraparound design that protects from flotation material slipping off, such as kayaking. Unfortunately, though it offers similar floatation material as our top picks, its darker shade may make it harder for people to notice your child from far away. While this quality product runs slightly more expensively; for more cost-efficient choices consider one of our other neoprene options instead.
4. They don’t fit
When out in the water, it is crucial to wear a life vest that fits correctly and provides optimal buoyancy. No matter if you are boating, kayaking or engaging in another form of water activity; your life vest should fit securely while offering maximum buoyancy.
Follow your life jacket manufacturer’s instructions when donning it to ensure a snug and proper fit, fastening all straps, zippers and ties securely and fastening any additional fasteners correctly.
A proper fit should be snug without being restrictive or uncomfortable, visible enough for others on the water, and bright enough to be seen even in low light environments.
Finally, an effective life vest will allow for easy entry and exit from the water quickly and effortlessly. There are various styles and types available on the market; make sure that you find one that best meets your needs.
If you are in the market for a new life jacket, be sure to select a quality, brightly-colored and US Coast Guard-approved model. This will protect both yourself and other members of your group in case they become separated during an emergency situation. Some parks even provide loaner programs; take advantage of them while visiting an aquatic center; the right life vest could make the difference between happy or sad results in such an instance.
5. They are expensive
Life vests are essential gear for those participating in any kind of water sport and a Coast Guard-approved lifejacket is required by law for anyone entering or being around water bodies. Unfortunately, they can also be quite pricey.
Life vests of high quality should be made from soft yet durable materials and fit comfortably, to provide maximum protection in an emergency. Doing this ensures they won’t cause you discomfort while swimming and your loved ones can rest easy knowing they will remain secure should something arise that requires immediate action.
Additionally, life vests should be comfortable and simple to put on; an incorrectly fitted life jacket could endanger a trip, particularly for children.
Life vest options available to consumers range from neoprene and inflatable varieties, with the former often more costly but offering greater comfort due to less likely skin chaffing.
Neoprene life vests with close cell foam panels are popular choices because they remain lightweight when wet – an advantage when participating in wakeboarding or water skiing activities.
Some designs even come equipped with built-in whistle, strobe light or fishing knife attachments for your peace of mind in case of an emergency.
Searching for the appropriate life vest can be challenging, so it’s wise to conduct research prior to purchasing one. Read reviews written by others who have purchased it or consult friends and family about what their opinions are on it.
Life vests should feature brightly-colored, vibrant designs to help parents keep an eye on their kids in the water. Furthermore, these life jackets should include adjustable straps and buckles that accommodate different size wearers.
