Taking care of your life jackets is like taking care of your life unconsciously. And knowing how to wash life jackets is one of the fundamentals to note and helps keep them in good condition. But before doing the cleaning and storing, there are some restrictions in doing the process. For instance, some things need to be avoided, such as strong detergent that may deteriorate the fabric. You need to know and handle many restrictions; however, before jumping into that, we must understand the different life jackets.
The Different Types of Life Jackets
In choosing the type of life of jackets, you have to consider two things: the size and weight that will fit you and the kind of boating and the area you will sail into. Undeniably, in the current customs, most people refuse to use traditional life saver due to its inconvenience and unacceptable heat. Despite these claims, the US Coast Guards approved life jackets specific to the activity and inflatable life jacket (PFDs), which can be comfortable to use, such as being lightweight and providing the right mobility and comfort.
Here are the types of life jackets you need to be familiarized with:
- Type I and Type II: provide the most buoyancy for an unconscious swimmer to face up during some sea incidents.
- We may only use all TYPE V for its specific designated purpose.
- Life jackets must be the US Coast Guard-approved and in the right condition.
- Life jackets must be accessible all the time.
- A user should choose the right size, and they should not pull it up past the ears.
- A user should choose the right kind – always take note that this will depend on the boating.
- Also, according to the law, Ski belt is not a legal life jacket in Connecticut.
Important Note: Inflatables should not be used by any swimmers that are under the age of 16 or even under 90lbs or for high-speed boats. As a user, you should be responsible for reading the label carefully in using the life jackets correctly.
The Do’s and Don’ts
DON’T:
- Never use strong detergents or even gasoline to clean it.
- Remove no straps, labels, or buckles.
- Never iron press, flatten or kneel on the life jacket, for it will damage its flotation material.
DO:
- You should always check your life jackets at the beginning of the boating session.
- Always check all the straps and hardware if it’s in the right shape.
- Always check for any leaks, mildew, & or hardened buoyancy material on the fabric.
- Always make sure that there are no damages or rips in the fabric.
- Make sure that the label stating USCG approved.
- Store in a room with good ventilation.
So, how to clean the Life Jacket? Here are the steps:
- Rinse the life jacket with a hose or clean running water.
- Fill a bucket or container with 3 gallons of cold water and add specific cleaning detergent.
- Apply cleaner directly to soil areas and gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush.
- Dip the life jacket into the bucket and clean the entire surface with a soft sponge.
- Rinse the life jacket
- Air-dry the life jacket and avoid drying it directly to the sunlight.
