When all of us were younger and starting to learn how to swim, we were all made to use and wear any flotation devices to aid us in our first swimming experience. It could be in type floaties, kickboards, Pvc swimming bands, and the most notable of all, the life jacket.
Although life jackets are to keep us safe on any bodies of water, there are still speculations of the cons in utilizing this device. In this article, we are to discuss the reasons that proved wearing a life jacket does not make swimming harder, and the importance of using life jackets.
Wearing a life jacket is Comfortable
One of the myths of wearing a life jacket for a swim is that life jackets are bulky and uncomfortable. As a result, executing movements is harder. Although these excuses might be real, finding the appropriate size and design for the right body type of the intended user is all that needs. An awful fitting type of life jacket is not worth it and ineffective.
According to the uscgboating.org, there are four basic design types of personal floatation devices (PFD), the Inherent, Inflatable, Hybrid, and Special Purpose. The inherent life jackets are built in-floatation or are always buoyant.
This type is designed for any age group (adult, youth, child, and infants) and could be for anybody and are usually made out mostly of foam. Inflatable, on the other hand, is designed for adults only and are relatively comfortable and cannot be used by just anybody.
Hybrid types are also designed for most ages except for the infant age. It is reliable and can be for anybody. The website has also added, testing the life jacket first on in the water and must be appropriate for the intended type of water activity. It should also be secure, comfortable, and adjustable.
Swimming with a life jacket is safer and not harder or a hassle!
No one can argue that life jackets are made not to make swimming harder but safer. Life jackets are a protection to the unpredictable and unfortunate events that could happen in an activity.
According to the most recent data gathered from the U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics, there were 4145 cases of accidents, with 633 deaths has happened in the year 2018. The number of those deaths are caused by drowning (77%) while others are caused by not wearing life jackets (84%).
Prevention and Preparedness is better
Even on a perfect swimming day, you can never know what could happen. Different environmental factors, such as the movement of water and change in the weather, could contribute to any unexpected accidents. Never overestimate skills and knowledge in a different environment, as good swimmers could get into accidents too.
The most key Component in maintaining our safety is being responsible and wearing a life jacket. Wearing a life jacket is the most top prevention and best act of preparedness to ensure avoidance of such situations from happening.
Life jackets keep you warm
Swimming in a pool, or even in different bodies of water can get very cold sometimes. While life jackets are for the sole purpose of saving a life, what is not usually known is that due to its thick padding, it could provide insulation in keeping body temperature warm.
Experts recommend you wear it
According to a research titled, Summary of Relevant Life Jackets, most experts encourage and support the utilization of wearing a life jacket during any water activity. Life jackets are a useful device that is necessary to lessen the drowning fatalities that could happen if any accidents occur (Maxim, L.D., January 2015).
An expert in cold-water drownings has explained the situations that drowning accidents happen in very unpredictable times and are sometimes at the very close reach of land and or assistance.
To the start-up-to finish, a whole tragic accident can happen in just 6 minutes. Only a few people who are still in shock of the situation can remain afloat for a prolonged period without wearing a life jacket. In just 15 minutes, the victims face their deaths Groff and Ghadiali (2003).
Conclusion
In conclusion, even though swimming with a life jacket can indeed make swimming harder and uncomfortable, prioritizing safety before-hand should not be taken for granted.
Excuses not to wear a life jacket should not be entertained, like any situation in a given time, place, and event could still end up to an unpredictable, unfortunate accident. Life jackets may not prevent accidents from occurring, but at the end of the day, it could give you a higher chance of survival.
