When we talk about lifeguards, we only know that we have to carry one for each person on board, because that is how it is established in current regulations. It’s like when we get on a plane and the flight attendants explain where to get out, what to do and where the lifeguard training is. Nobody pays attention, but those who were in an emergency learned the importance of those explanations.
For now, there are no regulations that indicate that you have to wear life jackets when sailing, and that is fine since it would be impossible to drive on the boats. I see small boats sailing in the Delta with nine people on board when their capacity is for six or less. If by the weight they had an entrance of water product of a wave, the weight would increase even more. And when the first wave came in, the second wave will come in easier. The boat is a basin: if we fill it with water, there comes a time when it sinks. And yes, the boats sink.
Lifeguard Training
It also happens that we have lifeguard training in the right amount for our family group. At the weekend we invite a friend and we have nowhere to buy another. We also think: “I am not going to buy one for an outlet.” If the Prefecture stops us for an inspection we would be violating the provisions on the amount required on board, because you have to carry one for each person who sails. Regardless of whether it stops us or not, if the navigation goes well there are no problems, but if we have an accident, the regret will be late.
Models
Rules
There are different types of life jackets on the market. Rigid vests (commonly called ponchos) are what we must take on board. They have the particularity of having a greater ability to keep a person afloat for longer and, in addition, they make the shipwrecked head is raised in such a way that they prevent him from swallowing water. They are bought in nautical houses and have to be approved by the Prefecture. In addition, they must necessarily have reflective bands. Compared to the self-inflating ones, they are more expensive, and sometimes they are not approved.
Now, is it mandatory to wear them? On paddle boats, kayaks, jet skis, and jet skis, yes. In these cases, the so-called DAFs are used, which are floating aid devices. They are type vests that, although they are proven for use in these boats, do not have the same benefits as the so-called ponchos that are mandatory for use on boats and cruises. Many times we believe that these replace the regulations but they are not.
Swimming
Although there are no regulations that indicate that the life jacket must be worn on motorboats, it is the most recommended when, due to certain circumstances, there is a risk of falling into the water (bad weather, high waves, traveling sitting on the bow). The same occurs in rubber, semi-rigid, and those low-sided boats with high seats (such as tracker). A common comment is that with the vest on you cannot swim. In case of falling into the water you should not swim, you do not have to lose energy.
If any children fall into the water, they can be fitted with a sports model. In this way, children can easily rescue. But the main point is that don’t replace your place with another person. Sometimes it may be dangerous for all of the people.
