Life Jackets

The use of life jackets is of great importance in making sailing safe. Life jackets are one of the fundamental elements of safety on board, which is also covered extensively in the IYT yachting training curriculum. The most important feature that distinguishes life jackets used on sailing boats from those used on other watercraft such as jet skis and canoes is that when inflated, they form a shape that grips the victim by the neck and keeps their mouth and nose above the water’s surface. There should be one life jacket for each person on board, and separate life jackets for children must also be provided. When choosing models for children, make sure that they have neck support collars and that the straps are designed to wrap around the legs to prevent the jacket from slipping up. For this reason, when renting a boat, be sure to ask the authorities to confirm the number of life jackets on board. Make sure that there are life jackets for children. If you own a sailboat, there are a few things to keep in mind regarding the maintenance and storage of life jackets. First of all, life jackets should not be used for purposes such as cushions or pillows. Water and soap are sufficient for washing, and they should not be dried in direct sunlight, but in the shade. When not in use, they should be kept dry and stored in a well-ventilated area. During sailing, they should be stored in a place where they can be easily accessed when needed, with their settings properly adjusted.