Life Jacket Options - OnlineWatersports.com

Now that we are getting into the boating season it's time to start thinking about the right life jacket for you. One of our previous blogs is a great reference on finding a life jacket. Click here to read it!

OnlineWatersports.com has a huge variety of life jackets for everyone in your family from name brand dealers like O'Brien, Hyperlite, and HO Sports. Featuring toddler, teen, women, and men's life jackets, you're going to find the correct size and style to fit everyone in your boat. In Pennsylvania, children 13 years and younger are required by Federal Regulations to wear a life jacket when not in an enclosed cabin or below deck. There must be a wearable life jacket for each person on board your vessel. There are many different types of life jackets depending on your boating activities and OnlineWatersports.com offers them all!

Physically located on Lake Wallenpaupack at 969 Route 507 Greentown, Pa 18426, you can purchase your life jackets in store or online.

Happy Boating!

Boating Safety for Children

 

Boating is a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends. Whether tubing, water skiing, sailing, or just lounging around on the water, there is no better place to connect with loved ones than outdoors. Nevertheless, it is very important to keep everyone's safety in mind. Did you know that Pennsylvania law states anyone 13 years and younger must wear a PFD (personal flotation device) at all times while on a vessel? Here are some other tips to consider while boating with kids:

Wear the right life jacket – Make sure kids not only wear a life jacket that is U.S. Coast Guard approved, but that it also fits them correctly. While raising both arms straight up, the life jacket should not reach the child’s chin or ears. A life jacket should be snug and fit securely. For more information on choosing the right life jacket, click here.

Keep warm – Children and babies are at a higher risk for hypothermia. It may not feel cold to you but a child may not be able to handle the temperature as well. Make sure you properly dress them, and wrap them with blankets or towels if they are shivering.

Set safety rules – Set some rules to keep kids safe on the boat. No running, no roughhousing, and no jumping are some good rules to follow. Make sure they are aware of the boundaries on the boat and where they are allowed to go while on-board.

Be prepared – No matter how careful you are, sometimes things go wrong. Ensure that you can handle a situation should one arise. Learn CPR, install a carbon monoxide alarm to alert you of toxic fumes, and make everyone aware of the location of the fire extinguisher.

Teach children the difference between swimming in a pool as opposed to open water – Unlike a pool, open water has uneven surfaces, currents, and an unknown bottom. You never know what is under the surface, so kids should not dive into open water or swim too far away from the boat.

Supervise children – Each child is different and has unique capabilities. Enroll your child in swimming lessons so they learn how to tread water, float, and swim. Keep an eye on them when they are in the water and never allow a teen to operate a vessel without supervision.

The Right Life Jacket For You!

 

Where would you think most drownings occur? Most likely at sea, right? That's actually not the case! Nine out of ten drownings occur in inland waters and most involve boats that are less than 20-feet long. Almost 85% of victims of drowning are not wearing a life jacket! In just 60 seconds an adult can drown and a child can drown in just 20 seconds. Most victims chose not to wear a life jacket that was available to them. It's not only important to wear a life jacket, it's important to wear the right life jacket for you.

In Pennsylvania, children 13 years and younger are required by Federal Regulations to wear a life jacket when not in an enclosed cabin or below deck. There must be a wearable life jacket for each person on board your vessel. There are many different types of life jackets depending on your boating activities.

To ensure you have the right life jacket for you, try it on and make sure it fits snugly. It should keep your chin above water and should not ride up on the body. Care for your life jacket correctly to keep it in good condition.

A life jacket will only work if you wear it! For more information on care, maintenance, and finding the right life jacket for you, here is a great guide!