Life Vest

How to Care For Life Jackets and Boat Flotation Gear

Life jackets are a prime example of important water safety equipment that tends to be neglected. Always check and maintain your life vests, flotation cushions and other emergency equipment when you return to the dock and you will always be properly equipped and ready for your next sail.

Like most of your boating equipment, it only takes a few moments to check your flotation gear and store it away properly. Make it a point to follow these simple maintenance and storage tips and your life jackets will be safe and ready to use for many, many years.

1. Never keep a life vest that is not in good condition. After each use quickly inspect for rips, tears, mold, mildew and worn areas. Discard any flotation equipment that appearsw to be in poor condition. What may appear to be just a slight tear or worn area can separate when under stress, putting the user's life in jeopardy. Cut up any life preserver or vest that you are discarding so that no one will be tempted to use an unsafe item.

2. Always give every life jacket and flotation cushion a good rinse at the end of the day. The salt in sea spray, and even in perspiration, will attract moisture. This moisture in turn attracts mildew and rot. Removing salt will help keep this important equipment dry in storage. Rinse all your flotation gear well when you are done using it for the day.

3. If a life vest or a float cushion is soiled and needs more than a quick rinse, use a mild detergent to wash it down, and then rinse thoroughly. Never use strong cleaning products and never dry clean a life jacket. These chemicals can weaken the fabric and reduce buoyancy.

4. Allow your gear to air dry naturally before you store it away. Avoid trying to speed the process up by using a radiator, stove, hair dryer, or other source of direct heat. Excessive heat can weaken or destroy the outer fabric and break down the inner flotation material.

5. Always store your clean, dry life jackets in a well-ventilated area that stays dry. At the end of the season, bring all life vests and other flotation gear ashore for winter storage.

6. Never use a life jacket as a boat bumper, seat cushion or a pillow, and do not store heavy items on top of your life preservers. Unrelieved pressure can compress the air pockets in the flotation material, dramatically reducing its effectiveness.

7. Immediately replace any child's life vest that has grown too small, even mid-season. A too-small flotation device will not properly support excess weight in the water. A life vest that is not worn because it has become uncomfortable, or that doesn't float high enough in the water, is a life vest that can't properly do it's life-saving job.

These seven simple maintenance steps will keep your life jackets and other flotation gear in good condition for many years of service and peace of mind on and in the water.

About the Author

Baby and toddler life jackets must fit correctly to do their job. Follow these guidelines to select and fit a baby life jacket before you go on or near the water. For more expert information on baby water toys visit http://www.babywatertoys.com

Adult Life Vest $37.99 Fly Racing Adult Life Vest 200 Denier Oxford Nylon shell Unisex sizing U.S. Coast Guard approved Type III Great vest at a great price

ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR / LIFE VEST, INFANT CHARACTER / 3600-0108 $34.98 ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR - LIFE VEST, INFANT CHARACTER - 3600-0108

ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR / LIFE VEST, CHILD CHARACTER / 4601-0114 $34.98 ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR - LIFE VEST, CHILD CHARACTER - 4601-0114

Youth Life Vest $29.99 Fly Racing Youth Life Vest 200 Denier Oxford Nylon shell Unisex sizing Child and Youth vests are U.S. Coast Guard approved Type III Size information: 50-90lbs

Child Life Vest $28.99 Fly Racing Child Life Vest 200 Denier Oxford Nylon shell Unisex sizing Child and Youth vests are U.S. Coast Guard approved Type III Size information: 30-50lbs

Infant Life Vest $28.99 Fly Racing Infant Life Vest 200 Denier Oxford Nylon shell Unisex sizing Infant vests are U.S. Coast Guard approved Type II Size information: under 30lbs

Women's Neoprene Life Vest $73.99 Fly Racing Women's Neoprene Life Vest Made with 1.5mm Neoprene for ultra comfort and durability Zipper closure with 2 belt straps Extra large arm holes for freedom of movement Strength tested at 50mph (22.4 m/s) U.S. Coast Guard approved Type III Not tested for personal protection from impact

Pullover Life Vest $56.99 Fly Racing Pullover Life Vest 200 Denier Nylon outer shell PVC foam construction Extra large arm holes for freedom of movement Pullover design eliminates buckles on front chest U.S. Coast Guard approved Type III

Neoprene Life Vest $80.99 Fly Racing Neoprene Life Vest Made with 1.5mm Neoprene for ultra comfort and durability Zipper closure with 2 belt straps Extra large arm holes for freedom of movement Strength tested at 50mph (22.4 m/s) U.S. Coast Guard approved Type III Not tested for personal protection from impact

Speed and Strength Mens Hard Knock Life Leather Vest $179.96 . Speed and Strength Men's Hard Knock Life Leather Vest

Stearns / Stearns 2220 Comfort Series Life Vest - Tan - Medium / 2000007020 $42.83 Stearns - Stearns 2220 Comfort Series Life Vest - Tan - Medium - 2000007020

ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR / LIFE VEST, CHILD FLEX-BACK, RED / 1461RED99 $55.49 ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR - LIFE VEST, CHILD FLEX-BACK, RED - 1461RED99

ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR / LIFE VEST, CHILD FLEX-BACK, PIN / 1461PNK99 $55.49 ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR - LIFE VEST, CHILD FLEX-BACK, PIN - 1461PNK99

ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR / LIFE VEST, S/M, ADULT DUAL-SIZE / 4510RED03 $58.01 ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR - LIFE VEST, S/M, ADULT DUAL-SIZE - 4510RED03

ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR / LIFE VEST, 2XL/3XL, SHOAL PADDL / 5010SAP07 $62.71 ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR - LIFE VEST, 2XL/3XL, SHOAL PADDL - 5010SAP07

ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR / LIFE VEST, 2XL/3XL, PIKE PADDLE / 5020DKG07 $58.01 ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR - LIFE VEST, 2XL/3XL, PIKE PADDLE - 5020DKG07

ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR / LIFE VEST, 2XL/3XL, RIVERTON PA / 5030RED07 $70.89 ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR - LIFE VEST, 2XL/3XL, RIVERTON PA - 5030RED07

Stearns / Stearns 2220 Comfort Series Life Vest - Tan - Small / 2000007014 $42.83 Stearns - Stearns 2220 Comfort Series Life Vest - Tan - Small - 2000007014

Stearns / Stearns 2220 Comfort Series Life Vest - Tan - Large / 2000007021 $42.83 Stearns - Stearns 2220 Comfort Series Life Vest - Tan - Large - 2000007021

Stearns / Stearns 2220 Comfort Series Life Vest - Tan - XXL / 2000007023 $43.69 Stearns - Stearns 2220 Comfort Series Life Vest - Tan - XXL - 2000007023

ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR / LIFE VEST, CHILD GENERAL PURPOS / 3332-0131 $32.88 ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR - LIFE VEST, CHILD GENERAL PURPOS - 3332-0131

ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR / LIFE VEST, CHILD GENERAL PURPOS / 3332-0132 $32.88 ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR - LIFE VEST, CHILD GENERAL PURPOS - 3332-0132

ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR / LIFE VEST, YOUTH GENERAL PURPOS / 3352-0131 $32.88 ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR - LIFE VEST, YOUTH GENERAL PURPOS - 3352-0131

ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR / LIFE VEST, YOUTH GENERAL PURPOS / 3352-0132 $32.88 ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR - LIFE VEST, YOUTH GENERAL PURPOS - 3352-0132

ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR / LIFE VEST, UNIV, ADULT GENERAL / 3570-0131 $32.88 ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR - LIFE VEST, UNIV, ADULT GENERAL - 3570-0131

ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR / LIFE VEST, UNIV, ADULT GENERAL / 3570-0132 $32.88 ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR - LIFE VEST, UNIV, ADULT GENERAL - 3570-0132

ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR / LIFE VEST, LG, LADIES' NEOPRENE / 4505CHR04 $58.01 ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR - LIFE VEST, LG, LADIES' NEOPRENE - 4505CHR04

ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR / LIFE VEST, S/M, SHOAL PADDLE SP / 5010SAP03 $62.71 ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR - LIFE VEST, S/M, SHOAL PADDLE SP - 5010SAP03

ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR / LIFE VEST, L/XL, SHOAL PADDLE S / 5010SAP05 $62.71 ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR - LIFE VEST, L/XL, SHOAL PADDLE S - 5010SAP05

ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR / LIFE VEST, S/M, PIKE PADDLE SPO / 5020DKG03 $58.01 ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR - LIFE VEST, S/M, PIKE PADDLE SPO - 5020DKG03

ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR / LIFE VEST, L/XL, PIKE PADDLE SP / 5020DKG05 $58.01 ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR - LIFE VEST, L/XL, PIKE PADDLE SP - 5020DKG05

ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR / LIFE VEST, S/M, RIVERTON PADDLE / 5030RED03 $70.89 ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR - LIFE VEST, S/M, RIVERTON PADDLE - 5030RED03

ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR / LIFE VEST, L/XL, RIVERTON PADDL / 5030RED05 $70.89 ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR - LIFE VEST, L/XL, RIVERTON PADDL - 5030RED05

Airhead 1001704BBKSV Life Vest $59.99 "Airhead Comfort Flex Neoprene PFD - S/M Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, Product # 1001704BBKSV (S/M) Product # 1001705BBKSV (L/XL) Product # 10017056BKSV (2XL/3XL)The Airhead 10017 is a one of the best quality floatation vests for adults. Ergonomically designed deep necklines and extra large armholes facilitate the mobility for your active lifestyle. It's designs and production are subject to strict UL, ULC or CE inspection . The Neoprene PFD has three 1 wide adjustable belts for custom fit, and is made of EPE, PVC/EPE or PVC dual foam for light weight and quick drying. 10017 Features: Product # 10017, Comfort Flex PFD Vest, Subject to Strict UL, ULC, & CE Inspection, 3 Adjustable Belts, NeoLite construction, Light Weight & Quick Drying, Sizing Chart: S/M: 90-150 lbs. L/XL: 150-220 lbs. 2XL/3XL: 220 lbs."

Airhead 10017056BKSV Life Vest $59.99 "Airhead Comfort Flex Neoprene PFD - 2XL/3XL Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, Product # 1001704BBKSV (S/M) Product # 1001705BBKSV (L/XL) Product # 10017056BKSV (2XL/3XL)The Airhead 10017 is a one of the best quality floatation vests for adults. Ergonomically designed deep necklines and extra large armholes facilitate the mobility for your active lifestyle. It's designs and production are subject to strict UL, ULC or CE inspection . The Neoprene PFD has three 1 wide adjustable belts for custom fit, and is made of EPE, PVC/EPE or PVC dual foam for light weight and quick drying. 10017 Features: Product # 10017, Comfort Flex PFD Vest, Subject to Strict UL, ULC, & CE Inspection, 3 Adjustable Belts, NeoLite construction, Light Weight & Quick Drying, Sizing Chart: S/M: 90-150 lbs. L/XL: 150-220 lbs. 2XL/3XL: 220 lbs."

Airhead 1001705BBKSV Life Vest $59.99 "Airhead Comfort Flex Neoprene PFD - L/XL Brand New Includes One Year Warranty, Product # 1001704BBKSV (S/M) Product # 1001705BBKSV (L/XL) Product # 10017056BKSV (2XL/3XL)The Airhead 10017 is a one of the best quality floatation vests for adults. Ergonomically designed deep necklines and extra large armholes facilitate the mobility for your active lifestyle. It's designs and production are subject to strict UL, ULC or CE inspection . The Neoprene PFD has three 1 wide adjustable belts for custom fit, and is made of EPE, PVC/EPE or PVC dual foam for light weight and quick drying. 10017 Features: Product # 10017, Comfort Flex PFD Vest, Subject to Strict UL, ULC, & CE Inspection, 3 Adjustable Belts, NeoLite construction, Light Weight & Quick Drying, Sizing Chart: S/M: 90-150 lbs. L/XL: 150-220 lbs. 2XL/3XL: 220 lbs."

Aviva PFD Polyester Youth Life Vest $21.82 Keep yourself safe with a comfy, lightweight dura polyester vest! This water safety device boasts bright colors that make you easy to spot in the water. Type III PFD; Intended use: ski vest, wakeboard vest. U.S. Coast Guard approved. Made for youth 50-90 lbs., and for chests 25" - 29".

Aviva PFD Polyester Child Life Vest $21.82 Keep yourself safe with a comfy, lightweight dura polyester vest! This water safety device boasts bright colors that make you easy to spot in the water. Type III PFD; Intended use: water skiing, ski vest, or wakeboarding vest. U.S. Coast Guard approved. Made for youth 30-50 lbs..

Jetpilot Apex Nylon Blue Life Vest $124.71 This Apex Nulon life vest from Jetpilot is US Coast Guard approved with a 3-buckle hidden webbing design. This life vest is a 100 MPH rated vest with super soft polyester and patented side entry design.Color: BlueClosure: Side entryAdult/child: AdultSize: Small/medium, large/X-large3-buckle hidden webbing design100 MPH rated vestUS Coast Guard approvedMaterials: NylonModel: JP1212-Blue

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