When out on the water, wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) is key to safety. PFDs come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors, yet the most important factor remains: where should you store and wear them? Fortunately, answer lies in the specific design of your boat, but there are still things to consider to ensure you stay safe while out on the open waters.
On smaller boats, such as kayaks, canoes, and rowboats, PFDs should always be worn, either under or over clothing, or strapped securely to the boat. Boats with a little more space can usually accommodate PFDs stored in a locker or on the deck, ready to be grabbed in the event of an emergency. Typically, PFDs should be stored in an easily accessible area, such as the cockpit, for both convenience and safety.
For larger vessels, such as motorboats, the process of deciding where to store PFDs depends on the number of passengers on board. Motorboats should always have enough PFDs to cover every passenger, as well as easily accessible throwable devices such as a buoy or ring buoy. When it comes to storage, PFDs should generally be secured in an area near the helm and in a neat, orderly manner. This ensures that any necessary safety attire can be grabbed quickly in the event of an emergency.
Another factor to consider when it comes to the storage of PFDs is the kind of water you’ll be out on. If you’ll be enjoying the open, often rough waters of the ocean, it’s important to make sure PFDs are accessible and ready for immediate use. If fishing in more shallow areas, it’s likely safe to store PFDs in a locker or under a seat. It’s best to use common sense when deciding where to store PFDs, as it could be the difference between staying safe or putting yourself at risk.
No matter where you choose to store or wear your PFDs, the most important thing to consider is the safety of your passengers and yourself. To help avoid injury or death, always make sure all passengers have the right size and type of PFD, wear them as instructed while on the boat, and are aware of their location if they need them. Taking these steps will guarantee the highest level of safety when out on the water.