Personal Floatation Device Fit

According to the Coast Guard, most adults need only an extra seven to twelve pounds of buoyancy to keep their heads above water. PFDs can give that "extra lift", to keep the wearer floating until help arrives.

Selection and fit are crucial. Along with weight, other selection factors include body fat, lung capacity, clothing, type of water and its conditions, and so on. Your employer can assist you with selecting and fitting PFD that will keep you safe.

The label of the PFD indicates the weight and size for which the PFD was designed. Higher buoyancy means higher lift; inflatable Type I designs provide a minimum adult buoyancy of 33 pounds, while those of buoyant foam of Kapok material will provide a minimum of 22 pounds.

You should try on your PFD and adjust it to make sure it fits comfortably but snugly. The Coast Guard recommends then testing your PFD in shallow water.

Check the buoyancy by relaxing you body and letting your head tilt back. Your PFD should keep your chin above water and allow you to breathe easily.

The PFD should not ride up on the body when in the water, but if a wearer's stomach is larger than the chest, the PFD may ride up. In this case, make sure the ride up does not impair the PFD's performance.

If, during the test, your mouth is not well above water, get a new PFD or one with more buoyancy.

You should understand that the PFD may not act the same in swift or rough water as calm water. The clothing you have on and any items on you or in your pockets can change the way the PFD works.

Once you have selected, fit, and tested your PFD, wear it. Most drownings (9 out of 10) occur in inland waters, many within a few feet of safety.

A number of drowning victims would have remained safe if they had worn the PFDs they had, but were not wearing (or wore improperly).

PFDs must by worn with all straps, zippers, and ties fastened properly, loose strap ends should be tucked away to prevent getting hung up on other objects. Make sure your co-workers are also wearing their PFDs properly.

To learn more about Water Safety & Drowning Hazards visit our Water Safety & Drowning Hazards Online Training web page.