Suiting Up: Knowing Your Life Jacket

1. Wearing a life jacket is a sign of fear and a lack of confidence.

True

False

Refusing to wear a life jacket is a sign of ignorance.

Explanation

Refusing to wear a life jacket is a sign of ignorance.

2. A life jacket is designed to keep your head above water and let you maintain a position that allows proper breathing should you fall in.

True

False

This is especially true of Type 1 life vests.

Explanation

This is especially true of Type 1 life vests.

3. If you are in shallow water or close to shore, there is no need to wear a life jacket while on a boat.

True

False

Drowning can occur in both shallow and deep water.

Explanation

Drowning can occur in both shallow and deep water.

4. Which life vest is recommended for the open seas and rough waters?

Offshore life jacket

Nearshore vest

Flotation Aids

This can be used for adults and children. It is recommended for open sea travel where there is a potential that rescue will be delayed.

Explanation

This can be used for adults and children. It is recommended for open sea travel where there is a potential that rescue will be delayed.

5. If you are an experienced boater and a strong swimmer, there is a low risk of drowning.

True

False

Drowning is always possible and has nothing to do with competency or experience.

Explanation

Drowning is always possible and has nothing to do with competency or experience.

6. Life jackets restrict movement on the boat and can interfere with your boating activities.

True

False

Personal Flotation Devices are comfortable and can be worn over bathing suits or clothing. It is often too late to try to put on a life jacket once you have fallen overboard.

Explanation

Personal Flotation Devices are comfortable and can be worn over bathing suits or clothing. It is often too late to try to put on a life jacket once you have fallen overboard.

7. Life jackets used by water skiers are appropriate for boaters as well since any life jacket will save your life on the open seas.

True

False

No, there are different types of life vests for different activities. A life jacket used by a water skier will not turn the unconscious swimmer into a face up position, and will not help the boater keep his head above the water especially in the open seas.

Explanation

No, there are different types of life vests for different activities. A life jacket used by a water skier will not turn the unconscious swimmer into a face up position, and will not help the boater keep his head above the water especially in the open seas.

8. A life jacket can protect me against hypothermia and injury should i fall overboard.

True

False

A life jacket provides extra protective padding and insulation when you are in the water.

Explanation

A life jacket provides extra protective padding and insulation when you are in the water.

9. A life jacket needs to support all of my weight.

True

False

No, a life jacket simply needs to displace enough water to keep your head out of the water. Your body is already naturally buoyant in the ocean.

Explanation

No, a life jacket simply needs to displace enough water to keep your head out of the water. Your body is already naturally buoyant in the ocean.

10. What is a good example of a throwable flotation device?

A seat cushion

A stick

A beach ball

A styrofoam cooler top

A styrofoam cooler top is a good example of a throwable flotation device because it is made of lightweight and buoyant material, which allows it to float on water. It can be easily thrown to someone in need of assistance in the water, providing them with a floating platform to hold onto and stay afloat until help arrives.

Explanation

A styrofoam cooler top is a good example of a throwable flotation device because it is made of lightweight and buoyant material, which allows it to float on water. It can be easily thrown to someone in need of assistance in the water, providing them with a floating platform to hold onto and stay afloat until help arrives.