It is important to get the choice of personal flotation device right each time a person goes afloat, particularly for people who may not be able to actively participate in their own self-righting if they were to end up in the water.
The RYA’s website has information about buoyancy aids and lifejackets, but a useful start point is:
All flotation devices should be well maintained, serviced and be ready for use. Remember the devices only work if they are worn.
Lifejackets and buoyancy aids have different levels of buoyancy and for self-inflating lifejackets, different mechanisms to trigger auto-inflation – all of which will influence the choice you make.
Factors related to the person are likely to have more of an impact on the performance of flotation devices than the characteristics of the device itself. Specifically, if using a lifejacket which is designed to self-right, self-righting can never be guaranteed due to a wide range of variables.
The variables include but are not limited to:
Factors relating to the environment should also influence choice, including:
Whatever device is chosen by the sailor or a competent person allocating equipment the following are important points to remember:
Find out more about safety issues related to strapping and harnesses that may be used to maintain posture in improve controls of the sails and steering
Next: strapping and harnessesAn overview of the key elements of safety systems
Providers of activity have a clear duty of care to keep those involved in the activity safe. People of all ages, with a wide range of impairments go sailing. It is important to consider the person, the situation and the staff / volunteers involved before making safety decisions.
It is important to get the choice of personal flotation device right each time a person goes afloat, particularly for people who may not be able to actively participate in their own self-righting if they were to end up in the water.
Strapping and other equipment are used for several reasons including to maintain posture and improve control of sails and steering. Straps and harnesses can be used by a person day to day (for example, in a wheelchair) or as a specific part of sailing equipment.
Self-righting means different things for different vessels. Experience shows self-righting boats can and do get ‘knocked down’ or capsize, increasing the risk of inversion and entrapment. There are known examples where through a variety of factors they have subsequently inverted, including with the keel or weighted centre board retracted.
Any modifications that deviate from the original design specification may alter the stability characteristics of that vessel and access to the full range of controls (steering and sails).
When towing vessels participants usually remain in the boat. The seating arrangements in some vessels used for disabled people, and participants’ own limited mobility, may make it harder for the crew to stay out of the way of a tow rope, particularly if multiple vessels are being towed
Explore equipment like slings or wet nets, the importance for having a plan for individuals who may not be able to fully help themselves and the role really good communication plays
Seating and posture are important for both personal safety and the ability to take an active part in sailing.