Inflatable life jackets have been on the market for two decades now and are a great option for many boaters. Inflatables come in many varieties including manual, automatic, hydrostatic, and hybrid mechanisms for harnesses, coats, or belt packs. Technology has really evolved along with the level of comfort. Inflatables are becoming more commonly seen and worn, which is a good thing compared to not wearing a life jacket of any kind. However, it’s only a good thing if you know how to properly wear, maintain, and care for this style of a life jacket. In the past few years, there have been multiple boating fatalities in Oregon from people wearing inflatable lifejackets that either malfunctioned or were tampered with outside the manufactures re-arming instructions and procedures.
Consider inflatable life jackets a mechanical device that requires routine maintenance. Reading the owner’s manual before use and being familiar with how to deploy the device is critical because, when you need it in an emergency, your fight or flight mode takes over from cognitive thinking. Practice holding the right side of the harness, following it down, and feeling for the rip cord. This will develop your muscle memory. Also, become familiar with the oral inflation tube and deflation mechanism. Get comfortable with the feel, versus relying on sight to deploy the cartridge.
The critical maintenance and care components include the bladder, inflation mechanism, CO2 cylinder, and harness which hold everything together. Each manufacturer may recommend different intervals for orally inflating and leaving an inflated lifejacket overnight in a room with a constant temperature. If the bladder loses air, it’s not going to help you, and is time for a new one. Pinhole punctures from hooks, wear points from being stored in seat boxes, and overall aging materials are red flags for replacement.
Additionally, there are components of the inflation mechanism that corrode over time and the CO2 cartridges have a shelf life of up to five years. If you go to a sporting goods store to purchase a replacement cartridge, always check the expiration date. It is not uncommon to see store inventory get stagnant, so keep an eye out for a current-year cartridge. Please know that there are many types of CO2 cartridges, sizes, and attachment methods to the inflation mechanism. Each inflatable life jacket contains a tag with cartridge specifications from the manufacturer near the mechanism. Equally as important, not all inflatables are sold with CO2 cartridges installed. Some inflatable cartridges are sold separately.
If you haven’t worn an inflatable life jacket deployed in the water before, you’re encouraged to give it a try in a controlled environment. Use the oral inflation tube to add or release air. Try to self-rescue by swimming or doing other physical things outside just treading water. You may find the life jacket doesn’t fit your frame well or is not what you anticipated. Keep in mind there are activity-specific inflatable life jackets on the market today that are inherently buoyant (foam style) and very comfortable to wear.
What we know is life jackets work when they’re taken care of and worn. Nationally, 85% of boating fatality victims were not wearing a life jacket. Oregon’s statistics mirror the national statistics closely.
Please wear a life jacket, especially when crossing a coastal bar, during solo operations, and in cold-water conditions.
Learn more about life jackets for any type of boating activity!
See what happens when Brian jumps into a pool wearing an automatic harness-style inflatable. There is a delay and Brian submerges several feet before the device is automatically activated. Inflatables are not recommended for anyone who has a fear of the water or is a novice swimmer.
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