Stearns Safety & Survival 1189 - Manual (Page 12)

VI. WHY ARE PFDS REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT?
Drownings are the leading cause of fatalities involving recreational
boating. A PFD provides flotation to help keep your head above water,
help you to stay face up in the water, and increase your chances for
survival and rescue. Most adults only need an extra 7 to 12 pounds (31
to 53 Newtons) of flotation to keep their heads above water. The proper
size PFD will properly support the weight of the wearer. Since this
inflatable PFD does not have inherent buoyancy, it provides flotation
only when inflated. Familiarize yourself with the use of this PFD so that
you will know what to do in an emergency.
VII. HOW AND WHY TO TEST YOUR PFD?
Inflate your PFD and try it out in the water to:
• Make sure it floats you:
- Comfortably (When worn properly)
- Adequately for expected wave conditions
(Body shapes/densities affect performance)
• Make sure it works:
- A flow of bubbles should not appear
(See Section V on Page 10 for leak tests)
- It should inflate quick and easily
• Learn how it works by:
- Activating the CO2 inflation system
- Rearming the CO2 inflation system
- Using the Oral inflator tube
The U.S. Coast Guard recommends that you purchase two rearming
kits; one to be used immediately in testing the inflation system and the
other to carry on board as a spare.
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