Safety Jackets
Safety jackets have been around for thousands of years. There is evidence of primitive jackets that were made by taking animal bladders and filling them with water. Development of the safety jacket continued through the years and became more sophisticated. Today, safety jackets are made of comfortable but resilient material.
-
Identification
-
Safety jackets are typically brightly colored. Jackets that are worn for hunting safety are bright orange to allow the hunter to stand out and be visible to other hunters. Life jackets that are used in the water are generally a bright color as well, such as yellow or orange, but their primary function is to help a person stay afloat in the water. While it helps for them to be seen in the water, the flotation devices embedded in the jacket provide the main function.
Considerations
-
Having the proper safety jacket for whatever activity you are taking part in is important. The only way the safety jacket can be effective is if it is worn. Make sure that the jacket fits properly. A safety jacket that does not fit the wearer the correct way can sometimes be more of a danger than a help.
-
Types
-
Life jackets are a type of safety jacket that are typically used in the water. They have flotation devices in them to help a person who is having trouble in the water stay afloat. A high visibility jacket is another type of safety jacket that is beneficial when you need to be seen. This could be useful when you're out jogging or riding a bicycle late at night. These jackets are made with special reflectors and usually come in very bright colors. Hunters are wise to wear safety jackets as well; these jackets are brightly colored, allowing the hunter to stand out in the woods so that a fellow hunter will not mistake him for prey.
Function
-
Safety jackets have one main function, and that is to protect the wearer in some way. Reflective jackets protect wearers by allowing them to be seen so they do not become the victim of a hit-and-run or a gunshot. Life jackets that are worn in the water protect wearers by helping to keep them afloat until they can be rescued.
Laws
-
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, every person on a boat must have an approved life jacket. Every state in the United States has requirements for children to wear life jackets when boating. The Coast Guard recommends that life jackets be tested once per year to make sure they are still in good working order.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit lifeguard jackets image by Vladislav Gajic from Fotolia.com
