Things You'll Need:
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Step 1
Choose a life vest designed for your needs. A "Type 1" life vest will turn an unconscious person right side up in the water and keep his or her face up to enable breathing even while unconscious. A "Type 2" life vest is not as strong as a Type 1 vest and will not keep an unconscious person's face out of the water. These two vests are for use in potentially life-threatening situations. A "Type 3" life vest is a "flotation aid" and is the usual choice for water recreation.
Make sure the life vest fits the person who will use it. It should fit snugly and the person's chin and ears should not fall through the opening at the neck. Children's life vests come in sizes according to the wearer's weight. -
Step 2
Check all of the life vest components prior to using the vest. Make sure buckles and straps work properly. Ensure that the fabric of the life vest is intact.
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Step 3
Practice swimming with the life vest to learn how it provides buoyancy. You will have a greater or lesser degree of flotation, depending upon the type of life vest you are using. Flotation aid vests generally provide flotation support to the wearer and allow them to stay at the surface of the water without sinking below the surface. These life vests will not prevent the wearer from flipping over from front to back or back to front and from putting their face in the water.
"Type 1" and "Type 2" life vests will provide more support and will restrict some swimming movements. Flipping from front to back and back to front may not be possible with these types of life jackets.
