SAFETY on boats is paramount, especially with children on board. It’s important that your little boaties wear proper approved lifejackets when underway and for smaller children, at all times on boats. There’s no need to risk the unimaginable with cheap toy lifejackets or by using spare adult sized lifejackets that don’t fit properly. These days, kids’ size Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) built to Australian safety standards are affordable and easily available.
Platinum Marine’s latest range of PFDs includes nine models for children and the sizing lists a weight range, making it easy to match the right size to each child. The Platinum Excalibur PFD1 and Apollo PFD1 ranges both offer three sizes: Child X-Small (10-15kg), Child Small (12-25kg), and Child Med (22-40kg), all of which are licensed products that meet the strictest Australian safety standards. They also have clever features such as bright visible colours, reflective strips, a whistle and easy grab points.
PFD2 type jackets are more comfortable and suitable for mobile activities, such as riding in a ski biscuit or water-skiing. The Platinum Ocean Wave PFD2 jackets come in two sizes for kids: Child (12-25kg) and Junior (22-40kg).
Block-type PFDs are the most affordable and most common PFDs stowed on boats in Australia, because they’re a cheap way to cover minimum legal safety requirements, yet ensure your passengers are safe. However, too many boaties carry adult sizes of these for their kids, overlooking the fact that it doesn’t provide the same level of safety and is also illegal. There is no need to do this when a kid’s size is also available in this format—and they are dirt cheap. The Platinum Standard Childs PFD1 block type is rated for kids 22-40/40-60kg. The Jarvis Walker brand also has this style in a kid’s size, called the Jarvis Walker Std Block PFD 1 Child.
Carrying the correct size PFDs on board for your children is an easy way to make your boating hassle-free, fun and relaxing this summer. The better a PFD fits, the safer it is and importantly, the more comfortable it is to wear all day, which minimises complaints and resistance to wearing what could be a life saver.
It is just as important to ensure the adults on board are covered, too, so check all your safety gear and adult PFDs regularly and enjoy your boating with peace of mind.
For more information on Platinum Marine lifejackets, visit www.platinummarine.com.au/category/safety
