The Lifesaving Society believes it is essential that everyone wear a lifejacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD) regardless of their swimming ability when boating. Therefore, we invite you to host a Lifejacket Clinic at your facility.
The purposes of the Lifejacket Clinic are to:
- Convey how important wearing a lifejacket is for everyone including parents/guardians, the important safety features found on lifejackets/PFDs, and the potential consequences of not wearing a lifejacket/PFD.
- Ensure the public understands what "proper fit" means – especially for children.
- Hands-on experience with different types of lifejackets and PFDs.
- Understanding the effects of cold water.
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How to run a Lifejacket Clinic:
- Pick a location and time for the event. A clinic requires few staff and no water, so it can be run in lobbies/ hallways, even local schools, malls and parking lots.
- Advertise the clinic through posters, newsletters, websites, social media, word-of-mouth, etc.
- Collect different sizes and types of lifejackets and PFDs.
- Consider contacting local sporting goods store who may want to donate, sell, or lend some lifejackets for the event, or offer disounts.
- On the day of,
- Establish 2-3 enthusiastic staff to run the clinic
- Display an assortment of lifejackets/PFD’s
- Have participants try on different sizes/styles of lifejackets/PFD’s
- Have copies of informational material present for the taking
- Consider setting up a Cold Water Immersion Activity Station (see docuent below)
Resources:
Lifejackets vs PFDs
Lifejackets for children
Lifejackets for adults
Cold Water Simulation Activity
Other Water Smart resources