LARSON Bass - Life Jackets

SAFETY
© 2003-2018 Ken Cook Co.
SECTION
2
Bass l 2 - 19
Control Hazard: Never remove or modify the engine
emergency stop switch and/or lanyard.
• Always check the switch for proper operation. With the engine
running, pull the lanyard. If the engine does not stop, have the switch
repaired before continuing to operate the boat. Never operate the
boat if the engine emergency stop switch does not work.
• Attach the engine stop switch cord lanyard to a secure place on your
clothing, your arm or leg while operating.
• Avoid accidentally pulling the cord lanyard during normal operation.
Loss of engine power means loss of most steering control. Also,
without engine power, the boat could slow rapidly. This could cause
people and objects in the boat to be thrown forward.
• DO NOT attach the cord lanyard to clothing that could tear loose. DO
NOT route the cord lanyard where it could become entangled,
preventing it from functioning.
LIFE JACKETS
Boaters enjoy the feel of sun and spray, so it’s tempting to boat without wearing a
life jacket, especially on nice days. However, the failure to wear life jackets is by far
the number one cause of boating fatalities.
Modern life jackets are available in a wide variety of shapes, colors, sizes and
technologies. Many are thin and flexible. Some are built right into fishing vests or
hunter coats. Others are inflatable and as compact as a scarf or fanny pack until
they hit water and automatically fill with air.
There’s no excuse for not wearing a life jacket on the water. Boat dealers or marine
stores are the best sources for guidance when selecting this most important piece
of safety equipment.
Things to Know about Life Jackets:
• Certain life jackets are designed to keep the head above water and help
you remain in a position that permits proper breathing.
• To meet USCG requirements, a boat must have a USCG-approved life
jacket for each person aboard. Boats 16 feet and over must have at least
one Type IV throwable device as well.
• All states have regulations regarding children wearing life jackets.
• Adult-sized life jackets will not work for children. Special life jackets for
children are available. To work correctly, a life jacket must be worn, fit
snugly and not allow the child’s chin or ears to slip through.