Book ofLesson Plans - Canadian Red Cross · Canadian Red Cross March 2004 PFD and ME Book of Lesson...

Canadian Red Cross March 2004PFD and ME Book of Lesson Plans /37

Lifejackets: the best one is the one you’ll wear

Book of Lesson Plans

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS…

Correct information + effective delivery = Increased retention and behaviour change

As a Canadian Red Cross Water Safety Instructor you have the ability to make a difference in changing attitudes and behaviours through effective delivery of water safety information. The Water Safety Program uses the Spirit of Injury Prevention to provide participants with opportunities to learn through “active and wet” activities and safety scenes.

This book of lesson plans is designed to support Water Safety Instructors in delivering information from the PFD and ME Information Poster and water safety program theme content.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE(S)

Recreational Activities Activity 4

Pin the Safety Features on the PFD Activity 5

Fashion Show Activity 6

Capsized Boat Activity 7-8

PFD Care Relay Activity 9

To Wear or Not To Wear Activity 10-11

What Is It? Activity 12

What’s The Difference? Activity 13

PFD Knowledge Relay Activity 14

Prepare – Going on a Trip Activity 15

H.E.L.P! Activity 16

H.E.L.P and Heat Loss Activity 17

AquaTots Song Activity 18

Wear Your Protective Gear Activity 19

What to Wear Activity 20-21

Handouts Activity 22

Choosing a Child’s PFD Handout 23-24

Choosing an Adult PFD Handout 25

Caring for Your PFD or Lifejacket Handout 26

Comparison Chart Handout 27

Children and Drowning Handout 28

Lifejackets and PFDs Handout 29-30

Care Characteristics Appendix #1 31

Pictures of Lifejackets, Inherently Buoyant and Inflatable PFDs Appendix #2 32-35

PFD Poster and Safety Features Appendix #3 36-37


INJURY PREVENTION SPIRIT

LANGUAGE Use appropriate safety knowledge reinforcing the main message of the program: PREPARE! STAY SAFE! SURVIVE!

SMALL CHUNKS Break information and skills into manageable progressions.

ASK WHYQuestion choices made to reinforce understanding (versus pure memorization).

WISE CHOICESCreate opportunities for participants to engage in activities that teach wise choices through a variety of scenarios.

EXPERIENCE RESULTS OF WISE CHOICES Create safety scenes and activities that provide participants with an opportunity to make choices.

HOW TO USE THE BOOK OF LESSON PLANSEach lesson plan (or “recipe”) contains the following:

Objective(s) Activity intent

Activity Activity description (including wet or dry)

Equipment Materials or tools required

Time frame Suggested time frame

Teaching Method Direct, discovery or games approach identified

Performance Criteria Evaluative criteria intended from the activity based on the level(s)

Level Suggested level(s) the activity would be appropriate for


RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

AT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 AA

Identify recreational activities where PFDs must be worn.

Students swim across the pool (length and type of swim is dependant on the level), choose and put on an appropriate PFD. Select a recreational activity where it is a wise choice to wear a PFD and swim back. Discuss choices. For AquaTots, modify so parent/care giver and child both put on PFDs and swim across.

Find and laminate pictures of recreational activities where a PFD should be worn. Include situations where a PFD is not necessary to allow students to demonstrate knowledge.

Suggested pictures include: water skiing, boating, canoeing, fishing from a dock, non swimmer on lake, personal watercraft, rowboat, etc.

AT 1 & 2: Parents put appropriate PFD on child and themselvesAT 3: Identify at least two situations where PFDs must be wornAQ 2: Identify at least two situations where PFDs must be worn, flotation and movement,

directions

Administration:

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Where in your lesson plan does this activity fit most effectively?

OBJECTIVE

ACTIVITY - WET

EQUIPMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

5 MINUTES

S

GAME


PIN THE SAFETY FEATURES ON THE PFD

AT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 AA

To understand the safety features to look for when purchasing a PFD.

Using a laminated or waterproof poster version of the PFD, students take turns selecting a safety feature and explaining why they made that choice. To keep the activity active and wet you may choose to have students perform a surface support, practice a skill in-between choices, use a relay format, etc.

Laminated or waterproof PFD poster (see Appendix #3).Laminated or waterproof safety features (see Appendix #3).

AT 1: Features of an approved lifejacket or PFDAQ 4: Describe 4 characteristics of an approved PFDAA: Describe characteristics of a PFD

Administration:


OBJECTIVE

ACTIVITY - WET

EQUIPMENT


5 MINUTES

S

GAME


FASHION SHOW

AT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 AA

Understand and describe features, benefits and appropriate recreational activities for a variety of lifejackets, inherently buoyant and inflatable PFDs.

Students find a partner. One models a selected PFD, lifejacket or inflatable while the other acts as run-way announcer promoting the features, benefits and recreational activities where it would be a wise choice to wear it. Make it wet by getting models to demonstrate floats, glides, entries, etc.

Modification: Play where the run-way announcer describes the characteristics of a good PFD.

Require an assortment of PFDs, lifejackets and inflatables.

AQ 4: Describe 4 characteristics of a good PFDAA: Describe characteristics and differences between a lifejacket and PFD

Administration:


OBJECTIVE

ACTIVITY - WET

EQUIPMENT


5-7 MINUTES

SGAME


CAPSIZED BOAT

AT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 AA

Identify that it is a wise choice to wear a PFD on a boat, not just have one available.

Safety Scene: It’s a sunny day and students PREPARE to go canoeing on a lake (insert appropriate name based on community you are teaching in). They have made a wise choice to bring their PFD but have chosen not to wear their PFD (unwise choice). It is a busy boating day and the number of motorboats on the lake is creating large waves, causing their canoe to capsize. The PFDs are thrown into the water. Students try to put them on in the water and/or cannot put them in the water and have to go into the HELP position. If the group is large enough, divide into two groups and have one group create waves with flutter boards. Switch.

NOTE: For AQ 2, ensure students can touch.

Discussion Questions:1. How easy (or hard) was it to put the PFD on in the water/go into the HELP position without a PFD?2. Would it be harder if the water were very cold (our waters in Canada can be as low as 10 degrees

C in the summer)?3. Is it a wise choice to take your PFD on the canoe but not wear it?4. What is the wise choice?

Reinforce message:90% of recreational boaters who drowned in 1999 were not wearing a PFD (this statistic has remained the same for the past 10 years). In many cases the victims had a PFD on board but were not wearing it or were wearing it incorrectly.

Progression Activity:Repeat the same activity during another lesson describing the scenario but allowing students to choose whether or not they wear their PFD.

PFDs or lifejackets, simulated canoeFlutter boards (optional)

Administration:


OBJECTIVE

ACTIVITY - WET

EQUIPMENT

DISCOVERY

5-7 MINUTES

S


AQ 2: Identify at least 2 situations where PFDs must be worn (provides an experience for one situation)

AQ 8: Demonstrate HELP (if wearing a PFD)Explain why PFDs must be worn to effectively demonstrate a HELP position



PFD CARE RELAY

AT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 AA

Identify appropriate ways to care for your PFD or lifejacket.

Divide into teams. On one side of the pool place a set of laminated care characteristics for each team (see Appendix #1). Provide the scenario: you have just finished a boating trip and need to care appropriately for your PFDs. One at a time, students (wearing a PFD) swim across the pool (length and type of swim dependent on level), select one appropriate way to care for the PFD and swim back. Teams continue until they have determined all of the wise care choices. The winning team is the first one to make all of the appropriate wise choices.

Laminated or waterproof care characteristics (one set per team).

AT: Parent/care giver and child explore buoyancy and movementAQ 4: Describe three ways to care for a PFDAA: Describe how to care for a PFD

Administration:


OBJECTIVE

ACTIVITY - WET

EQUIPMENT


5-7 MINUTES

S

GAME


TO WEAR OR NOT TO WEAR

AT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 AA

To understand what an inflatable PFD is and when it is a wise choice to wear one.

Provide different recreational activities. The group needs to identify when it would be a wise choice to wear an inflatable PFD and when it would not be. This game can also be played as a modification of “Safe or Sorry”. If it is a wise choice to wear an inflatable PFD students perform a safe entry (SLGS), if it is not a wise choice they do not enter. Discuss choices made.

Recreational Activity List and Answer Key

Recreational Activity Wise or Unwise Choice

Rationale

In an open boat (I.e., motorboat) Wise Meets the requirement for boats to be equipped with a Canadian-approved PFD

White water activities Unwise Not approved for this activity

On deck in the cockpit of a cabin cruiser

Wise Meets the requirements for boats to be equipped with a Canadian-approved PFD

On a personal watercraft Unwise Not approved for this activity

10 year old on a motorboat Unwise Not approved for children under 16 years

Rowing or paddling Wise Pouch style inflatables are only permitted for these activities

Sail boarding or wind-surfing Unwise Not approved for these activities because they inflate upon contact with water

Administration:


OBJECTIVE

ACTIVITY - WET

3-5 MINUTES

S


Nothing additional is required.

AT: Identify at least two situations where PFDs must be wornChild demonstrates SLGS entries/exits

AQ 2: Identify at least two situations where PFDs must be wornDemonstrate SLGS in deep water

AA: Wear in shallow/deep water, movement and flotation

EQUIPMENT


GAME


WHAT IS IT?

AT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 AA

Understand the different types of lifejackets, inherently buoyant and inflatable PFDs.

Match the type of lifejacket or PFD to the appropriate name. Game modifications: Play the game as a simple matching where every student gets one choice (possibly while doing

surface support). Provide a name card to half of the students and place them lined up on one side of the pool. The

other half is given a picture of a lifejacket or PFD (including inflatables). They need to swim across the pool, find the person with the appropriate matching name and both swim back. Discuss choices and ensure they have made the correct choice.

Laminated or waterproof pictures and names of lifejackets and PFDs, including inflatables (see Appendix #2).

AT: Understand differences between lifejacket and PFDs for adult, child and infantAQ 2: Explore flotation and movementAA: Describe characteristics and differences between PFDs and lifejackets

Administration:


OBJECTIVE

ACTIVITY - WET

EQUIPMENT


GAME

3-5 MINUTES

S


WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

AT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 AA

Understand the difference between a PFD (inherently buoyant and inflatable) and lifejacket.

Show pictures of the different types of PFDs and lifejackets (see Appendix #2) to students. They need to: Describe the type (inherently buoyant PFD, inflatable PFD or lifejacket) Provide a characteristic (i.e., greater buoyancy, approved only in three colours, etc.) Provide a recreational activity where it is a wise choice to wear that type

Use the PFD and ME poster to support your knowledge (or refer to the comparison chart handout).

Progress the activity to evaluate knowledge by creating a safety scene incorporating choices.

Laminated or waterproof pictures of a variety of PFDs and lifejackets (see Appendix #2).

AT: Features of an approved lifejacket or PFD and differences between adult, child and infant

AA: Describe characteristics and differences between PFDs and lifejackets

Administration:


OBJECTIVE

ACTIVITY – WET OR DRY

EQUIPMENT


DIRECT

5 MINUTES

S


PFD KNOWLEDGE RELAY

AT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 AA

Understand situations where PFDs or lifejackets need to be worn, appropriate care and/or characteristics.

Divide into teams. Teams select the order in which they will swim. When you say go, the first person on each team swims across (# of metres and type of swim depends on the level) and provides you with:

Two situations where PFDs or lifejackets must be worn How to appropriately care for your PFD or lifejacket Differences between a lifejacket and PFD (including inflatables) What to look for when purchasing (characteristics) OR How to ensure a PFD or lifejacket fits properly

Once all participants have had a turn regroup, briefly discuss wise choices made and identify any information missed.

No additional equipment is required.

AT: Features of an approved PFD or lifejacketIdentify at least two situations where PFDs must be worn

AQ 2: Identify at least two situations where PFDs must be wornAQ 4: Describe four characteristics of a good PFD

Describe three ways to care for a PFDAA: Describe characteristics and differences between PFDs and lifejackets

Administration:


OBJECTIVE

ACTIVITY - WET

EQUIPMENT


GAME

5 MINUTES

S


PREPARE – GOING ON A TRIP

AT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 AA

Understand that preparing for a boat trip (any type of boat) includes selecting the right PFD or lifejacket.

Describe the scene. Students are going on a trip. This activity can be used with different recreational activities (I.e., boating, kayaking, canoeing, white water rafting, etc.). Students need to PREPARE for their activity by selecting the appropriate equipment. Simulate the different types of PFDs or lifejackets they can choose from with laminated pictures of each. Students go on their trip. Discuss wise choices and unwise choices made.

Laminated or waterproof pictures of a variety of PFDs and lifejackets (see Appendix #2).Simulated boat/kayak/canoe, etc.

AT: Identify at least two situations where PFDs must be wornAQ 2: Identify at least two situations where PFDs must be worn

Administration:


OBJECTIVE

ACTIVITY - WET

EQUIPMENT


GAME

3-5 MINUTES

S


HELP!

AT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 AA

Discover that it is a wise choice to wear a PFD when performing the HELP position.

Participants attempt to do a HELP position with three difference scenarios:

1. Without a PFD or lifejacket on (unwise choice)2. Sitting on their PFD (using it as a cushion) (unwise choice)3. Wearing a PFD that doesn’t fit them (unwise choice)4. Wearing a PFD that fits them and is done up correctly (wise choice)

Discuss: Which was the easiest? Why? What are the wise choices?

PFD or lifejacket for each student (remember be an effective model and wear one yourself)!

AQ 8: Explain why PFDs must be worn to effectively demonstrate the HELP positionAA: HELP and huddle

Administration:


OBJECTIVE

ACTIVITY - WET

EQUIPMENT


DISCOVERY

5 MINUTES

S


HELP AND HEAT LOSS

AT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 AA

Identify the heat loss areas, explain and demonstrate the HELP position.

Students go into the HELP position. While in the HELP position, ask questions related to PFDs and lifejackets (knowledge). After a short period of time get them to open up into a starfish float. Did they feel cold? What are the areas they felt cold? Discuss heat loss areas.

Possible knowledge questions:1. What is the difference between a PFD and lifejacket?2. What is the difference between an inherently buoyant PFD and inflatable PFD?3. When is it a wise choice to wear an inherently buoyant PFD/inflatable PFD/lifejacket?4. What are some of the reasons people don’t wear PFDs?5. How do we care for PFDs?6. What do we look for when purchasing PFDs?7. What does D.O.T stand for?8. Who approves PFDs and lifejackets in Canada?9. What colours are approved?10. How do you know your PFD or lifejacket fits properly?

For more information refer to the PFD and ME poster and comparison chart handout.

PFD or lifejacket for each student (remember to be an effective model and wear one yourself)!

AQ 8: Explain and demonstrate HELPAA: HELP and huddle

Note: This activity could also be modified for AT, AQ 2 and AQ 4. Instead of going into a HELP position they hold a back float position or questions can be asked during a surface support. With any level, you would break the knowledge into small chunks and only ask a few questions per lesson.

Administration:


OBJECTIVE

ACTIVITY - WET


3-5 MINUTES

S

EQUIPMENT

DISCOVERY


AQUATOTS SONG

AT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 AA

Learn how to correctly put on a PFD in a fun way.

Parents/caregivers and children put on their PFDs while singing. Use the tune of “This is the way I wash my face…” with the following verse changes.

This is the way I… Do up my zipper…. When I go to the lake Do up my buckles… When I go to the lake Tie my ties… When I go to the lake Choose a bright colour… So I can be seen Wear my PFD… So I can be safe

PFD for every parent/caregiver and child. Remember to be an effective model and wear a PFD yourself!

AT: Parents put on an appropriate PFD on childParents put on an appropriate PFD

Administration:


OBJECTIVE

ACTIVITY - WET

EQUIPMENT


GAME

2 MINUTES

S


WEAR YOUR PROTECTIVE GEAR

AT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 AA

Recognize that wearing a PFD or lifejacket during recreational activities is our protective gear (prevents drowning).

While students perform an activity, ask them to think of protective gear they wear for different sports and activities (e.g., wear your helmet when biking or playing hockey, seat belt in the car, skydivers wear a parachute, rock climbers wear a harness, etc.). Ask them what is the safety equipment we need to wear when we boat (or other water-related activities). The wise choice they should come up with is a PFD or lifejacket.

Activity idea for AT: Ask parents/caregivers while children are moving or floating in their PFD. Activity idea for AQ 2: Use one of the PFD and ME skills.Activity idea for AA: Surface support or flotation and movement wearing a PFD.

Ensure you model this activity by wearing a PFD or lifejacket and having students (and parents) do the same.

PFD or lifejacket for every student (including parents) and one for yourself.

AT: Move and float in a PFDIdentify at least two situations where PFDs must be worn

AQ 2: Identify at least two situations where PFDs must be wornAA: Movement and flotation

Administration:


OBJECTIVE

ACTIVITY - WET

EQUIPMENT


DIRECT

2 MINUTES

S


WHAT TO WEAR

AT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 AA

Match the appropriate flotation device to the activity.

Place laminated cards of different types of flotation devices on one side of the pool. Provide each student with a different recreation activity. They swim across (distance and type of swim appropriate for level), select the card with the appropriate flotation device for their activity and swim back. Discuss wise and unwise choices.

Answer key:

Activity Wise Choice Key Message(s)

Ice fishing on the lake Floater suit or PFD vest with appropriate clothing

Wise choice to ensure you are dressed for the weather

Water skiing Any PFD or lifejacket is a wise choice (high collar vest or water skiing vests are designed for this activity)

Inflatables are not intended for water skiing

Personal watercraft Any PFD or lifejacket is a wise choice

Inflatables are not approved for this activity

White water paddling Any PFD or lifejacket is a wise choice

Inflatables are not approved for this activity

Boating Any PFD, lifejacket or inflatable Choose something to wear that is comfortable

Rowing or paddling Any PFD, lifejacket or inflatable (including pouch style)

Paddling vest PFDs are designed for this activity

Administration:


OBJECTIVE

ACTIVITY - WET

3-5 MINUTES

S


Laminated or waterproof cards of different types of flotation devices (see Appendix #2).

AT: Identify at least two situations where PFDs must be wornAQ 2: Identify at least two situations where PFDs must be wornAA: Movement and flotation (perform activity wearing a PFD)

EQUIPMENT


GAME


HANDOUTS

AT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 AA

Provide additional information on the PFD and ME theme content.

Provide a handout to parents/caregivers or students to take home and read.

A copy of the chosen handout (one per student). Handouts follow and include the following topics:

PFD and ME… Prepare – Choosing a Childs PFD PFD and ME…Prepare – Choosing an Adult PFD PFD and ME…Prepare – Caring for Your PFD or Lifejacket PREPARE! STAY SAFE! SURVIVE! - Comparison Chart PFD and ME… Did You Know – Children and Drowning PFD and ME…Lifejackets and PFDs

OBJECTIVE

ACTIVITY - DRY

EQUIPMENT

END OF LESSON

Administration:


DIRECT


PFD AND ME… PREPARE! CHOOSING A CHILD’S PFD

BEFORE YOU GO TO THE STORE HAVE:

Child’s chest measurement underneath arms Child’s weight Apparel sizing

AT THE STORE:

Try the jacket on – it should fit snugly, make sure that it does not slip over chin and ears. If there is more than 3 inches between the child’s shoulders and the PFD it is TOO big.

PFD SIZING CHART FOR CHILDREN

Size InfantLess than 30 lbs

Child Small30 – 50 lbs

Child Medium30 – 50 lbs

Youth50 – 90 lbs

Age

Newborn to 2 years old

2 to 5 years old

4 to 8 years old

6 to 12 years old

Chest 16 – 20” circumference

20- 23” to 23-25”circumference

21-25”circumference

26-29”circumference

Features of Child or Infant

Rounded body Large head Short limbs

Short torso Protruding tummy Stocky shape

Larger torso than toddler

No waistline Slimmer than

toddler

Beginning waistline Slim/chunky Short to average

height

Infant devices are newborns to two year olds weighting less than 30 lbs.

Child small or toddlers’ devices are for ages two through five, although child medium is more appropriate for children between the ages of four and eight. These devices span the range from 30-50 lbs.

A youth device is defined as 50-90 lbs and usually fits a child between six and twelve years old.


SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHILDREN…

Appropriate weight and size Large collar for head support An adjustable buckle strap between the legs to prevent the

PFD from going over the child’s head A grab strap aids retrieval of children that have fallen in the

water Adjustable waist straps to ensure a snug fit Durable nylon and sewing Canadian approval label (D.O.T. and/or CCG) Sturdy rust-proof zipper Bright colour and reflective tape for added visibility Plastic whistle

ADDITIONAL TIPS

Consider the child’s swimming ability. A type II Child vest may be more suitable for children who are non-swimmers due to greater buoyancy.

Consider age and experience with lifejackets. Children should learn how to relax and gain control of their bodies with supplemental buoyancy. Adult supervision and support is critical.

Choose the right jacket for the activity. Children should always wear a PFD when they are in, on and around water, no matter how shallow the

water. When purchasing a PFD for your child, make sure it fits. To

check for a good fit, lift the child by the shoulders of the PFD. If the PFD fits right, the child’s chin and ears will not slip through. Look for features that improve the fit and performance like a safety strap between the legs, waist ties and a large collar with a grab strap. Straps on the PFD should be used at all times – they keep the PFD in place.

Resist the temptation to buy a PFD too large so the child can “grow into it”. A loose fitting PFD is dangerous. A PFD that is too large can’t function properly or might slip off in the water.

Parents should help children test their PFDs in shallow water. It is important they get used to wearing one in the water.

Set an example; wear your own PFD.


PFD AND ME… PREPARE! CHOOSING AN ADULT PFD

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A PFD The D.O.T and/or CCG label will indicate weight and size restrictions and is a guarantee that it is approved

for use in Canada Choose bright colours that can be seen at night, reflective tape provides added visibility A belt prevents the vest from riding up over the shoulders, especially when falling off a boat at higher speeds A whistle draws attention in case of an emergency Choose a style that is appropriate for your water or boating activity Check for a proper, snug, comfortable fit and how well the PFD performs in water

QUICK QUESTIONS… Is it well-made, strong fabric, sturdy zippers? Is it comfortable to wear when walking and sitting down? Can you easily swim and move with it when in the water? Is it easy to put on and take off? Does it keep your head above water? Is it self righting, does it roll you face-up when you relax in the water face down? Will it support the person it was made for? Try it out! In chest-deep water lift your legs off the bottom and

put your head back. Make sure your chin is above the water and you can breathe easily. Do this immediately after purchasing so you know it is an appropriate product for you.

The best PFD is the one

you will wear.

CCG = Canadian Coast Guard DOT = Department Of Transport

RED CROSS BOATER VEST

RED CROSS WATERSKI VEST


PFD AND ME…PREPARE!CARING FOR YOUR PFD OR LIFEJACKET

The best way to ensure your PFD or lifejacket will work effectively is to ensure proper regular care.

CARE…

Rinse with fresh water after every use Hang to dry away from direct heat Once dry, store in a cool, ventilated area Use mild soaps; do not use strong detergents or dry clean Test before using Do not leave in the sun for long periods

CHECK OFTEN FOR…

Rips, tears and holes Damage to seams, buckles, straps and zippers Signs of water logging, mildew, shrinkage or hardening of the buoyant material Performance of flotation and fit

REMEMBER…

The approval status of your PFD depends on its condition!


PREPARE! STAY SAFE! SURVIVE!

COMPARISON CHART

Personal Flotation Device (PFD)Lifejacket

Inherently Buoyant Inflatable

Benefits Self-righting capability for an unconscious person

Designed for constant and comfortable wearProvides minimal protection against cold water depending on the type (vest versus floater coat) – boaters need to dress appropriately for their environment Multiple approved styles and colours

Capable of self-righting most wearers once inflated and wornFreedom of movement and comfort

Drawbacks Less comfort Less buoyant and limited self-righting capability compared to lifejackets

Requires annual maintenance and spare cylinders should be on handOption of manual inflation

Sizing Two sizes:Weight 90 lbs +Weight less than 90 lbs

Based on chest measurements for adults, body weight for children

Must be over 16 years of age and weigh more than 80 lbs

Style Keyhole(SOLAS, Standard or Small Vessel)

Vest, bomber, floater suits, keyhole, over-the-head

Collar and pouch(Manual or automatic)

Colour Orange, yellow or red Range of colour options All colours

Fit Ensure you can cross your arms under the tied life jacket for proper flotation

Snug yet comfortable fit, pull the device at the collar to ensure it does not ride up and interfere with movement or breathing

Approval Department of Transport (DOT) or Canadian Coast Guard approved

Department of Transport (DOT) or Canadian Coast Guard approved

Department of Transport (DOT) or Canadian Coast Guard approved

Regulations SOLAS and Standard lifejackets are approved for all vessels. Small Vessel lifejackets are only approved for small commercial vessels.

Only for use on pleasure crafts (i.e., boating, kayaking, canoeing, water-skiing, personal watercrafts, etc.) or around the water

Not approved for children, white water paddling or personal water-craft use

Regulations in Canada dictate pleasure crafts carry an approved and properly fitting PFD or lifejacket for each person on board, except for any infant weighing less than 9 kg or any person whose chest size exceeds 140 cm.

Keeping a lifejacket or PFD handy versus wearing one is like attempting to buckle a car seat belt just

before the car crashes.


PFD & ME – DID YOU KNOW…CHILDREN AND DROWNING

WATER SAFETY TIPS FOR PARENTS

In 2000, there were 472 drownings in lakes, pools and rivers across Canada. Many of them could have been prevented. Drownings can happen anywhere there is water. A toddler can drown in just a few inches of water. If you are not within arm's reach, you're too far. It takes just seconds for the unthinkable to happen. For instance, even if the gate to the pool is locked a small child can climb on a chair to remove it.

The Canadian Red Cross offers parents the following advice to help ensure a safe and fun summer in and around pools, lakes and rivers:

Make sure children are well supervised by adults at all times in, on and around the water. Be your children's lifeguard!

Enrol your children in Red Cross swimming and water safety lessons. Ensure your children inform you or their caregiver as to where they are going and if there is any change of

plan. Make sure each occupant in a boat, including adults, wears a properly fitted lifejacket or personal flotation

device (PFD). Complete Red Cross CPR and first aid training.

FACTS ABOUT CHILDREN AND DROWNINGS

Drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional death among Canadian children between the ages of one and four (motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause).

For every toddler (1 to 4 years old) who dies from drowning, there are an estimated 6 to 10 additional near-drownings, which require hospitalization.

One in every five toddlers who experience near drowning will suffer permanent brain damage. Forty-six percent of drowning victims aged one to four are alone at the time of drowning. Only other children

accompany an additional 17%. Half of the toddlers drown when their guardian's supervision is distracted — only for a moment. A small child can drown in only a few inches of water — enough to cover the mouth and nose. None of the toddlers who died in water-related deaths were known to be swimming or playing in the water in

1999. About 76% were only playing or walking near water. Prior to 1995, several infants (0-1 year old) drowned each year in bathtubs, but since 1995 infant bathtub

drownings have averaged less than one per year, and none took place in 1999. Over two-thirds of all toddler drownings occur in the afternoon and early evening. The largest number occur

on Saturdays and Sundays; 33% between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and 29% between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Children between one and four years old are more than twice as likely to drown in a constructed environment (e.g. pool) than any other segment of the population.

Thirty-eight percent of toddler drownings occur in private swimming pools. Boys are the most frequent victims of drowning (82%). Children drown in almost every imaginable setting including: river, lake, dam, canal, ditch, and water

troughs. Drownings occur in less time than it takes to read the above safety messages.

Source: Canadian Red Cross, National Drowning Report, 2001 Edition.


PFD & ME LIFEJACKETS AND PFDs

PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES (PFD)

PFDs were designed for use in recreational boating and are generally smaller, less bulky and more comfortable than lifejackets. They are designed for flotation and will keep a conscious person’s head out of the water in calm conditions. PFDs are good for people who are confident in the water. They perform well in sheltered conditions where help is close at hand. There are two basic types of PFDs: inflatable and inherently buoyant.

INFLATABLES

WHAT IS AN INFLATABLE?An inflatable is a type of personal flotation device that either automatically inflates when immersed in water, or must be inflated by the wearer using either an oral or manual inflation device.

WHAT TYPES ARE AVAILABLE?Collar Pouch

INHERENTLY BUOYANT

WHAT IS AN INHERENTLY BUOYANT PFD?An inherently buoyant PFD has flotation built right in. They have less flotation than all three types of lifejackets, have limited turning capability but are available in a variety of styles and colours.

“It’s not PFDs that save lives – it’s people wearing PFDs that save lives.”

BEFORE BEFOREAFTER AFTER


LIFEJACKETS

WHAT IS A LIFEJACKET?Lifejackets were designed to have the capability to keep a person floating and turn the wearer (conscious or unconscious) onto his or her back with the head supported and mouth out of the water. They are more buoyant than PFDs and perform better in the water. However, they are more bulky and less comfortable to wear.

WHAT TYPES ARE AVAILABLE?There are three different types of lifejackets:

SOLAS (“Safety of Life at Sea”) Standard Small Vessel

IT’S THE LAW

Changes to the law require each person on board a boat to have a Canadian-approved PFD or lifejacket that fits. One-size-fits-all is no longer acceptable.

Lifejackets must still be red, orange or yellow. Since 1997 personal flotation devices (PFDs) have been approved in a variety of colours. It is still recommended to choose a bright colour for visibility.

Since 1997 PFD standards were changed to allow inflatable PFDs to be used for rowing and paddling activities.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LIFEJACKET AND PFD?

Lifejackets and PFDs in many cases can look virtually identical. The key differences are lifejackets are more buoyant with greater self-righting (turning) capability compared to PFDs.

Did you know…

US Coast Guard approved lifejackets do not meet the requirements for safety

equipment on Canadian boats

DID YOU KNOW…

As of April 1, 1999, lifesaving cushions are no longer accepted as approved PFDs.


APPENDIX #1 - CARE CHARACTERISTICS

RINSE WITH FRESH WATER HANG TO DRY AWAY FROM DIRECT HEAT

STORE WHILE WETPLACE IN THE DRYER

WASH WITH DETERGENT

DRY CLEANUSE MILD SOAP

ONCE DRY, STORE IN A COOL, WELL-VENTILATED AREA

LEAVE OUT IN THE SUN DO NOT LEAVE OUT IN THE SUN FOR LONG PERIODS


APPENDIX #2 - PICTURES OF LIFEJACKETS, INHERENTLY BUOYANT AND INFLATABLE PFDS

STANDARD LIFEJACKET

SMALL VESSEL LIFEJACKET

SOLAS LIFEJACKET CHILDREN’S LIFEJACKET


LIL’ LEGENDS PFD

RED CROSS WATERSKI PFD

3-BUCKLE PFD

RED CROSS BOATER PFD


RED CROSS CHILDREN’S PFD

SPORTSMAN VEST (PFD)

SURVIVAL CLASSIC PFD

MUSTANG SEARIDER PFD


INFLATABLE POUCH PFD - AFTER

INFLATABLE POUCH PFD - BEFORE

INFLATABLE COLLAR PFD - AFTER

INFLATABLE COLLAR PFD - BEFORE


APPENDIX #3 – PFD POSTER AND SAFETY FEATURES


LARGE COLLAR FOR HEAD SUPPORT

PROPER SIZE

LABEL STATING PFD IS CANADIAN APPROVED

GRAB STRAP

WHISTLE

TIE AT WAIST WITH DRAWSTRING

SAFETY STRAP PREVENTING PFD FROM GOING OVER THE

HEAD

REFLECTIVE TAPE

STURDY, RUST-PROOF ZIPPER BUCKLE WITH A SAFETY STRAP

Book ofLesson Plans - Canadian Red Cross · Canadian Red Cross March 2004 PFD and ME Book of Lesson...

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