In these Safety at Sea videos from US Sailing, Chuck Hawley explains the importance of inspecting your inflatable life jackets before every use and demonstrates quick and easy ways to keep them in good working order over time.
Yes, inflatable life jackets are reusable, as long as they remain in good condition and continue to provide the expected amount of buoyancy. Just remember to replace the CO2 cylinder after it's been used.
With regular maintenance before and after every use, you can expect your inflatable life jacket to last up to ten years before needing to be replaced. "Daily" maintenance includes checking your CO2 cylinder and inspecting the life jackets for rips, tears and missing components before every use. Annual maintenance includes following any special procedures recommended by the manufacturer to keep the device in good working order.
According to the US Coast Guard's website for recreational boaters, "Inflatable life jackets are generally intended for persons over 80 lbs (39kg). To meet life jacket carriage requirements, the intended wearer must be over 16 years of age. See the life jacket’s label for more information."
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