Lifejackets
General care for lifejackets
It is essential that you have appropriate lifejackets, also known as a Personal Floating Device (PFD), on your craft for all people on board.
It is commonplace to store PFDs on board your craft for prolonged periods, however this can be detrimental to their overall condition. A PFD of poor quality will offer little, if any, help in the case of an emergency.
It is commonplace to store PFDs on board your craft for prolonged periods, however this can be detrimental to their overall condition. A PFD of poor quality will offer little, if any, help in the case of an emergency.
It is good practice to regularly service your PFDs, although there are also some simple checks that you can do at home to help maintain them in between services.
The RNLI offer useful tips on storing and maintaining your PFDs, such as regularly checking for signs of wear and tear.
Loch Lomond
In May 2007 the Loch Lomond Byelaws changed with respect to the carrying and wearing of lifejackets:- You are now required to carry a Personal Floating Device (PFD) for every person on board your craft
- On Loch Lomond you must wear a PFD if on a Personal Water Craft (PWC) or being towed behind a boat
- Increase your safety by wearing one at all times - it is no use stored away in a plastic bag to keep it clean
The National Park has a zero-tolerance policy on PFDs on Loch Lomond and
anyone not complying with the byelaw is likely to be reported for
consideration by the Procurator Fiscal. It is for your own safety.
Our lifejacket survey undertaken in 2008 showed that 69% of adults and 94% of children leaving the Duncan Mills Memorial Slipway in Balloch were wearing their lifejackets.
Our lifejacket survey undertaken in 2008 showed that 69% of adults and 94% of children leaving the Duncan Mills Memorial Slipway in Balloch were wearing their lifejackets.
