📚 Topic Summary
Life jackets, also known as personal flotation devices (PFDs), are essential safety equipment for anyone participating in water activities. A properly fitted life jacket can keep you afloat and help you stay safe in the water, especially in emergencies. Learning about life jacket safety involves understanding different types of life jackets, how to choose the right size, and how to properly wear and maintain them. It's a crucial skill that can save lives.
This activity will guide you through key aspects of life jacket safety and fitting. By the end, you'll know how to select the appropriate life jacket for different situations and ensure it fits correctly, maximizing its effectiveness.
🧮 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the terms with their definitions:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. PFD |
A. Device designed to keep a person afloat in water |
| 2. Buoyancy |
B. The ability of an object to float in water |
| 3. Life Jacket |
C. A Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device |
| 4. Inflatable PFD |
D. PFD that inflates with air, either manually or automatically |
| 5. USCG |
E. United States Coast Guard |
✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following paragraph with the correct words from the word bank: buoyancy, fit, water, safety, straps.
Life jacket _________ is crucial for anyone near _________. A properly sized life jacket should _________ snugly without being too tight and all _________ should be securely fastened. The life jacket's _________ helps keep you afloat.
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
Imagine you are going kayaking with a friend who doesn't think wearing a life jacket is necessary. What arguments would you use to convince them to wear one, emphasizing the importance of life jacket safety?