Maintenance Tips for Life Jackets

Investing time and effort into caring for your life jacket can make a significant difference in its performance and lifespan, contributing to a safer boating or water sports experience. Follow these tips for properly maintaining a life jacket.

• Regular Maintenance: Before each use, inspect the life jacket for damage or wear. Periodically clean the life jacket, especially after each use in salt water or harsh conditions. Follow these cleaning instructions regularly to maintain the life jacket's performance and prolong its lifespan.
• Rinse After Use: After each use, rinse the life jacket with fresh water to remove salt, sand, or debris that may have accumulated during use. Pay special attention to mechanical components and ensure they remain clean and free of obstructions.
• Inspect Before Storing: Before storing the life jacket, perform a final inspection to ensure it is clean, dry, and free of any damage. Check all seams, straps, zippers, buckles, and components for signs of wear or deterioration. If the life jacket has any signs of damage or wear, replace it with a new one.
• Store Properly: During off season, store the life jacket in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Avoid folding or creasing the life jacket, as this can damage the fabric and/or inflatable chambers over time.
• Avoid Exposure to Heat: Avoid exposing the life jacket to excessive heat or direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can degrade the fabric and weaken components over time.
• Test Inflation Mechanism (Inflatables Only): Periodically test the inflation mechanism according to the manufacturer's instructions. This may involve manually inflating the life jacket or using a CO₂ cartridge to ensure it inflates properly in an emergency.
• Check the Indicator Status (Inflatables Only): The inflator indicator on inflatable life jackets is typically a modest, single or dual visible display that indicates whether the inflator is armed or needs care. These indicators can also include cylinder status (full or empty) and break away green indicators. If the indicator is green, this usually indicates that the inflator is ready to use and working properly. If the indicator is red, this usually signifies that the inflator is disarmed, requires maintenance, or has been activated. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for complete information on their status indicators.
• Check the CO₂ Cartridge (Inflatables Only): Inspect the CO₂ cartridge regularly to ensure it is properly installed and has not been punctured or discharged. Replace the cartridge if it shows signs of damage or expiration.
• Replace Water-Sensing Element (Inflatables Only): If your life jacket uses automatic inflation with water-activated sensing mechanisms, check and replace the element as recommended by the manufacturer. These mechanisms are typically found in automatic inflatable life jackets and need to be replaced after use or at regular intervals.
• Seek Professional Inspection: If you're unsure about the condition of your inflatable life jacket or if it has been subjected to harsh conditions, consider having it professionally inspected and serviced by a qualified technician. This ensures that all components are in good working order and ready for use in an emergency.