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- Written by: Betty Strach
But a life jacket or flotation device that does not fit properly can put a person at risk of drowning. Proper fit is imperative for safety on the water.
The US Coast Guard Auxiliary has a few tips to follow when choosing a life jacket.
– Choose only a U.S. Coast Guard- approved life jackets and flotation devices, and the correct size for the weight of the person. The USCG stamp of approval is required by law. Notice the size, whether it is for a child or an adult and be aware that the appropriate weight of the wearer should be listed inside the jacket. A person’s chest size and stomach size may come into play when selecting the right life jacket.
– Use the “touchdown” test to see if your life jacket fits properly: Lift your arms above your head as if calling a touchdown. The chest portion of the jacket should not touch your chin when you look left, right or over your shoulder. If the jacket passes this test, it most likely fits. If possible try it out in shallow water. The life jacket should not ride up on your body. However, ride-up may happen if your stomach is larger than your chest.
– Weigh a child and measure for chest size under the arms before shopping for a child’s life jacket. A properly fitting jacket should be snug but not tight.
– Check for proper fit of a life jacket on a child. Wearing the jacket, the child should stand normally with arms at his or her sides. Grab the jacket at the shoulders and firmly lift up. The jacket does not fit if it moves more than three inches up and down the child’s body during the test.
– Ensure a life jacket for an infant or child has a crotch strap to help keep the life jacket on, an oversized float collar to help keep the head out of the water and a grab loop for easier water rescue. All straps should be intact and fastened at all times.
So what is the safest life jacket?
In terms of risk of drowning, the safest life jacket is the one you’re willing to wear!
There are many good choices to keep safe on the water. Some of the choices are better for certain situations than others, and therefore the choices are explained in the "Think Safe" life jacket pamphlet that is sold with every US Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
By reading the pamphlet, you can understand how to safely have fun on the water. For more information about life jacket types visit www.safeboatingcampaign.net/types.htm or www.boatingsidekicks.com/lifejackets.htm.
So what about the cost? Aren’t life jackets expensive?
Just keep in mind that no one thinks about the cost when they are in the water! The value of a life jacket could be priceless.
Learn more about flotation devices, who has to wear them, why you should wear them and what other devices are available. Take the boating safety course offered by the Lake County US Coast Guard Auxiliary, May 10 and June 21.
Call Flotilla Staff Officer for Boating Education Betty Strach at 928-9811, or call 513-5122 and leave a message.
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- Written by: Editor
CLEAR LAKE STATE PARK – Enjoy watching the wildlife at the Clear Lake State Park this weekend.
On Saturday, May 10, park Docent Leona Butts will present Joy of Birding I in the park's auditorium from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
What is that bird? Where can I find it? Through dialogue and slides, learn about some of Lake County’s 308 species. Learn names, points of identification and where to look for them. The presentation will be followed by an open discussion.
Follow the Joy of Birding with a bird walk at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, May 11, with specialist Brad Barnwell. Meet at the Visitor Center.
There is no entrance fee into the park for visitor center programs and organized walks.
The Visitor Center museum and gift shop will be open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the summer.
Clear Lake State Park is located at 5300 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville.
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- Written by: Betty Strach
Although free, the value of the life that may be saved by taking advantage of a vessel safety check is priceless.
Vessel safety checks are conducted by qualified members of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and are the best way of learning about problems that might be a violation of state or federal laws, as well as providing the boating public with additional safety tips that could possibly mitigate danger on the water.
With the Memorial Day weekend – the traditional start of the recreational boating season – just around the corner, now is a great time for all boaters from kayakers and jet skiers to year-round recreational boaters to take advantage of a free vessel safety check.
Now is also a great time to take advantage of one of the many boating safety courses offered by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and become acquainted or reacquainted with basic boating skills, seamanship and the most current rules and regulations that may also save a life or prevent an accident.
Contact Betty Strach for either a complimentary vessel exam or boating safety class, 928-9811; for questions about joining the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Auxiliary contact, Rich Thomas, 489-0466.
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- Written by: Editor
The event, hosted by Shannon Ridge, and titled the Shannon Ridge Showdown, will take place in Clearlake Oaks Oct. 18 and 19.
"We are always happy to work with organizations that share our passion and vision for health and wellness," said Tammi Silva of the Lakeside Wellness Foundation & Center and the Sutter Lakeside Hospital.
Shannon Ridge proprietor Clay Shannon shares the sentiment and is “excited about Sutter Health’s commitment to the Lake County community and events that promote a healthy lifestyle.”
The Shannon Ridge Showdown Ultra-Endurance race will be a 16-hour competition and the course itself is approximately 7.5 miles in length with over 1,700 feet of climbing per lap. The course route is a combination of single track, double track, fire access roads and vineyard rows.
This is the first time that a USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Ultra Endurance Calendar series race course has included vineyards as part of the course route. The race and course is designed, promoted and directed by endurance racers. Ultra-Endurance racing is one the fastest growing forms of mountain bike racing.
The race will begin in front of the Shannon Ridge tasting room on Highway 20 in Clearlake Oaks at 4 p.m. on Oct. 18 and will end at 8 a.m. on Oct. 19 in the mountain vineyards directly across from the home of winery owners Clay and Margarita Shannon.
A USA Cycling Mountain Bike race license is required to compete. Registration closes Oct. 11 or when racer limit is reached (300 racers maximum).
More information about the race and registration can be found at www.shannonridgeshowdown.com or by contacting Rick Gunier at
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