Latest news with #USCG-approved
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Boat explosions in Georgia: What to check on your boat to ensure safety before hitting lake
Several devastating boat explosions in Georgia recently have sparked new questions about how and why boats can explode, and what every boater must know to prevent it. Though shocking, boating experts say these kinds of explosions are often avoidable, and more common than many people realize. Here is a recap of recent boat explosions. Boat explosions in Georgia On July 4, 2025, two separate boat explosions on North Georgia lakes left at least ten people injured. The first explosion happened on Lake Lanier near the Margaritaville resorts in Hall County. A boat carrying seven people, including children as young as five, erupted into flames while being towed. Fortunately, everyone was rescued. Later that same day, another explosion occurred on Lake Nottely in Union County, severely injuring three teenage brothers during a family tubing trip. The blast happened shortly after the family had stopped to refuel their boat. All three boys sustained burns, with one 17-year-old suffering burns over 80% of his body. Both incidents are still under investigation. On July 4th, 2025, a boat exploded on Lake Lanier in Hall, injuring another seven people. Those victims ranged in age from 5 to 45. What causes boat explosions? According to BoatUS, gasoline fumes are the number one cause of boat explosions. The typical chain of events goes like this: a fuel leak releases gasoline vapors into the bilge or engine compartment, where they can accumulate. If those vapors come into contact with a spark from the engine, battery, or electrical equipment, it can trigger a powerful explosion. Fuel leaks often happen due to old, brittle hoses, corroded fittings, or faulty fuel shutoffs. Ethanol in gasoline can also degrade hoses faster than expected. Even something as routine as stepping on a fuel line during engine maintenance can cause damage that leads to a leak. How to ensure boat safety Here are key tips from BoatUS and marine safety experts to help prevent boat explosions: Inspect fuel lines and hoses regularly (if they're over 10 years old, they may need to be replaced). Use only USCG-approved A1-15 hose Run the bilge blower for at least 4 to 5 minutes after fueling to clear out any fumes. Smell for fuel before starting the engine. If you smell gas, don't start the boat. Shut off all engines and electrical systems during fueling, and make sure you're using the correct fuel fill port. Ensure all engine parts and pumps are 'ignition protected' to prevent sparks in fuel areas. Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@ This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Boat explosions in Georgia: How to keep your family safe on the lake Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
MDWFP stresses life jacket safety after boating citations over Memorial Day weekend
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) concluded its enforcement effort during the Memorial Day weekend. MDWFP Conservation Officers encountered more than 3,600 boaters statewide, ensuring safety and compliance of those enjoying Mississippi's beautiful waterways. Mississippi residents in 11 counties eligible for disaster unemployment aid During this period, officers issued 315 total citations. Of these, 32 were related to personal flotation devices (PFDs), 33 were drug and alcohol related, and 28 involved reckless operation of a vessel. Officers also made seven arrests for boating under the influence. Compared to Memorial Day weekend in previous years, officials said total citations were down, with the most significant decrease being in personal flotation devices. As summer recreational activities on Mississippi's waters increase, MDWFP reminds all boaters of critical safety requirements: Every vessel must carry one wearable USCG-approved PFD, also known as a life jacket, for each person on board. Ensure PFDs are in good and serviceable condition. Have appropriately sized PFDs for everyone aboard the vessel. Keep PFDs readily accessible in case of an emergency. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Forbes
16-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
The Best Infant Life Jackets To Keep Your Baby Safe Near The Water
The best infant life jacket is one that ticks all the important boxes: It should fit snugly, be easy to put on your child and be very easy to see in the water. My best overall pick, the United States Coast Guard-approved Stearns Child Life Jacket with Heads-Up Flotation, hits all those marks, but has a lot of other features to recommend it as well, like the way it works with babies of a wide variety of weights and is quite affordable. Moreover, the best value pick—Overton's Infant Flotation Vest—offers an innovative onesie like bottom to keep babies from slipping out instead of the more fussier crotch straps. Of course, keep in mind that life jackets are not foolproof. Alissa Magrum, executive director of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) says they are just one part of the water safety organization's recommended Five Layers of Safety which also includes supervision, barriers and alarms, water competency and emergency preparation. 'If one layer of protection fails, we can ensure there is another layer in place that can prevent drownings,' she says. Moreover, she says to make sure you purchase an infant life jacket that's 'U.S. Coast Guard-approved, properly sized and fitted, have a headrest, crotch strap, grab handle and is brightly colored.' Read on to learn more about our picks for the best infant life jacket. USCG-approved: Yes | Weight range: Up to 30 pounds | Closure system: Zipper; quick-release buckle | Material: Polyethylene foam and nylon Our overall pick is a highly rated life jacket that's as easy to put on babies as it is comfortable. Stearns Child Life Jacket with Heads-Up Flotation support babies up to 30 pounds and includes various features intended to create an extra secure fit including an adjustable chest strap and a leg strap to ensure your baby won't slip out of the vest, while closed sides make it easier to slip on and secure on a wiggly baby. The leg strap is also thoughtfully lined to prevent chafing on sensitive baby skin. The rectangle-shaped pillow may look bulky, but it is designed to provide maximum buoyancy. Other safety features like a convenient grab handle helps parents to quickly grab their child out of the water in case of an emergency, and the neon green color is easy to spot in the water. An antimicrobial coating helps prevent mildew or mold growth and any funky odors. This jacket carries an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 on Amazon with more than 3,000 reviews, making it a bestseller. USCG-approved: Yes | Weight range: Up to 30 pounds | Closure system: Buckles | Material: Polyethylene foam and nylon If you're looking for a short-term life jacket for a rapidly growing baby or a one-and-done beach vacation, the value of this infant life jacket, that's priced significantly less than the others on this list, is hard to beat. The oversized collar is designed to provide extra head support, ideal for infants whose heads are still in that slightly wobbly phase. A surprising bonus: Unlike other vests with a leg strap that may feel scratchy to little ones, this one has a softer, elasticized fabric crotch (like their onesies) for a comfy fit they hopefully won't complain about. It's available in three extra visible bright colors, and has a grab strap for added security. Just note it's designed specifically for babies and toddlers up to 30 pounds, so any larger little ones may find it runs on the small side. USCG-approved: Yes | Weight range: Less than 30 pounds | Closure system: Zipper; adjustable buckle | Material: Neoprene Whether you're at the pool, a lake or the beach, investing in a life jacket that stands out clearly in various bodies of water is essential to a baby's water safety. 'Just as we recommend choosing brightly colored swim suits for children so they can be more easily seen in the water, we recommend choosing a brightly colored life jacket so the infant could be easily seen in dark water,' Magrum says. This U.S. Coast Guard-approved super bright model from Full Throttle is available in a variety of fun bright colors, but the highlighter yellow options really stands out in terms of water visibility. The front zipper and adjustable leg strap make it easy to get on and off and reviewers note that the zipper doesn't go up too high, so little ones can still comfortably move their heads. A pop-up pillow provides extra support for the littlest heads, and will flip them over to float on their backs should they accidentally fall in—with a grab handle so adults can quickly bring them to safety. It's also made of a 'rapid dry' fabric so little ones won't have to shiver in a wet life jacket when they're back on dry land. USCG-approved: Yes | Weight range: 15 to 30 pounds | Closure system: Zipper and buckle | Material: Kwik-Dry Neolite They may be having fun in the water with their life jacket on, but once they get out and the cold water hits, many babies are unlikely to remain happy. Fortunately, Gnar's super fast-drying (and soft) quick-dry Neolite fabric both wicks away moisture and prevents chilly wind from hitting their bodies to let little ones play, snooze, and cruise with little fuss. The fun and colorful retro design makes it easy to see in the water. Other features include a quick zipper closure, adjustable crotch strap so they don't slip out, double buckles for extra security, fully closed sides for comfort and a floatation pillow on the back with a parent grab handle for added peace of mind. USCG-approved: Yes | Weight range: Up to 30 pounds | Closure system: Zipper; quick-release buckles | Material: Polyethylene foam and polyester Parents know getting their squirmy little one into a massive life jacket is no easy feat. Fortunately, this O'Neill life vest is designed to be minimally bulky with a strategically designed cut and shape to keep babies safe while still giving them some flexibility to move around. The zip-up vest structure makes it simple to get the personal flotation device on and off, while an adjustable crotch strap and quick-release dual buckles at the waist keep the child extra secure. The Superlite Life Vest can be used with children up to 30 pounds chest sizes up to approximately 24 inches. The brand does note that this particular model runs small and to measure your child's chest and weight prior to ordering. At Forbes Vetted, we've extensively researched and published various content on the best (and safest) baby and kids gear for families. Like many other parents, water safety is of the utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing families the most up-to-date information to help them make the best choices on everything from the best baby pool floats to the best sunhats for babies and the best baby sunscreens. In addition to following guidelines set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the United States Coast Guard, we also spoke with two water safety experts and advocates to find the best infant life jackets to keep little ones protected around water. Purchasing an infant life jacket is essential if you're going to be taking them anywhere in or near the water, but with dozens of models out there, it can feel overwhelming. There are several key factors parents and caregivers will want to consider when shopping around. At the end of the day, if an infant life jacket doesn't fit properly or comfortably, the baby will fuss and it won't work as effectively as it's supposed to. A 'snug fit' is essential for safety, says McKay and 'most infant models have a crotch strap to keep the child from slipping out.' Look for other features like adjustable waist belts and double buckles which help caregivers get a more customized fit for their child. The life jacket should never rise above the baby's chin or face. According to McKay, a proper fit is critical for keeping an infant's head above water, so what parents shouldn't do is purchase a life vest that's slightly too big thinking their child will grow into it. Both our experts recommend parents of babies look for Type II vests, which are designed for use in calm waters where rescue is likely to be quick and can turn the wearer face-up in case they fall in. Type II life jackets are widely available in sizes appropriate for babies and young children less than 30 pounds. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, 'These life jackets are best for kids who are in calm water and need extra head and float support.' Be sure to always check the weight minimum and maximum (which should be on the life jacket somewhere) to make sure you're purchasing the right one. Magrum also suggests looking for life jackets that say 'Infant' on the label itself. Most infant life jackets will come with additional head support that kind of flops like a pillow in the back to help keep their heads face-up and above water in the unfortunate event that they accidentally fall in. Look for either a float collar or headrest attachment. Parent grab handles are a feature parents should also pay close attention to, says Magrum. In the case of an emergency, or even just a boat going faster than expected, the handle gives parents a quick place to easily grab to pull their infant to safety. Both experts and the AAP agree: caregivers should only purchase infant life jackets that are U.S. Coast Guard-approved (which every item on this list is.) Whereas previously, the U.S. Coast Guard categorized life vests into different Types (i.e. Type I, Type II, etc.), as of January 2025, they're starting to slowly phase in a new system of categorization based on buoyancy levels which consumers are sure to see soon on labels. The numbers—50, 70 ,100, 150, and 275—will help buyers know what type of water the life jacket is designed to remain buoyant in. 'For example, the 50 level is designed for calm water and 150 is for offshore or rough water,' explains Magrum. So in the future, when shopping for life jackets, you may see both Type and performance level indicated on the label. 'There is no youngest age,' says Magrum. 'If an infant or child (or person of any age) is going to be in, on, around or near open water, they should be wearing a Guard-approved life jacket that is properly fitted and fastened.' Infant life jackets can be worn by kids up to 30 pounds, and are currently categorized as Type II by the US Coast Guard. 'Again, an infant of any age can—and should—be wearing a properly fitted and fastened US Coast Guard-approved life jacket,' she says. 'One hundred percent, yes,' says Magrum. 'You should put the life jacket on the infant (as well as on all the people who are going on the boat) prior to walking on a dock or entering the boat and it should remain on until you have safely exited the boat and the dock area.' In the case of taking babies out on boats specifically, McKay also reminds parents, 'The U.S. Coast Guard recommends not taking babies on recreational boats at all until they are at least 18 pounds because the U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets currently available for newborns up to 18 pounds may not provide a proper fit and it is hard to test ahead of time. The safest decision is to wait until a child is big enough to fit a child-size flotation device designed for the specific activity.' According to McKay, 'Life jackets don't have expiration dates, but they can become less effective over time due to wear and tear and exposure to the elements, and they do have weight limits.' She recommends inspecting life jackets prior to use for tears, rotting, missing or altered straps, zippers and buckles or rusting hardware. If any of these look suspect, they should not be used. Parents should also keep a close eye on the recommended weight limits to make sure they're getting replaced accordingly as their child grows.
