Wearing a PFD
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A cork PFD from the late 1800s
Whether you come to Sound View for outdoor education, summer camp, with a group, or with your family - BEFORE YOU GET INTO A BOAT - you will have to put on a PFD.
PFD stands for Personal Flotation Device. But, it has many other names such as life jackets, life vests, life preservers, or Mae Wests.
Long ago, sailors fashioned PFDs out of wood (cork especially) or used the inflated bladders of animals to keep afloat. Later, “kapok”, made out of vegetable matter in water-tight was used but later, this was replaced by synthetic foam and more modern inflatable vests.
Before putting on a PFD, make sure that it is stamped with a United States Coast Guard (USCG) approval. Use ALL of the straps and zippers on the PFD making sure that they are secure and snug. Make sure that the PFD fits your body size.
Being safe out on the water is really fun - especially at Sound View Camp. WEAR YOUR PFD!
