Life Jacket Education

Before the meeting:

• Gather life jackets.
• Set up meeting space with life jackets distributed around and enough room for Cub Scouts to move around.

During the meeting:

1. Tell Cub Scouts that they must wear a properly fitted life jacket for all boating activities.
2. Explain that the only life jackets Cub Scouts should use are the ones that have been approved by the United States Coast Guard. Show Cub Scouts that a life jacket that has been approved by the Coast Guard has the approval information printed on the inside of the jacket.
3. Share with Cub Scouts the performance list of Coast Guard-approved life jackets. It is required that everyone, Cub Scouts and adults, wear a level 70 life jacket or above during paddle- craft activities.
   • Level 50 Buoyancy Aid: Not recommended for weak or nonswimmers. No self-turning ability.
   • Level 70 Buoyancy Aid: Equivalent to the Type III life jackets. They are the most common life jackets worn by recreational boaters. No self-turning ability.
   • Level 100 Life Jacket: High flotation life jacket. Some self-turning ability.
   • Level 150 Life Jacket: High flotation life jacket. Offshore waters, self-turning ability.
4. Demonstrate with Cub Scouts how to wear a life jacket.
   • Check the label to see if it’s designed for your size and weight.
   • Put the jacket on, buckle it, and tighten the straps.
   • Hold your arms over your head. Have a friend pull up on the tops of the arm openings. If the jacket rides up over your chin or face, it’s too loose.
5. Ask Cub Scouts to find a buddy. Have Cub Scouts try on the life jackets. Tell them to take turns pulling up on the tops of the arm openings to see if their jacket fits properly.

Tip: You may want to do this activity at the boating site as they would have life jackets readily available.