Wear Life Jackets Research Articles

Usage of Life-saving Equipment by Commercial Boat Users and Operators in Southern Nigeria

Non-usage of life-saving equipment while on water may increase disaster risk such as boat capsizing, injury, and drowning; studies find generally low levels of lifejacket wear among drowning victims and among some cultural groups. Considering this, the study examined the usage of life- saving equipment by commercial boat users and operators in southern Nigeria. The finding revealed that among the boat operators, 41.9% uses of life-saving equipment is always and 63.4% for the boat users. The determinant factor for the use of life- saving equipment among boat operators were compliance (38.7%) and compulsory for boat entry (27.4%) while for boat users it was prevention from drowning (44.4%) and safety (30.1%). Considering the usage of life-saving equipment along Nigerian waterways, it was concluded that commercial boat operators and users use life-saving equipment always and regularly.

Development and validation of an intervention package to improve lifejacket wear for drowning prevention among occupational boaters on Lake Albert, Uganda

BackgroundOccupational drowning is a growing public health concern globally. The human cost of fishing is highest in sub-Saharan Africa. Although lifejackets prevent drowning, the majority of boaters in Uganda do...

Disparities in Adolescent Reported Drowning Prevention Strategies

PurposeDescribe use of drowning prevention strategies among diverse adolescents. MethodsWe analyzed 47,051 responses to 2012–2018 Washington statewide surveys of 8th–12th grade students, regarding formal swimming lessons, comfort in deep water (a measure of perceived water competency), and life jacket use in small watercraft. Using survey-weighted Poisson regression, we measured these strategies in relation to race/ethnicity, primary language, maternal education, and urbanicity. Results78.6% of students spoke English at home. Most students reported having had formal swimming lessons (62.2%), being comfortable in deep water (65.8%), and wearing life jackets (58.5%). Students primarily speaking Spanish (11.2%) reported formal swimming lessons (PR: 0.72; 95%CI: 0.67–0.78) and perceived water competency (PR: 0.75; 95%CI: 0.70–0.80) less often than primarily English-speaking. All prevention strategies were associated with higher maternal education. DiscussionDrowning prevention strategies, access to swimming lessons, life jackets, and water competency should be promoted among low-income children and those whose primary language is not English.

Lifejacket wear and the associated factors among boaters involved in occupational boating activities on Lake Albert, Uganda: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundDrowning death rates in lakeside fishing communities in Uganda are the highest recorded globally. Over 95% of people who drowned from a boating activity in Uganda were not wearing a...

Implementation of High Reliability Organizing (HRO): The Inherent Vice of Stress, Fear, and Threat

Implementation of High Reliability Organizing (HRO): The Inherent Vice of Stress, Fear, and Threat

Determinants of lifejacket use among boaters on Lake Albert, Uganda: a qualitative study

BackgroundDrowning is a major cause of unintentional injury death worldwide. The toll is greatest in low and middle-income countries. Over 95% of people who drowned while boating in Uganda were...

구명조끼 착용 제도화에 관한 국민의식 연구 : 연안해역 활동을 중심으로

본 연구에서는 구명조끼 착용 제도화에 관한 국민의식을 연구하기 위한 이론연구 를 바탕으로 대국민 설문조사를 실시하였다. 본 설문조사는 유관기관, 관련 학회, 관 련 단체, 일반 국민을 대상으로 885부의 응답 건수를 받았으며, 변수는 연안해역의 이용실태, 관련 제도에 대한 이해도, 구명조끼 필요성에 대한 인식, 구명조끼 착용 법제화에 대한 의견 총 4가지로 구성되어있다. 응답자 중 과반수 이상이 사고가 나지 않을 것이라고 믿어 구명조끼를 착용하지 않은 상태로 바닷가를 이용하고 있었으며, 관련 제도에 대한 이해도가 높을수록 구명 조끼 착용 법제화에 대한 동의정도도 높게 나타났다. 응답자들은 구명조끼가 안전을 위해 필요하다고 인지하고 있었으며, 구명조끼 착용이 필요한 장소는 방파제(테트라 포드 포함), 활동은 수영과 낚시 시 구명조끼 착용이 제도화 되어야 한다고 응답했다. 연안사고 발생원인은 부주의에 의한 사고가 가장 많은 것으로 보아 사고의 경각 심을 일깨워줄 수단이 필요하며, 현재 낚시배·레저보트 승선자가 구명조끼를 의무적 으로 착용해야 하는 것처럼 향후 방파제에서의 낚시, 해수욕장에서의 수영 등 단계 적으로 구명조끼 착용 의무화 범위를 늘려가는 방안을 수립할 필요가 있다.

Adolescent Water Safety Behaviors, Skills, Training and Their Association with Risk-Taking Behaviors and Risk and Protective Factors.

Background: Drowning remains the third leading cause of unintentional injury death for adolescents in the United States. Aims: This study described adolescent swimming lessons, behaviors (life jacket wear while boating) and comfort (swimming in deep water) and their association with protective and risk factors and risk-taking behaviors reported by Washington State students in Grades 8, 10, 12, primarily comprised of youth ages 13 to 18 years. Methods: This study used the 2014 Washington State Healthy Youth Survey (HYS), a publicly available dataset. Results: Most students reported having had swimming lessons, using life jackets, and comfort in deep water. Differences reflected racial, ethnic and socioeconomic disparities: being White or Caucasian, speaking English at home and higher maternal education. Lowest rates of comfort in deep water were among Hispanics or Latino/Latinas followed by Blacks or African Americans. Greater life jacket wear while boating was reported by females, those in lower grades and negatively associated with alcohol consumption, sexual activity and texting while driving. Having had swimming lessons was associated with fewer risk-taking behaviors. Conclusions: The HYS was useful to benchmark and identify factors associated with drowning risk among adolescents. It suggests a need to reframe approaches to promote water safety to adolescents and their families. Multivariate analysis of this data could identify the key determinants amongst the racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities noted and provide stronger estimation of risk-taking and protective behaviors.

Promoting Equity, Social Justice, and Saving Lives with Life Jacket and Clothing Policies.

Worldwide, diverse racial/ethnic groups have disproportionately higher drowning rates. Learning to swim and wearing life jackets decrease drowning risk. We evaluated aquatic facilities’ policies regarding use of life jackets, clothing, and diapers through a lens of social justice, equity, and inclusion to ensure they met the needs of the diverse high-risk groups they serve and changing aquatic activities and programs. Public recreational pools, beach and waterpark facilities in the US and international organizations were surveyed regarding their policies on life jacket use, clothing, and diapers between 2015 and 2016. A total of 562 facilities responded, mostly pools. Almost all facilities allowed wearing life jackets in the shallow end but less so in the deep end, and wearing of T-shirts, shorts, and clothes for modesty reasons. Policies varied most on wearing non-swim clothes. Almost universal requirement of diapers applied to infants only. Respondents’ reported themes included cost, access, safety, hygiene and equipment maintenance. Reviewed policies generally reflected facilities’ responsiveness to diverse populations’ specific needs. However, policy variations around wearing clothing and swim diapers could be costly, confusing, and impede participation in aquatic activities by vulnerable populations, specifically young children and racial and ethnic minorities. Standardization of these policies could assist aquatic facilities and their users. A best-practices-based policy is outlined.

Developing drowning prevention strategies for rivers through the use of a modified Delphi process

IntroductionInternationally, rivers are a leading drowning location, yet little evidence exists evaluating river drowning prevention strategies. This study aims to use expert opinion to identify strategies more likely to be...

IMPLEMENTATION OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH FOR USING SEA TRANSPORTATION (CASE STUDY AT TENGKAYU II PORT OF TARAKAN CITY)

All sea transportation facilities users in the world in general especially in Indonesia always prioritize safety, security and comfort aspects. The ship accidents such as sinking, burning, etc., are problems related to the safety and security of sea transportation.The purpose of this study it was to determine the application of occupational safetyand health inside the speedboat accordance with Ministerial Regulation No. 6 of 2018 concerning Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.This study used a qualitative method carried out at the port of Tengkayu II, Tarakan City, North Kalimantan were speedboat passengers as the main informants, as well as Transportation Service officers and dock workers as supporting informants.The sampling technique used accidental sampling technique. The results of the study stated that the application of OSH inside the speedboat had not been fully implemented.Passenger awareness is a fundamental cause of the non-implementation of that regulations. One aspect of applying OSH inside the speedboat in accordance with applicable regulations is to use a life jackets while in a speedboat. Passengers only wear life jackets just before leaving when inspected by officers, but will be removed if it is far from the port. Discomfort factor is the main reason why life jackets are not used. In addition, the boat captain's negligence was still found because it did not prioritize the safety of the feeder, and driving was not in accordance with the applicable standard operating procedures.

Boating-related drowning in Australia: Epidemiology, risk factors and the regulatory environment

Objective: Recreational boating is a popular pastime in many high income countries, and is a leading activity prior to drowning. This study reports on unintentional fatal drowning associated with boating-related incidents in Australia. Methods: A total population, retrospective, cross sectional design examined all boating-related unintentional drowning deaths between July 1, 2005 and June 30, 2015. Variables examined included age, sex, location of drowning incident, vessel type, activity, presence of alcohol/drugs, and lifejacket wear. Relative risk (with a 95% confidence interval) was calculated using fatal drowning rates per 100,000 population and rates per 100,000 registered vessels. Chi square analysis and non-parametric tests for significance were applied. Statistical significance was deemed p < .05. Results: A total of 415 people drowned while boating during the study period, 91.8% male and 35.7% aged between 25 and 44 years. Men were 10 times more likely to drown when boating than females (RR = 10.64 CI:7.55–14.97). Over one-quarter (28.7%) of incidents involved alcohol, in 30.6% drugs were identified (31.3% were illegal) and 90.4% were not wearing a lifejacket. Children were more at risk of drowning on a houseboat than adults (RR = 7.13; CI:1.61–31.61). Females were more likely to drown than males when using a personal watercraft (RR = 10.53; CI:2.75–40.33). Conclusion: Boaters may be taking unnecessary risks by disregarding safety regulations, such as not wearing lifejackets and substance use (such as alcohol and illegal drugs). Boating in remote locations presents a high risk of drowning. While safety regulations are in place, enforcement and behavior change remain challenges. Practical application: Findings support recommendations for increased enforcement of alcohol-related regulations and introducing drug-testing for boaters. Consistency of boating safety regulations, especially around lifejacket wear, is recommended to influence behavior change. The effectiveness of current lifejacket regulations need to be critically evaluated in the context of increasing wear rates for adults and children.

Risk factors associated with life jacket wear among adult canoeists and kayakers in the United States, 1999–2017

Drowning is the most common cause of death in recreational boating. Life jackets prevent drowning, yet adult wear rates remain relatively low on most types of boats. Canoes and kayaks are among the least used boat types, yet maintain the third and first highest annual boating-related drowning rates in 2012, respectively. This 1999–2017 study collected data from 124 study sites across the US. Life jacket wear was calculated for 13 dichotomized risky and non-risky variables, using Chi-square tests. A count variable based on number of risks was created, and Cochran-Armitage trend tests examined linearity in life jacket use. Three illustrative variables for each boat type were represented in tree diagrams. Kayakers had higher wear rates than canoeists among all variables observed. For both boats, the majority of risky conditions had higher life jacket wear rates than their non-risky alternatives. As the number of risks increased, life jacket wear rate increased. Boaters seemingly conduct a mental assessment of risk to determine whether to wear a life jacket.

Agent-based evacuation model incorporating life jacket retrieval and counterflow avoidance behavior for passenger ships

In actual evacuations, passengers should collect their life jackets before moving toward assembly stations. Passengers who do not wear life jackets must return to their cabins to collect their life jackets, as this equipment is usually stocked in individual cabins. However, current studies ignore the behavior of collection and donning of life jackets exhibited by passengers initially walking to the assembly station without life jackets. In order to investigate the influence of the collection of life jackets on the evacuation, an agent-based social force model is proposed. This model incorporates the collection and donning of life jacket, following behavior, and counterflow avoidance behavior. The model was validated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s counterflow test, and satisfied its requirements. The fundamental diagram of the bidirectional flow of our model was validated against the results of a previous study. The results show that this model can reproduce collective phenomena in pedestrian traffic, such as dynamic multilane flow and stable separate-lane flow. Finally, the model was applied to deck 5 of a passenger ship. It was found that the evacuation time with life jackets is much longer than that without life jackets if some passengers are not in their cabins before the evacuation. It was also found that reducing the number of passengers who have to undergo life jacket retrieval can greatly increase evacuation efficiency. Moreover, we provide two optimized evacuation schemes for ship designers. These findings offer ship designers some insight towards increasing the safety of large passenger ships.

Wearing Life Jackets While Swimming in Open Water

Wearing Life Jackets While Swimming in Open Water

An analysis of lifejacket wear, environmental factors, and casualty activity on marine accident fatality rates

Drowning and fatalities at sea are a large concern globally. In the UK, many sea rescues are performed by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, and this study investigates 6 years’ worth of their rescue data to better understand causation of drowning and what makes an incident at sea high risk. A Poisson model is applied to numerous factors recorded as part of each rescue, including environmental conditions (visibility, sea state, etc.), lifejacket wear, and response times for rescue. Increased lifejacket wear is shown to be significantly correlated with lower fatality rates across all spectrum of activities. Survivability among those casualties wearing life jackets was 94%. A seasonal signal is clearly present, with a higher proportion of life at risk incidents occurring during winter months, and a higher than predicted number of fatalities during this time. The analysis identifies high risk groups of beach/sea users, with one of the most at risk being people fishing from shore. Incident survivability is shown to decrease at different rates per activity, as time to rescue increases. This study provides clear evidence that a co-ordinated approach to sea safety is required, and suggests that increased lifejacket wear among coastal and marine users would have a dramatic effect on reducing the number of drowning related deaths each year.

Personal, social, and environmental factors associated with lifejacket wear in adults and children: A systematic literature review.

ObjectiveDrowning claims 7% of the global burden of injury-related deaths. Lifejackets are routinely recommended as a drowning prevention strategy; however, a review of related factors regarding lifejacket wear has not previously been investigated.MethodsThis systematic review examined literature published from inception to December 2016 in English and German languages. The personal, social, and environmental factors associated with lifejacket wear among adults and children were investigated, a quantitative evaluation of the results undertaken, and gaps in the literature identified.ResultsTwenty studies, with sample sizes of studies ranging between 20 and 482,331, were identified. Fifty-five percent were cross-sectional studies. All studies were scored IV or V on the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) grading system indicating mostly descriptive and cross-sectional levels of evidence. Factors associated with increased wear included age (mostly children), gender (mostly female), boat type (non-motorised), boat size (small boats), role modelling (children influenced by adult lifejacket wear), and activity (water-skiing, fishing). Factors not associated or inconsistent with lifejacket wear included education, household income, ethnicity, boating ability, confidence in lifejackets, waterway type, and weather and water conditions. Factors associated with reduced lifejacket wear included adults, males, discomfort, cost and accessibility, consumption of alcohol, and swimming ability. Three studies evaluated the impact of interventions.ConclusionThis review identified factors associated with both increased and decreased lifejacket wear. Future research should address the motivational factors associated with individuals’ decisions to wear or not wear lifejackets. This, combined with further research on the evaluation of interventions designed to increase lifejacket wear, will enhance the evidence base to support future drowning prevention interventions.

Factors associated with life jacket use among cabin sailboat and day sailor boaters in the United States

IntroductionIn 2015, drowning accounted for 68% of the 626 recreational boating related deaths in the United States. Although life jackets are estimated to prevent between 50% to 80% of boating deaths, approximately 83% of sailboat-related drowning victims were reported to not be wearing life jackets. Life jacket use among adult boaters has remained consistently low across most boat types and may vary by boater, boating, and environmental conditions. Although many risky environmental and boating factors may be associated with a higher risk of boating death, drowning occurs in all situations and it is useful to understand adult life jacket wearing behaviors in differing boating situations. MethodsThis study uses observational survey data from 61318 adult sailors collected during the summer months of 1999 – 2017 from 124 selected study sites across 30 states in the US. Life jacket use was compared for day sailors and cabin sailboats by multiple boating, boater, and environmental conditions using Chi-square tests for equality of proportions. Results of these tests led to a choice of 3 informative and scientifically compelling variables to summarize variation in life jacket use for each sailboat type. Odds ratios were calculated comparing life jacket use from each boating situation to the lowest risk situation as determined by the 3 selected variables. These variables were represented in a tree diagram, detailing the additive impact of each factor. Following these analyses, all boating conditions were categorized to be risky or non-risky and a count variable was created for each observation based on the number of risks present. Cochran-Armitage trend tests were conducted to test for linearity in life jacket use for both boat types. ResultsThe overall life jacket wear rate was higher among adults in day sailor sailboats (51.6%) compared to cabin sailboats (13.8%) and in all measured demographic, boating, and environmental circumstances. Comparing high-risk cabin sailboat conditions of low water temperatures, small boat size, and high wind speed to the lowest-risk situation accounted for a 23.3% range in life jacket wear rate (OR=4.7). Comparing high-risk day sailor sailboat conditions of small boat size, one boater on board, and choppy/rough wave height to the lowest-risk situation accounted for a 39.3% range in life jacket wear rate (OR=5.9). For both boat types, the number of risks present and life jacket wear rate exhibited a statistically significant positive linear relationship at p<0.0001. ConclusionStudy results suggest that boaters are aware of the connection between life jacket use and drowning prevention and are more likely to wear life jackets when boating in conditions perceived to be risky. Practical applicationsBoating safety promotion efforts should recommend adult life jacket use in all boating situations, as seemingly non-risky conditions may still result in drownings.

Use of life jackets and other types of flotation for in-water recreation in designated swim areas in Washington State

Most fatal drownings worldwide occur in open water. Flotation devices may protect swimmers. Their use by those recreating in water has not been described.MethodsObservational survey of swimmers and waders at...

Drowning among the lakeside fishing communities in Uganda: results of a community survey

ABSTRACTThe study aimed to determine the drowning burden in four Ugandan lakeside districts; the prevalence of life jacket use, and community knowledge and attitudes regarding water safety. Subjects were recruited as they disembarked from boats. A structured questionnaire was used for demographics, experience on water, details of incidents in water, and awareness of drowning prevention measures. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews were held. The study interviewed 544 participants; 81.1% male, 86.8% below 45 years, and 51.1% involved in the fishing industry. A quarter (26.1%) of the respondents were observed wearing life jackets as they disembarked. Participants who had been in a boat that nearly capsized (57.8%), or that actually capsized (21.7%), were no more likely to wear life jackets than those who had not had these experiences. Three quarters (73.2%) did not know how to call for rescue, and only 48.7% could swim. There drowning fatality rate in this community was 502 deaths per 100,000 population. Majority of drowning events occurred during transportation (51.7%) or fishing (39.0%). The most frequently mentioned factors were stormy weather and overloading. Drowning is a common threat to young adults in the fishing communities around Lake Victoria. Few preventive interventions are in place.