Staying Afloat
By Katie Barth

            If you are an adventure addict, you might want to spend all your summer on the water. Go fishing, boating, kayaking or water skiing – there are a ton of ways to have fun on South Dakota’s lakes and rivers.

            Whatever water activity you enjoy, the experienced adventurer knows the importance of always wearing the correct gear.  Always wear a lifejacket on the water. 

           The easiest way to remember what type of lifejacket you will need is to think about how far you will be going into the water.  Do you plan on hunting for cool rocks in ankle-deep water, or testing your skills in deeper waters?  There are many different types of lifejackets designed for how near or far you are from the shore.

           If you are going one step into the water, you’ll want to wear a Type I lifejacket.  While these jackets are great at keeping you afloat for a long time, they won’t be comfortable if you have your sights set on water sports.  If you plan on going only a few steps into the water, you’ll need a Type II lifejacket.  These jackets are perfect for calm waters where help is just a holler away.  If your adventurous spirit takes you farther out into the water, you will need a Type III lifejacket.  Type III lifejackets come in many different styles and can be specialized for different activities like canoeing or waterskiing. 

           Next time you go out on the water, whether you stick close to the shore or ride the waves, remember to always wear the correct gear.  Grab your lifejacket and have some adventures!

Make sure your lifejacket fits properly:

           Lifejackets should sit snug across the chest and be held tightly in place by buckles or straps.  Most lifejackets have weight limits printed on them, so double check that your lifejacket can keep you afloat before hitting the waves.  Jackets that are too small or too big will only hurt you if you get dumped into the water.

Fishing lifejacket:

           Next time you’re perusing the aisles of your local sports store, keep an eye out for specialty lifejackets.  Tucker’s jacket, aimed toward anglers, has lots of pockets for fishing tackle and gear.

Canoeing lifejacket:

           Sydney’s jacket, with its short sides and tight waist, won’t get in the way when she goes paddling down the water in a canoe or kayak.