What must be considered when donning and sizing the SECUMAR vest?

What must be considered when donning and sizing the SECUMAR vest?

• A. Wear the vest without inflating it at all.
• B. Inflate the vest to maximum before donning.
• C. Tighten straps with the vest FULLY inflated.
• D. Ignore strap adjustments after inflation.

Answer: (C)

The key idea is to secure the vest when it is at its working buoyancy. Don the vest and then tighten all straps while the vest is fully inflated so it sits snugly against your torso and stays in place during movement in the water. This ensures the buoyant bladder fills properly and the vest won’t ride up, slip off, or shift, which could affect stability and breathing. Inflating before donning or inflating to maximum before trying to put it on can prevent you from achieving the correct strap tension and fit. If you don’t adjust the straps after the vest is inflated, it may loosen or shift as you swim or move, compromising both fit and buoyancy.

The key idea is to secure the vest when it is at its working buoyancy. Don the vest and then tighten all straps while the vest is fully inflated so it sits snugly against your torso and stays in place during movement in the water. This ensures the buoyant bladder fills properly and the vest won’t ride up, slip off, or shift, which could affect stability and breathing.

Inflating before donning or inflating to maximum before trying to put it on can prevent you from achieving the correct strap tension and fit. If you don’t adjust the straps after the vest is inflated, it may loosen or shift as you swim or move, compromising both fit and buoyancy.