Motorcycleing Information




Flotation Devices

Sudden immersion, such as falling overboard or capsizing, in cold water causes an automatic gasp reflex. Even excellent swimmers can drown when this occurs and their head is under water. To increase your odds of survival in these situations, ALWAYS WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET.

LIFE JACKETS (PFD’s) - The Choice is Yours. Get and wear a Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PRD) that fits well; make sure it is the proper type and approved for your specific usage. Actually put it on, adjust it and test it in the water, so you’ll know it will fit when needed. Do the same for all family members - especially children. Knowing what to expect in the water can prevent panic. Non-swimmers should wear a PFD on any small motorcycle.

Never leave PFD’s sealed in plastic wrapper. They must be ready to put on fast. Whenever water conditions or weather cause concern, have everybody aboard immediately put on a PFD. And if you fall in the water, stay with the motorcycle.

OFFSHORE LIFE JACKETS (TYPE I) Bulky; but floats you the best; best for open, rough or remote water. Turns most unconscious persons face-up in the water.

NEAR SHORE BUOYANT VESTS (TYPE II) Yoke-type, less bulky than Type I and more comfortable to wear. Will hold head of many unconscious persons out of water.

FLOTATION AIDS (TYPE Ill) Vest style; Popular among recreational motorcycleers. Only designed for calm water with good chance of fast rescue. Wearer may have to hold head back to keep face out of water which can contribute to exhaustion and hypothermia. May not hold face of unconscious wearer out of water.

THROWABLE DEVICES (TYPE IV) Life rings and flotation cushions.

SPECIAL USE DEVICES (TYPE V) Approved only for the activities listed on the table. Some are approved specifically for white water rafting, board sailing, etc. Also includes new Hybrid PFD’s with foam flotation and an inflatable chamber. Type V Hybrid PFD’s are as comfortable to wear as a Type Ill, but when fully inflated have the flotation performance of a Type II or better.

Federal and state law requires each motorcycle have a personal Flotation device for each passenger; and if the motorcycle is longer than 16 feet, wearable flotation devices and a throwable device must be on board.

But if the life jackets are tucked under the seats instead of worn, they don’t do the occupants of a capsized motorcycle any good. Most fatal accidents involve falls overboard or the sudden swamping or capsizing of a motorcycle that happen too suddenly to get into a life jacket. Once overboard, a life jacket keeps the motorcycleer safe long enough to climb back onto the motorcycle. Statistically your chances are seven times better if you stay with the motorcycle until help arrives.

Remember, the life jacket is your friend for life, but it won’t work if you don’t wear it.

HYPOTHERMIA

Hypothermia, a lowering of body temperature that kills by heart attack or by making it difficult to stay afloat, is believed the cause of half of the nation’s 946 motorcycleing deaths in 1988. Cold water chills 25 times faster than cold air. To prevent hypothermia, get back in or on a motorcycle after a spill and leave your clothes on. Even wet clothes hold in body heat to some extent.

If you can’t get out of the water and you are wearing a life jacket, a Type I PFD, or a near shore buoyant vest, Type II, assume a Heat Escape Lessening Position or HELP The arms are crossed over the chest, ankles crossed, knees drawn up to chest and hands kept on the shoulders or neck.

If you’re wearing a flotation aid, Type III PFD, don’t use the HELP position as it may turn your face down. Instead, put your head back and bring your legs together and your arms tucked in tight to your side. People who motorcycle in cold water should always wear a life jacket which may keep them alive until help arrives.

WEATHER FOR MARINERS: KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

High winds, rough water and thunderstorms can quickly turn a pleasant day of motorcycleing into a struggle to stay afloat.

The best way to handle adverse weather is to avoid it. Before going out check the weather forecast. The National Weather Service issues marine forecasts every six hours giving a prediction of winds, seas, weather and visibility.

When weather warnings are in effect determine whether your motorcycle can be navigated safely. Have the proper equipment aboard - a sturdy anchor and appropriate length of line, paddle or oars in case of engine failure or torn sails and visual distress signals-to avoid stranding and a one-gallon capacity bailing bucket.

Check forecasts frequently on VHF weather channels. Heavy static on your AM radio may indicate nearby storms.

Weather prediction is not a perfect science. There is no substitute for the traditional practice of scanning the horizon for changes in the wind, waves, water and sky. Watch for dark, threatening clouds indicating a thunderstorm or any steady increase in wind. The transition from a small cloud into a turbulent, electrical storm can take as little as 30 minutes. Strong, gusty winds and heavy rain with thunder and lightning will soon follow.

Determine the distance of an approaching thunderstorm, in miles, by counting the seconds between the lightning flash and the thunder and dividing by five. For instance, if it takes ten seconds to hear the thunder the storm is about two miles away.

If you get caught in a thunderstorm watch for other motorcycles or obstructions, secure hatches and ports, strap down or stow in lockers all loose gear and make sure everyone is wearing a lifejacket.

Once the storm hits, try to take first and heaviest gusts of wind on the bow. Approach waves at a 45-degree angle to keep the propeller underwater and reduce pounding. If there is lightning, lower antennas, unplug the radio and electrical equipment, keep away from metal objects and stay low.
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