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9
MAXIMIZING PERFORMANCE
Why should someone do this? It is important to learn how to use
this PFD in the water. Try your PFD in the water before
attempting to use it in deep water or in an emergency to find out
what position and adjustments provide the best support for you.
It is important, especially in cold water and wave conditions, to get
your head out of the water as much as possible. Doing this will
reduce the amount of heat loss through your head, (see
"Hypothermia", Pages 19 and 20), improve your ability to see
around you to identify any sources of rescue and to keep your
mouth out of the water as much as possible to reduce the chance
of inhaling water. Most, but perhaps not all people, will be able to
get their heads completely out of the water by placing their bodies
in a near vertical position and float with their arms extended out
over the top of the chamber (see figure 1 below).
Once in the water with the PFD inflated, you should be able to
float comfortably on your back (see figure 2 below). You may find
it more comfortable to loosen the body strap slightly, without
unbuckling it, and let it slide up to your chest. Then, orally add
more air to the chamber if necessary and readjust the neck strap
to provide head support. You may find that positioning the neck
strap in various locations on your neck or even the back of your
head, will provide better head support.