Crotch straps on buoyancy aids
March 2009
Issue
Licensing Service inspectors have begun to see crotch straps fitted to buoyancy aids which are not correctly used but simply hang down at the back or, worse, hang down in loops or tangles. These loops of tape could easily snag on all sorts of things and hence create an entrapment hazard in the event of, for example, a kayak or dinghy etc capsizing.
Outcome
Providers are advised to use them or lose them. That is, either:
- ensure, where crotch straps are fitted, that they are correctly used and worn by participants and do not hang loose to create a snag hazard; or
- remove crotch straps from buoyancy aids where they are not needed to create a good (snug) fit. Keeping a few straps in stock to be able to fit to the buoyancy aid of the occasional client who may require them to keep the aid from riding up would be sensible practice.
