Counterfeit Life Jacket Safety Alert: What to Look For

Dangers of Counterfeit Life Jackets

• ⚠️ A safety alert highlights the risks associated with counterfeit life jackets, which may not provide adequate safety.
• 💡 Parents like Ally Wjack have unknowingly purchased potentially counterfeit jackets online, with misspellings like "intended" instead of "intended use" as a red flag.
• 🎯 These counterfeit products may fail to provide the necessary buoyancy and lifesaving capabilities.

US Coast Guard Approval Process

• ⚓ The US Coast Guard approves life jackets by allowing manufacturers to submit products to certified testing labs.
• ✅ Approved jackets will display a US Coast Guard approved label and number.
• 🔍 Be aware that counterfeit versions exist on social media and online marketplaces, posing a significant risk.

Rigorous Life Jacket Testing at UL Solutions

• 🔬 UL Solutions, one of two labs globally approved to test life jackets, conducts rigorous tests to ensure safety and performance.
• ⏱️ The emergency dawning test assesses how quickly a life jacket can be put on, with a target of under 60 seconds.
• 🌊 The water entry test checks if the jacket stays on during submersion, and flotation stability tests ensure it meets buoyancy standards (above 50 mm).
• 🛟 Further tests include checking for flotation, breathing capability if unconscious, and self-righting capabilities.

High Failure Rate of Flotation Devices

• 📊 UL Solutions reports that approximately 30% of flotation devices submitted to their labs fail initial safety tests.
• 🛠️ UL works with manufacturers to correct issues, aiming to ensure that products available to consumers are safe and meet required specifications.