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The results of the "hard copy" surveys we collected by hand and on-line surveys are here. Please click on the links to view them. Click Here for "Hard Copy" Survey Results Click Here for "On-Line" Survey Results Please read the summaries of our three reports below and then click on the links to read the full reports with details for each stage of our project.
A Study to Investigate the Use of Lifejackets [PFD’s] Amongst Boaters
6th Grade Ecybermission Team Sink or Swim
Manahawkin, NJ
Introduction: The purpose of the study was to find how many boaters use lifejackets and why some do and some do not usually wear them. A questionnaire was used to survey boaters both in person and over the Internet using an on-line survey service. Methods: 1725 boaters were surveyed (800 in person, 925 on-line) from August 2007 through February 2008 at marinas, gas docks, yacht clubs, boat shows and fishing tournaments. Results: The survey results indicate that 74 % of boaters do not routinely wear a lifejacket and the main reasons chosen for not wearing one are “I can swim” and they “are uncomfortable” Conclusions: Our conclusions are most boaters do not wear lifejackets because they say they can swim and they believe that lifejackets are uncomfortable. Most boaters think they are low risk of being in a boating accident (63%). Most boaters feel that lifejackets should be worn by people who cannot swim and supports the thought that many people have that lifejackets are mainly for people who cannot swim. Most boaters report they would wear a lifejacket during a storm (35.6 %) as well as when boating alone (22.2 %) and in cold waters (18 %) and suggests that people feel confident to make decisions on their own whether or not a lifejacket is necessary. We believe education of the boating community about the different types of comfortable lifejackets, and the benefits of wearing them, needs to continue to make sure recreational boating remains a safe and enjoyable activity.
To read the full report, click here:
An Experiment to Test People’s Ability to Tread Water, or Stay Afloat, for an Hour
6th Grade Ecybermission Team Sink or Swim
Manahawkin, NJ
Introduction: The purpose of the study was to find out if people could tread water or stay afloat as long as they thought they could. Methods: 22 volunteers, 4 females and 18 males, ages 13 to 61, mean age 40, had completed the Sink or Swim eCybermission Team Lifejacket Questionnaire and answered that they thought they could tread water for an hour or more if they fell overboard while boating. In the safety of an indoor pool environment, the subjects entered the pool and were timed to see if they could tread water or float for an hour. Results: The results were that 82% of the test subjects could tread water or float as long as they thought, and 18% of them could not. 36% said it was a little more difficult than they thought and 18% said it was much mroe difficult. 37% of participants said they would decrease the amount of time they think they could tread water if asked the question again. Conclusions: Our conclusions are that under ideal conditions, many people may be able to stay afloat for extended periods of time, but in real open water conditions, with wind, waves, current and lower water temperatures, it is expected to be much more difficult to stay afloat without a lifejacket for long periods of time.
To read the full report, click here:
A Study to Evaluate the Comfort of Different Types of US Coast Guard Approved Lifejackets
6th Grade Ecybermission Team Sink or Swim
Manahawkin, NJ
Introduction: Many boaters report they do not wear a lifejacket because they are uncomfortable. The purpose of this study was to find out how people would rate the comfort of different types of US Coast Guard approved lifejackets. Methods: Four different kinds of lifejackets were used in this experiment. People attending the Atlantic City International Boat Show were asked to try on four US Coast Guard approved lifejackets: one Type II, one Type III and two Type V inflatable style lifejackets. They were asked to rate them on a scale of 1-5 for comfort. They were then asked if they found any of them comfortable and would be more likely to wear one and if so, which one. Results: The Type II lifejacket was mostly rated (67%) “1” or “most uncomfortable”. The Type III vest was mostly rated (34%) “5” or “most comfortable”. The Type V inflatable harness style was mostly rated (38%) “4” and the Type V Float-Tech inflatable jacket was mostly rated (40%) “5” or “most comfortable”. The Type III vest was chosen as the most likely to be worn lifejacket with 44% followed by the Type V harness style with 38% and the Type V Float-Tech inflatable jacket with 18%. Conclusions: Our conclusions are that most people say they would be more likely to wear a lifejacket if they felt it was comfortable. Although the Float-Tech jacket received the most “5” or “most comfortable” ratings of the group by a few percent, more people chose the Type III vest as the lifejacket they thought they would be most likely to wear. The Type III and Type V lifejackets were considered comfortable by most of the people that took part in this study. Based upon our research, we feel that not wearing a lifejacket because they are uncomfortable is no longer a good excuse.
To read the full report, click here: |
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