CG Safety Advisory

[Ken Juul]

I got this from another email forum I belong to.  These are orange horseshoe style life jackets.

Kent Adult Model 8830 (USCG Approval Number 160.055/184/0) in Lot 53W manufactured in October 2006
Kent Child Model 8820 (USCG Approval Number 160.055/150/0) in Lot 012T manufactured in March 2008.

The Coast Guard strongly recommends that vessel owners/operators using the PFDs listed above check each lifejacket or proper routing of the strap. Completely unwrap the primary strap to ensure it is free and capable of being adjusted for any wearer. The strap of the lifejacket must not be threaded through the fixed "D" ring. If routing is satisfactory, the strap may be wrapped around the life jacket and clipped to the fixed "D" ring for storage. If the strap is incorrectly threaded through the fixed "D" ring, the snap hook assembly should be carefully removed from the strap, the strap pulled out of the fixed "D" ring, and the snap hook assembly re-attached.

Snag at "D" ring Vessel owners/operators are also encouraged as part of general preventative maintenance to verify that all their PFDs are in fully serviceable condition with an inspection of the straps, components, fabric and flotation material. Any significant deterioration in condition or poorly functioning hardware indicates a replacement is necessary.

Please contact the manufacturer representative at the address below if additional information is needed.

Kent Sporting Goods Co.
433 Park Avenue S.
New London, OH 44851
Mr. Wayne Walters
Phone: (706) 769-1682)
E-mail: WWalters@kentwatersports.com

Link to the CG Bulletin that has pictures:  http://www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/workflow_staging/News/441.PDF