Citation

Oporia F, Jagnoor J, Mumbya J, Balugaba BE, Businge O, Agenonga J, Walekhwa AW, Isunju JB, Kobusingye O. Int. J. Occup. Safety Ergonomics 2023; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, Centralny Instytut Ochrony Pracy - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10803548.2023.2298147

PMID

38148623

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Upon immersion in water, a cascade of physiological responses is evoked, which may result in drowning death. Although lifejackets are over 80% effective in preventing drowning, many people in lakeside fishing communities in Uganda shy away from wearing them because of active distrust in the quality of the lifejackets on the local market. No study has determined the veracity of these claims. This study determined the seaworthiness of lifejackets sold on landing sites on Lake Albert, Uganda.

METHODS: Using a within-person repeated assessment design, we tested 22 new lifejacket samples obtained from landing sites of Lake Albert, Uganda. We conducted water entry, righting, floatation stability, and minimum buoyancy performance tests.

RESULTS: All the lifejacket samples failed the minimum buoyancy functional requirements; the average buoyancy was 80N (SD = 13). Only 4% of the lifejackets passed the righting test within 5 seconds. For floatation stability, 45% of the lifejackets had sunk earlier than 48 hours of placement in water and also failed water entry tests by getting dislodged from the wearer.

CONCLUSION: The lifejackets sold at the landing sites of Lake Albert do not meet the minimum seaworthiness functional requirements. The government should regulate the quality of lifejackets on the local market.

Language: en

Keywords

Drowning; Effectiveness; Life-saving appliances; Personal Floatation Devices; Uganda