Use Life Vests and Preservers For a Safer Water Experience by John Parks

With summer approaching, our minds turn to water-based fun and activities. Remembering to include safety vests and life preservers, or personal flotation devices (PFD), can help keep fun from turning into tragedy.

The types and styles of PFD's are many and varied. The one thing that all of them have in common is they are designed to keep a person afloat.

Federal law requires that a United States Coast Guard approved life vest must be provided for every passenger using a recreational watercraft. Boats over sixteen feet must also provide a throw cushion or ring (life preserver), with the exception of canoes and kayaks.

The PFD must be easily accessible to each person. Children under the age of thirteen are required to wear one at all times unless below deck or in an enclosed cabin.

However, on any of these Federal requirements, local and state laws may have more stringent codes that must be followed.

TYPES

Type I: "Offshore"-- rough water, designed for conscious or unconscious person

Type II: "Near-Shore" -- calm, protected waters, designed for conscious or unconscious person, although not as good as Type I in rolling an unconscious person to a face up position

Type III: "Sport" or "Flotation Aid" -- boating sports. Not capable of protecting an unconscious person.

Type IV: Throw cushions and rings -- to be thrown to one that has fallen overboard

Type V: Designed for specific activities -- check label to be sure it is being used as intended.

A life vest must be well fitting and in good condition with no tears, no corrosion on the metal, and straps in working conditions. A child's life vest also has a crotch strap, lifting ring and flotation collar. All vests should be worn according to instructions with straps securely belted.

To check the fit on a child's vest, try to lift the child by the shoulders of the vest. If the vest raises three inches or more without moving the child, the vest is too large.

Inflatable, foam, and a combination of inflatable and foam (hybrid) are types of approved PFD's.

An inflatable vest should be checked every year and status indicators green. A person under the age of sixteen is not to use an inflatable vest. These vests are recommended only for adult swimmers in rough or calm water, as well as sport or activity specific.

Foam life vests are usually approved for adults in rough or calm waters and can be sport or activity specific. For youth, these vests are approved in calm waters and can be sport or activity specific. For children and infant, the foam vests are only approved in calm waters. Foam is also used in throwable preservers.

Hybrids are approved for adult and youth in calm waters and for sport or activity specific. For children, these vests are approved for calm waters. However, hybrids are only approved for wearing PFD's but not throwable preservers.

There are also life vests for disabled and wearable vests for pets.

Blow-up waterwings, air mattresses, rafts and other toys are not a form of a PFD.

For more information on life vests, visit http://lifevests.com.

Men's Triathlon Wetsuit - Get the Edge by Joel Henderson

In the past, sports in general were considered a male activity, and high endurance sports like triathlon were especially restricted to male only participants. But just as societal attitudes have evolved in regard to gender and sporting activity, the gear associated with a given sport has evolved with the needs of the athletes themselves. With the introduction of triathlon specific wetsuits to the sport, suit design and technological advances have made it possible to highly refine the characteristics that separate a men's triathlon wetsuit from one that is tailored for female competitors.

The subject of using a triathlon wetsuit has been a bit controversial ever since they first began being used. Many events, such as the Ironman competition in Hawaii, do not allow the aid of a wetsuit. There are valid arguments on either side of the issue, but the fact remains that a wetsuit provides an excellent advantage to any triathlete who chooses to use one.

If you are a male triathlon competitor and you are thinking about purchasing a men's triathlon wetsuit, there are a few things to keep in mind while searching for the perfect suit.

All wetsuits are not alike. I know this sounds pretty obvious, but I've actually seen people at triathlon competitions wearing wetsuits designed for surfing or scuba diving. If you're new to triathlon and you are contemplating wearing a wetsuit for the swim, be sure you shop for a triathlon wetsuit! These types of suits are designed specifically so that the suit is thinner in the shoulders, elbows, and armpits and thicker in the areas where you need buoyancy while swimming - the upper legs and chest. Also, the exterior of most modern triathlon wetsuits is designed for competition swimming. A great deal of research and material goes into the hydrodynamic function of the suit.

Make sure you can wear a suit at your event. If you are going for your first triathlon and you are considering wearing a wetsuit, check the rules for your event to ensure wetsuits are permitted. It would be a huge waist or time and resources if you were to purchase a suit, test it and train with it, only to arrive at your event and find the suit is not even permitted.

Be sure you can test your suit before settling on a purchase. Many online retailers or local shops have very friendly return policies, allowing you to test your suit before you make a final decision. Another option to save a bit of money is to find a shop where you can try on a suit, and then find it online for an even cheaper price. Searching online it's fairly easy to find discount codes for many of the online triathlon gear retailers. Every triathlon wetsuit brand is cut a bit differently, so definitely find the suit that fits you best. You will be much faster in any suit that fits properly than you will in one that is slightly baggy (greater drag) or binding (less flexible, more restrictive).

Many experienced triathletes choose to swim without the aid of a wetsuit because they see not wearing a suit as a truer test of one's abilities. Other triathletes, even the more experienced one's, feel that if you are allowed a competitive advantage then use it! Whatever you have in mind, undeniable reasons exist justifying why it is good to wear a suit. The greatest benefit of using a triathlon wetsuit whether you be male or female is the added buoyancy they provide. This is specifically advantageous to beginners who feel their legs may be "too heavy" while in the water. Not having to use your legs as much during the swim will also be also save your legs for the run and bike ride, and you wont be burning all the energy the large leg muscles generally require. Triathlon wetsuits will also keep you warm if your event is in particularly frigid water, and as stated they seriously cut down on drag as well. All of this adds up to a great deal more energy you will have later for the other two events of the competition.

Many of the diehard purists of the sport feel that triathlon wetsuits should not be allowed in the sport. In many instances these purists have a valid point, and in a great deal of events having a wetsuit is just impractical and becomes more of a hindrance than an advantage - think transition during a shorter triathlon or swimming in warmer water. There are other instances in which it is almost impossible to go without a wetsuit and the competitor may not even be able to participate without the aid of a suit. For many athletes, the wetsuit is something a beginner may find valuable, but an experienced triathlon competitor should eventually transition away from using a wetsuit. Whatever your take on the subject, triathlon wetsuits will always prove to be a valuable tool for any athlete who wishes to test their own physical mettle.

The Benefits of Swimming by Johan Young

Swimming is one sport that is fun for the fans. Through interaction with thousands of gallons of water, you can get a lot of positive benefits not only touch the health problems, but also the social sector of your life. Through swim, you can make friends, relax, strengthen the respiratory system, to form a body to be beautiful.

When the stress from daily routine of whack, you can ease it by taking a little time to swim. Whether you want to do it alone or with friends, they still can make you feel calmer. Feel the calm water splashes around the whole body immersed in it. Enjoy every movement made, and if you have a private pool at home, so there's nothing wrong you add soft music in the pool. Playing ball or swim with friends can also raise your spirit again.

Similarly after the swim, usually people will feel sleepy because of fatigue. Thus, swimming can also help people who have insomnia so you can sleep soundly. Besides that, swimming also touching health problems. This exercise also proved able to train someone so that the respiratory system becomes more powerful. Therefore, there are a lot of people say that by swimming, can cure asthma or other respiratory problems. This occurs because the respiratory muscles are trained to hold and exhaled breath in a certain period.

Another benefit that would make a lot of women really like water sports this is because they want to form a more beautiful body. To achieve this, you can perform various movements ranging from swimming with different styles itself, until a simple gesture as floats. To form the body in the water, it is recommended you use a pool with a depth of 1,8-4 meters.

So, if there are so many benefits to be gained through this exercise, let us make time to feel and get the benefits of swimming.

Tips and Guide to Purchase Swimming Pools by Johan Young

In general there are two type of swimming pool, in ground pool and an above ground pool. Each of this type has something to offer, although there are also differences. And through this article, I want to share some tips and guide before you make final decision in buying a swimming pool. 1. The shape The shape with your swimming pool is important. Above ground pools only available in oval or round. On the other hand, in ground pools available in kidney, oval, and square shapes. If you want all of your family can swimming together, you'll want to get a shape that can support a lot of swimming. 2. The size and the price The size of swimming pool is also important. Generally in ground pools are bigger than an above ground pools. As consequent, in ground more expensive and use more water than an above ground pools. But in ground pools offer you several different sizes to choose from and they will give you and your families 'no limit' what you can do in your pool, such as dive. With in ground pools, you can have diving boards; above ground pools cannot do it. 3. The installation The installation of swimming pool is the other thing you should to know. The installation of above ground pools is easier than in ground pools. You can do it by yourself, in a few hours, and little to no help. On the other hand, in ground pools must be done by a professional and take several days to install. Conclusion Finally, what you need or hope to get from your swimming pool will influence your final decision. If you need a smaller and cheaper, an above ground pool would suffice. But if you need a lot of space or want to swim laps, an in ground poll is the best choice.

How to Find the Best Swimming Pool Cover Online by David Roy

Swimming pool covers are an important stuff your pool should have. Aside from helping you in keeping your pool clean and free from foreign matters like leaves and stones and other debris, it is also away of keeping its water temperature to a level ideal for swimming. It also a tool to prevent rapid evaporation of water.

If you are planning to purchase a swimming pool cover there are some things that you need to take into consideration. You have to consider the price, the product quality - among other product features - so that your money will not be put into waste.

Before buying this product it is really very important that you have a sufficient knowledge about it and you can do it through the following:

Product review. Reading swimming pool ladder review sites is one effective way to be able to know the product better. Review sites usually are published in details by individuals who have already utilized the products or by those who work researches to showcase product reviews with the most needed information - for public use. You are able to do comparison of different brands so you have better chances of choosing which swimming pool cover can do better for you.

Another good sources for product information are forums so prior to purchasing a pool cover you may consider joining online communities. A lot of online forums are discussing products like this so you can absorb lots of ideas from people who have experienced the products.

Browsing on online stores and auction sites is also a useful tool to get information about different products like swimming pool cover. Aside from they showcase details about products that you want to purchase, you can also have a conversation with their online support representatives. You can ask question about the product anytime as most of their online support are 24/7.

How to Find the Best Swimming Pool Cleaners Online by David Roy

An automatic swimming pool cleaner is one thing that you need to have for your own pool. This is because this gives a lot of help most especially when you have no enough time to do the manual cleaning.

If you are planning to buy a swimming pool cleaner there are some things that you need to take into account prior the purchase. You have to consider the price, the product quality - among other features - so that your money will not be put into waste.

Before buying this product it is extremely very important that you have a sufficient knowledge about it and you can have it by doing the following:

Product review. Reading swimming pool cleaner review sites is one effective way to be able to know the product even better. Review sites basically are published in details by individuals who have already used the products or by people who do research to showcase products with the most needed information. You are able to do comparison of different brands so you have better chances of choosing which one can do better for you.

Another good sources for product information are forum so prior to buying a product you may consider joining online communities. A lot of online forums are discussing products like this so you can absorb lots of ideas from people who have experienced the products.

Online stores and auction sites are also a good source of information about different products like swimming pool slides. Aside from they showcase details about products that you want to buy, you can also have a conversation with their online support representatives. You can raise question about the product anytime as most of their online support are 24/7.

How to Find the Best Swimming Pool Ladder Online by David Roy

A swimming pool ladder is one of the most common accessories found in our pool. Perhaps you feel your pool is not complete without yet.

If you are planning to buy a swimming pool ladder there are some things that you need to take into account. You have to consider the price, the product quality - among other product features - so that your bucks will not be put into waste.

Before buying this product it is really very important that you have a sufficient knowledge about it and you can do it through the following:

Product review. Reading swimming pool ladder review sites is one effective way to be able to know the product better. Review sites usually are published in details by individuals who have already utilized the products or by those who do research to showcase product reviews with the most needed information. You are able to do comparison of different brands so you have better chances of choosing which swimming pool ladder can do better for you.

Another good sources for product information are forums so prior to buying a pool ladder you may consider joining online communities. A lot of online forums are discussing products like this so you can absorb lots of ideas from people who have experienced the products.

Browsing on online stores and auction sites is also a useful tool to get information about different products like swimming pool ladders. Aside from they showcase details about products that you want to buy, you can also have a conversation with their online support representatives. You can raise question about the product anytime as most of their online support are 24/7.

Swimming Pool Chemicals; Outdoor Pool Chlorine by Jenny Pilley

Despite their crystal clean appearance, most swimming pools are hiding a dirty secret. When used by various individuals on a daily basis, bacteria can build up in the water and it can be hazardous to humans. Whether it is a public swimming baths or a home pool, chlorine/Bromine or other forms of sanitation should be added to the water in the right quantities to kill any bacteria that may be present. But where can pool owners buy these swimming pool chemicals? Well the answer is simple; there are internet based retailers that supply a wide selection of products that are necessary to maintain any pool, Spa or Hot-Tub.

One such online retailer specialises in pool maintenance and cleaning equipment. Amongst their range of products pool owners can purchase pool cleaners, chemicals, covers, pool games and other accessories.

They currently stock two brands of swimming pool chemicals, Fi-Clor and Swimfresh, both are highly regarded brands that are tested thoroughly for optimum safety. The chemicals are broken down into categories such as prevention and cure, chlorine, water balance and bromine. As well as chemical cleaners, this specialist also supplies other equipment that can be used to clean the pool manually. Items include leaf nets, brushes and vacuums.

Of course, some pool owners may feel uncomfortable adding chemicals to water that their family is going to swim in. This retailer has taken this into consideration and they have numerous branded guides available as downloadable PDF's on their website. The documents explain how to use and store the products safely and answer multiple questions relating to the chemicals.

Purchasing products online is incredibly simple, just add the items to the shopping basket and proceed to the checkout. Delivery is free for all orders over £60.00 within mainland UK and the retailer accepts a variety of universal payment methods such as, Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, Solo, Switch and Paypal.

If in doubt about how to use any of the swimming pool chemicals sold by this online retailer, they encourage their customers to contact a member of their friendly team for further support. They can be contacted via their online contact form or by calling them between 9am and 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday.

The Benefits of Swimming by Ian Fin

Similar to others, I got taught to swim in my first school. Although I was scared at first and had a few 'close to drowning' moments, I have always maintained my passion for swimming. Other then school lessons, my mother also brought me to personal lessons, never for competing purposes however. Despite my love for swimming as a child though, I never kept it up as I got older. I can see now that swimming has many benefits, so why did I stop going?

I think it was to do with me and my friends getting older. As we grew up or likes and dislikes changed, and as new activities started taking up our time swimming became less important. The rise in swimming costs also played a part, as when you're 13 you're considered an adult in many swimming pools. As we were young we couldn't afford this rise in price too often and decided to do cheaper things.

But always looking for new fun forms of keeping fit, when a friend recommended we go for a swim I was up for trying it out again. And let me say, swimming is a full body work out! That coming from someone who plays soccer usually twice a week alongside running and other physical activities. At a young age you don't notice the amount of muscles you need when swimming, but when you're older you can feel everyone of them from top to bottom! And one of your main muscles, your heart, gets a good work out too. Swimming could contribute to your general fitness regardless of whether you're doing any other sport or not.

On top of the fitness benefits of swimming, swimming is also a skill that could save lives. Now I'm not saying that you're going to get in a situation where you'd need to rely on your swimming skills to save your life, but you really never know. No one ever plans to get in a situation where they could potentially drown, but many people every year do die from drowning. The ability to swim could mean then difference between life and death!

Swimming for me is an essential skill, and one everyone should be able to do.

Can a Swimming Pool be Tax Deductible? by EZ Pools

There are certain situations where both the purchase and continued maintenance of a swimming pool "may" be tax deductible as medical expenses. How do you determine if it will qualify as a medical expense? According to IRS publication 502, medical expenses are the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and the costs for treatments affecting any part or function of the body. These include the costs of equipment, supplies, and diagnostic devices needed for these purposes. However, medical care expenses must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental defect or illness.

They do not include expenses that are merely beneficial to general health and wellness. A simplifying factor to determine whether or not it may be tax deductible is to ask; "Is it Doctor Prescribed?" If you have a prescription from a doctor for water therapy, then yes, the purchase and continued maintenance may be tax deductible. Now does this mean you can go out and spend $50,000 on an in-ground swimming pool, well maybe in some tax brackets. But most of us are far from being in this tax bracket. However, a portable EZ Pool, from reallyezpools.com can qualify for a tax deduction for the following reasons; it is not considered a home improvement, and, if the whole purpose of the pool is for therapy only, then it meets the standards under IRS form number 502.

You can include in medical expenses amounts you pay for special equipment installed in a home, or for improvements, if their main purpose is medical care for you, your spouse, or your dependent. The cost of permanent improvements that increase the value of your property may be partly included as a medical expense. The cost of the improvement is reduced by the increase in the value of your property. Only the difference is a medical expense. If the value of your property is not increased by the improvement, the entire cost is included as a medical expense. Please note: actual increase in the value to your home is best determined by an appraisal.

So if swimming and other water-based exercises are prescribed as treatment or part of a doctor-recommended physical therapy, then the cost of purchasing a portable pool may be partly deductible as a medical expense. However, the IRS is likely to question the deductions because of the possibility that the pool may be used for recreation. If you can show that the pool is specially equipped to alleviate your condition and is not generally suited for recreation, then the IRS may likely allow the deduction.

Here are two examples of how an EZ Pool customer was allowed to deduct their portable pool purchase.

1.) The IRS allowed a deduction for a pool purchase by an osteoarthritis patient, whose physician had prescribed swimming several times a day as treatment. He purchased a portable lap pool from reallyezpools.com and had no children. He further presented video showing how he uses the pool daily as per the doctor-recommended therapy. The IRS can be leery about deductions, but a well-documented case is considered valid.

2.) Another taxpayer had a child with emphysema and purchased an EZ Pool after his doctor told him to develop an exercise regime for the child. He swam with the child in it twice a day and improved the child's breathing capacity. The tax court allowed him to deduct the cost of the pool (to the extent the cost exceeded its added value to the property) as a medical expense because its primary purpose was for medical care. He was also allowed to deduct the pool-heating costs, pool chemicals and part of insuring the pool area.

Purchasing an EZ Pool is both affordable and easy - and if it is for doctor-prescribed medical purposes, then the government has made allowances for the purchase and associated costs to be deducted from your annual tax bill.