Which of the following statements about personal flotation devices (PFDs) is true?

Introduction / Context:
Personal flotation devices, often called life jackets, are crucial safety equipment when boating, swimming in open water, or participating in water sports. Safety education materials emphasise correct usage, maintenance, and fitting of PFDs. Exams sometimes include questions from basic safety guidelines, and this question asks you to identify the accurate statement among several that describe PFD use and care.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The subject is personal flotation devices (PFDs).
We must choose one true statement from four given options.
The options mention ease of putting on PFDs in water, cleaning methods, performance in shallow water, and fit for children.

Concept / Approach:
Water safety rules stress that PFDs should be worn before entering the water because putting them on while already in the water can be hard or even impossible in rough conditions. They also warn against using harsh chemicals like gasoline for cleaning PFDs, as this can damage materials. A PFD will float regardless of water depth, shallow or deep, because flotation depends on buoyancy, not depth. For children, a PFD must fit snugly and securely, not loosely, to prevent slipping off. Based on these principles, the only correct statement is that PFDs are difficult to put on in the water.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Consider option A, which states that PFDs are difficult to put on in the water. This matches safety advice that PFDs must be worn before going into the water. Step 2: Examine option B, which suggests cleaning a PFD with gasoline. Safety guidelines clearly warn against using gasoline or strong solvents on PFDs. Step 3: Look at option C, which claims that PFDs do not float well in shallow water. Flotation is independent of depth, so this statement is incorrect. Step 4: Evaluate option D, which says children's PFDs should fit loosely. In reality, children need snug fitting PFDs to prevent them from slipping out. Step 5: Conclude that option A is the only true statement and is therefore the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify by thinking about practical scenarios. If someone falls overboard without wearing a PFD, they must struggle in the water, possibly in waves or strong current, to put a PFD on, which is very difficult and dangerous. Boating safety courses always instruct passengers to put on PFDs before leaving shore. Cleaning instructions from manufacturers also prohibit gasoline and recommend mild soap and water. These widely accepted guidelines confirm that option A reflects accurate safety information about PFDs.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Use gasoline to clean a PFD coated with oil or grease: Gasoline can weaken or damage the PFD fabric and flotation material, making it unsafe to use. PFDs do not float well in shallow water: The buoyancy of a PFD works the same in shallow and deep water as long as the device is correctly designed and worn. Children's PFDs should fit loosely: Loose PFDs are dangerous, especially for children, because they may slip off when the child is in the water.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may wrongly assume that gasoline is a strong cleaner suitable for all types of equipment or that shallow water somehow changes flotation behavior. Others might think a loose fit is more comfortable for children without realising that safety comes first. To avoid these errors, remember that all safety equipment must be used as directed by manufacturers and safety authorities. PFDs should be worn early, cleaned gently, and fitted snugly, especially for children.

Final Answer:
The true statement is that PFDs are difficult to put on in the water.