Car seat safety is something that all parents prioritize, but have you ever wondered if car seats can actually float? It turns out that some studies have shown that car seats do have enough buoyancy to float in the event of a water emergency. However, relying on your child’s car seat as a flotation device may not be the best idea. In this article, we’ll explore the materials used in car seat construction and discuss what you should do in case of a water crash. So, let’s dive into the fascinating world of car seats and their floating capabilities.
What are car seats made of?
Frame
The frame of a car seat is typically made from an extremely tough plastic like polypropylene. This material is powerful yet flexible enough to withstand heavy impact. The frame provides the structure and support for the car seat.
Buckles
The buckles on a car seat are usually a mix of hard but flexible plastic and metal. These buckles are designed to securely fasten the straps across the chest and at the bottom. The metal buckle at the bottom is where most of the force will be applied during a crash.
Shoulder straps
Shoulder straps on car seats are typically made of nylon or other blended fabric. These straps are flexible and meant to be comfortable for the child. However, they are also designed to be incredibly strong to ensure the child’s safety in the event of a crash.
Anchor straps
Most modern car seats use nylon anchor straps to secure the seat to the car. These straps are a fairly new addition to car seats, as previous models used the car’s own seatbelts for securing the seat. Anchor straps provide an additional level of stability and security.
Seat covers
Car seat covers are usually made of synthetic fabric blends. These covers not only provide a comfortable surface for the child but also protect the seat from spills and messes.
Seat filling
Car seats are padded with flame-resistant, shock-absorbing foams for extra comfort and safety. These foams provide cushioning and protection in the event of a crash.
Do car seats float?
Limited testing results
According to limited testing conducted by Aquatics Safety consultant Gerald Dworkin, most car seats are suitably buoyant to be useful in water emergency situations. Dworkin found that car seats can be cut loose from the seatbelt and removed from the vehicle with the child still secured in the car seat. However, it is important to note that this process may be difficult to execute in practice, especially in a high-pressure, life-or-death situation.
Expert opinion
While car seats may float in water, most experts advise against relying on them as flotation devices during a water crash. The primary recommendation is to get young children out of their car seats during any rescue or escape from a submerged vehicle. There are various strategies for dealing with a sinking or submerged car, but the key is to have a plan and remain calm. Windows and doors become more difficult to open as the water pressure builds, so creating an exit path should be a priority.
What to do during a water crash (with young children)
The importance of having a plan
Having a plan is crucial during a water crash. Without a strategy in place, panic can override rational thinking, potentially leading to tragic consequences. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the recommended actions to take in such situations and practice them regularly to be better prepared.
Recommended action plan
The following is a recommended action plan for dealing with a water crash involving young children:
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Seatbelt Off: While remaining as calm as possible, free yourself from your seatbelt. You will need to lead everyone out of the car and to safety, so releasing yourself from the restraint is the first step.
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Windows Open or Broken: Create an exit path by opening the windows or breaking them if necessary. It is advisable to keep a window-breaking object, such as a hammer or screwdriver, in your car at all times. Breaking the window before unbuckling the children is crucial because the water pressure can make it increasingly difficult to open or break the window as the car sinks.
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Out (children first) oldest to youngest: Once you have created the exit path, focus on getting all of your children unbuckled and out of the window or door. If you have older kids, it is best to get them out first as they may be able to assist with the younger ones.
It is important to note that disconnecting the car seat entirely may take longer and could be dangerous. It is preferable to remove the child from the car seat yourself, especially considering the difficulty of removing a car seat and the potentially life-threatening situation.
Disconnecting the car seat in an emergency
Difficulty of removing a car seat
Anyone who has installed or uninstalled a car seat knows that it can be a challenging and time-consuming process. In an emergency situation, trying to disconnect the car seat could be dangerous and waste valuable time. It is crucial to prioritize the safe and quick removal of the child, rather than attempting to remove the entire car seat.
Safe and quick release car seats
Many safety experts have advocated for the development of safe and quick release car seats to address the challenges of removing car seats in emergency situations. These car seats would provide a faster and more efficient way to extricate the child from the seat during a water crash or other emergencies.
Practicing unbuckling your child quickly
To ensure that you can unbuckle your child quickly in the event of an emergency, it is recommended to practice this skill regularly. Treat it like a game during school drop-off or other suitable moments. By practicing, you can develop muscle memory and increase your speed and confidence when it matters most.
Keeping a window-breaking object in the car
To be prepared for a water crash or any situation that may require breaking a car window, it is advisable to keep a window-breaking object in your car. This could be a hammer, screwdriver, or a specialized car safety multitool designed for breaking windows and cutting seat belts. Storing it in the glove box or another easily accessible location ensures you have it within reach in case of an emergency.
Wrapping up the article
Car seats are designed with various materials to provide safety and comfort for children during car rides. While they may float in water, relying on them as flotation devices during a water crash is not recommended. It is crucial to have a plan in place and practice the recommended actions for escaping a sinking or submerged car. Disconnecting the car seat in an emergency may be challenging, and it is safer to remove the child from the seat directly. The development of safe and quick release car seats is an area of interest for safety experts. Regularly practicing unbuckling your child quickly and keeping a window-breaking object in the car can further enhance your preparedness for emergencies.
About the author
Evan Porter is a father of two and the editor of Dad Fixes Everything. With his experiences as a parent, he seeks to provide answers and solutions to questions and challenges faced by parents. As an Amazon Associate, he may earn referral fees from purchases made through links on his website. However, he always stands by his opinions and recommendations.