Multiple adjustment points help in customizing the fit to your body.In addition to flotation, here are a few things to look for when choosing your PFD: The highest flotation jacket in the world won’t do you any good if you’re not wearing it when it’s needed! All our jackets exceed the Coast Guard flotation minimum. Again, finding a PFD you’re comfortable in is the most important criteria. However, that additional flotation makes the jacket bulkier and possibly less comfortable. The more flotation in a jacket, the higher you float and the faster you pop to the surface. The more muscle you have, the more flotation you need. If you’re a non-swimmer, you may feel more secure in a higher flotation model, one in the 22-27 pound range. If you’re a swimmer and comfortable in the water, a jacket with 16-18 pounds of design flotation should be fine for you. The US Coast Guard specifies a minimum of 15-½ pounds flotation in an adult PFD. Most adults in a bathing suit need seven to 12 pounds of extra flotation to keep their head out of the water. Especially in aerated whitewater or when the water is cold, a properly chosen and fitted PFD can literally be the difference between life and death. We carry a wide array of models to ensure there’s a good fit for all body types and builds.Įven if you’re a good swimmer, a life jacket (often referred to as a PFD, for Personal Flotation Device) gives you that extra margin of safety while boating. We’re often asked, “What’s the best life jacket?” The best answer we can give is, “The one you’re wearing when you need it.” And you’re much more likely to be wearing it if it fits well and is comfortable enough to wear all day while you’re on the water. USCG-approved inflatable PFDs must be functional and armed. Check and replace spent cartridges in inflatable PFDs.There’s a Reason They Call Them “Life Jackets” It contains a small amount of inherent buoyancy and an inflatable chamber and must be worn when underway to be acceptable. Some are designed to automatically inflate when entering the water. They can be deck suits, work vests, board-sailing vests and others.
TYPE V, special use devices, are intended for special activities (such as windsurfing, kayaking, or waterskiing) and can be used only for the specified conditions. Type IV devices include buoyant cushions, ring buoys, and horseshoe buoys. It is designed to be thrown to a person in the water and grasped and held by the user until rescued. TYPE IV PFDĪ TYPE IV PFD, or THROWABLE DEVICE, is intended for calm, inland water with heavy boat traffic, where help is always present but can be used in open water as well. Some Type III PFDs are designed to be inflated upon entering the water. Float coat, fishing vests, and vests designed for various water sports are examples. TYPE III has the same minimum buoyancy as a TYPE II PFD. The wearer may have to tilt their head back to avoid turning face down. This PFD type will not turn unconscious wearers to a face-up position. TYPE III PFDĪ TYPE III PFD, or FLOTATION AID, is good for calm, inland water, or where there is a good chance of quick rescue. Infant and small child sizes each provide at least 7 pounds buoyancy. An adult size provides at least 15.5 pounds buoyancy, a medium child size provides 11 pounds. The turning action is not as pronounced nor as effective as a TYPE I. This type will turn some unconscious wearers to a face-up position.
TYPE II PFDĪ TYPE II PFD, NEAR-SHORE BUOYANT VEST is intended for calm, inland water or where there is a good chance of quick rescue. The TYPE I comes in two sizes: Adult size provides at least 22 pounds of buoyancy, the child size, 11 pounds, minimum. It is designed to turn most unconscious wearers in the water to a face-up position. It is effective for all waters, especially open, rough, or remote waters where rescue may be delayed. A TYPE I PFD, or OFFSHORE LIFE JACKET, provides the most buoyancy.
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