One of the most important things you can do when heading out on the water is to ensure you have the right personal flotation device (PFD). If you accidentally fall overboard or your boat takes on water and capsizes, wearing a PFD can save your life.
We believe a PFD is always a good idea, even for strong swimmers. Here's what you need to know about choosing the right one for your needs.
What Are the Different Types of PFDs?
There are five different types of PFDs (or life jackets), and they all have various functions.
Wearing the right one is crucial to the best protection for your situation. To do that, you must be clear on how each type of life jacket functions and which one is best for the water activities you plan to do.
Type I (Offshore Life Jackets)
This type of life jacket is the best option for rough, remote, or open waters. Rescue in these locations may be delayed, and you want a buoyant PFD to keep you afloat for a long time.
Additionally, the Type I life jacket can turn most unconscious wearers face up and will reduce the risk of drowning for someone who loses consciousness while awaiting rescue.
Type II (Near-Shore Buoyant Vests)
This type of personal flotation device is best when in calm inland waters. Rescue in these waters is typically quick — since you're not far from help — so these PFDs are less bulky than the Type I style.
However, it's important to note that they might not be effective at turning an unconscious wearer face up.
Type III (Flotation Aids)
Type III PFDs are ideal for water activities or boating in calm waters. They offer more freedom of movement and comfort than Type I or II life jackets, making them a good choice for experiences such as water sports.
Type IV (Throwable Devices)
These PFDs are designed to be thrown to someone in the water and aren't meant to be worn. They're generally cushions or rings that you can toss from a dock or boat to a conscious person needing rescue.
Type V (Special Use Devices)
A Type V PFD is intended for a specific activity, with two of the most common being kayaking and windsurfing.
These life jackets must be worn to meet legal requirements for personal flotation devices based on that particular activity — meaning, just having one nearby won't meet the requirements of having a PFD.
How to Find the Right Size and Fit for Your Personal Flotation Device
Proper fit matters when choosing any PFD. It should fit snugly but not be too tight and constricting.
However, you also don't want it to be too loose, or it might not stay on properly when needed. You can test the fit by lifting it at the shoulders while wearing it. If it's a good fit, it shouldn't ride up.
If you're fitting a PFD for an adult, ensure it is correct for the wearer's chest size and weight. Also, children need specially designed options with increased safety features, such as crotch straps. These additions can increase the child's security and protection and reduce the chances they will slip out of the PDF.
Consider Additional Features
Reflective tape is a great additional feature for a personal flotation device, as it helps enhance visibility in low-light conditions. You may also want a personal flotation device with pockets and attachment options to store small items efficiently and attach safety gear such as whistles and lights.
Additionally, consider the difference between manual and automatic inflation. The manual inflation option offers a cord you must pull to inflate the PFD, while an automatic PFD will activate independently when it comes into contact with the water.
Consider the Activity
The kind of activity you plan to engage in matters when choosing a PFD.
For example, you may need a Type III PFD for kayaking because it offers more mobility. Or, sailing may mean selecting a Type I or Type II PFD since you can have a bulkier vest without discomfort or inconvenience.
You also need to consider water temperature. If you're boating in cold waters, you'll want to choose a PFD that provides insulation and minimizes exposure to the elements.
Comfort and Wearability
Choose a comfortable PFD for extended wear, especially if you plan long boating trips. It should not only feel comfortable but also allow you to move freely. That's particularly important if you're engaged in any active water sport.
You're more likely to wear it if it's comfortable!
Cost vs. Quality
When you buy a PFD, you're investing in safety, so it's crucial to prioritize quality and features. It can be tempting to opt for the cheaper choice, but the right PFD can save your life.
You don't want to lose that protection when you need it most. So, look for U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)-approved life jackets to ensure you've got a quality PFD for everyone on the boat.
Understand State and Federal Legal Requirements
Being aware of local, state, and federal regulations for PFD use is vital. Most life jacket laws require wearing USCG-approved life jackets, which we mentioned above, so a cheaper alternative may not only not save your life but it could also violate the law.
Also, some laws require you to use specific types of PFDs on board a boat, and you'll also need to have enough PFDs for every person you're taking with you. If you don't have a PFD for every passenger on the boat, plus extra for emergencies, add more before leaving the dock.
Test It Before You Need It
You don't want the first time you wear your PFD to be in an emergency.
Instead, practice wearing and using it beforehand. Test it in a controlled environment (like shallow water) to ensure it functions and fits appropriately.
Also, regularly inspect it for wear and tear and replace it if you find damage. If you have an inflatable PFD, it will need regular maintenance for rearming and inspection of CO2 cartridges.
It's normal to have PFD and boating questions, and you want to have answers before you get out on the water.
Learn More About PFDs and Boating Safety with Boat-Ed
Along with choosing a quality personal flotation device that fits your needs, improve your overall boating safety knowledge by taking an online boat education course through Boat-Ed.
Our courses help you learn more about staying safe in the water and increase your confidence and peace of mind for all your water adventures. You'll learn more about life jackets, boat navigation, and what to do if someone falls overboard when taking one of our courses.
Plus, most states require boat operators to pass a safety course before hitting the water. So, choose the Boat-Ed course for your state and start learning with our free study guides! Then grab your PFD and hit the water.
