Lifesaving Style: Which Life Jacket Do You Need?

A safe day on the water is a perfect day on the water. 

So, if you're thinking of going out on the water without a life jacket, think again! Life jackets (also known as Personal Flotation Devices or PFDs) can literally be the difference between life and death. 

Don't believe us? Well, maybe you'll believe the U.S. Coast Guard. They reported that of the boaters who drowned in 2022, 85% were not wearing life jackets. 

Plus, it's a legal requirement that all vessels must be equipped with U.S. Coast Guard-approved jackets, although the quantity and type depend on your vessel's length and how many people are on board.

Wearing your life jacket is the easiest way to stay safe and protect yourself and your passengers. However, not every (or "just any") life jacket is the right one for everyone on the boat. Which style of life jacket do you need? Keep reading to find out!

Types of Lifejackets (and What They're For)

Did you recently buy a boat? Are you looking to get more involved in water recreation?

A good boater is always ready for the water. So, make it a habit and always wear a life jacket.

Now, before you go running off to buy all the life jackets you can afford, take some time to learn what kind of life jacket you'll need and when to wear it.

Wearable Life Preservers

These are the lifejackets you see people wearing while boating or participating in watersports like jet skiing. However, not every type of lifejacket functions the same way. Make sure you have a lifejacket that can respond appropriately to different activities.

Offshore Life Jackets

Are you looking for big-time buoyancy? Get an offshore life jacket. 

Designed for rough or remote waters where rescue may take a while, these jackets will turn most unconscious people face up in the water.

Near-shore Vests

These lightweight vests are fantastic for calmer waters where quick rescue is likely. Near-shore vests will turn some unconscious wearers face up in the water, but it's not as guaranteed as offshore.

If you're unsure if you'll be safe with a near-shore vs. an offshore vest, go with the offshore option. 

Inflatables

Inflatable vests are intended for calm waters when quick rescue is likely. 

Inflatable life jackets are great for water sports. Some are even designed to inflate once you enter the water! 

However, if you're planning on hitting rougher waters, skip these jackets. In most cases, they won't turn unconscious people face up.

Throwable Devices

Throwable devices are not worn like traditional life jackets. These flotation devices are thrown to someone in the water who is in trouble. 

These devices shouldn't be used in rough waters or by people who cannot hold onto them.

Special-Use Devices

Special-use devices are designed for specific activities such as windsurfing, kayaking, or water-skiing. Like the inflatable vests, some special use devices inflate when you enter the water.

These flotation devices come in several designs, including vests, deck suits, hybrid PFDs, etc.

Make Sure It Fits

In addition to using the right PFD for the right water activities, your life jacket must fit properly. Life jackets are not "one size fits all."

Kids need smaller jackets than adults. When choosing a life jacket, make sure it fits snugly – but not too snugly. A life jacket shouldn't be too large or too small for the person wearing it. 

• If it's too large, a person may lose it (or float out of it) when falling into the water. 
• If it's too small, it may be unable to turn the wearer upright in the water to prevent drowning. 

After purchasing your life jacket (or jackets to stock your boat), take good care of them. Check them every season and before every outing on your boat, looking for tears or other damage that could cause them not to work as they should in the water. 

Buy Approved Life Jackets

When shopping for life jackets, you'll find a range of brands and quality. However, the only life jackets you should trust are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. 

This organization is a national catalyst for developing a safe boating culture. They provide educational resources, outreach programming, and training opportunities for industry partners and the boating community safe, secure, and responsible boating.

In partnership with Boat-Ed, you can save on an adult and youth life jacket combo set. Or, find life jackets for adults here! 

Take a Boater Education Course 

While wearing a life jacket on the water can save your life, it's only one part of safe boating. 

In the United States, more than 40 states have boater education requirements to operate a watercraft. Only an approved boater safety course will fulfill your state's boater education requirements.

Boater safety education gives you more in-depth insights into different types of life jackets and the best safety equipment to keep friends and family safe on your boat every season. 

You'll also learn how to navigate your boat safely on the water and good boat etiquette to help keep other boaters safe, too. 

Safe Boating Starts With Boat-Ed

If you're ready to get out on the water this season, get your boating education card online through Boat-Ed today! We offer state-approved online courses for your area. Find and select your state, then complete your course! 

Originally published June 3, 2022. Content updated February 15, 2024.