Cinch that Strap: Personal Flotation Devices for Safety on the Water

Personal flotation devices (PFD), better known as life jackets, are essential for safety on the water. According to statistics from BoatUS, nearly 90% of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket.

Life jackets come in various types, each designed for specific activities and conditions. They’re also legally required, so it’s a good idea to get familiar with the different types.

Understanding these types can help you choose the right one for your needs whether you’re pulling water skiers, cruising to the reef or heading out for a day of fishing from the private boat slip rental. 

Type I: Offshore Life Jackets

Offshore Life Jackets are best for open, rough or remote waterways where rescue could be delayed. With the ability to keep the head propped up out of the water, they have the most buoyancy of all types. An unconscious person will be turned right side up using this jacket. 

Features

• Provides the most buoyancy (22 lbs for adults)
• Designed to turn most unconscious wearers face-up in the water
• Bulky but offers the highest level of protection from the water and the weather 
• Usually bright in color for visibility
• Use for: Offshore boating, commercial shipping areas and long-distance cruising

Type II: Near-Shore Buoyant Vests

Near-shore buoyant vests are intended for calm and inland waters where quick rescue is likely to occur. This type is buoyant, but it may not turn an unconscious person face up. This is the type of PFD most commonly seen on boats in marinas and private boat lifts for rent. 

Features

• Less bulky than Type I, with 15.5 lbs of buoyancy for adults
• Can turn some unconscious wearers face-up, but not all
• Easier to wear and more comfortable, but you may have to tread water
• Commonly used by recreational boaters
• Use for: Day sailing, fishing and general boating on lakes and rivers

Type III: Flotation Aids

Flotation aids are designed for calm inland waters with quick rescue access. This is the PFD of choice for surfers, waterskiers, wakeboarders, jet skiers and other watersports activities. 

Features

• Similar buoyancy to Type II (15.5 lbs for adults)
• Designed for conscious wearers; not intended to turn an unconscious person face-up
• More comfortable and available in a wide range of styles
• Common in water sports like kayaking, canoeing, and waterskiing
• Use for: Paddle sports, personal watercraft and supervised recreational activities

Type IV: Throwable Devices

Throwable Devices are designed for emergency situations where a person has fallen overboard. Vessels more than 16 feet in length (except for kayaks and canoes) are required by the Coast Guard to have at least one of these on board. Even if your boat is shorter than 16 feet, it’s a wise idea to always have one of these before leaving a marina or private boat dock rental.

Features

• Not worn; designed to be thrown to a person in the water
• Includes devices like ring buoys, cushions, and horseshoe buoys
• Must be easily accessible on boats for emergencies
• Offers 16.5 to 18 lbs of buoyancy
• Use for: All types of boating and often required on boats as additional safety equipment
  

Type V: Special-Use Devices

Special-use devices are geared toward specific activities like windsurfing, kayaking or commercial use. This type is not guaranteed to turn a person face up. 

Features

• Designed for particular activities or conditions
• Must be used according to the label instructions to meet safety requirements
• Includes hybrids that offer less buoyancy but inflate to provide additional buoyancy when needed
• Varies widely in design and function
•  Use for: Specialized water sports, work vests, paddling vests or hybrid inflatables
  

Inflatable Life Jackets

Inflatable Life Jackets offer versatility for use where comfort and mobility are important. They’re often used for sailing regattas, canoeing and racing.  

Features

• Automatically or manually inflated with CO2 when submerged or activated
• More compact and less bulky than foam life jackets
• Provides buoyancy similar to Type I or II when inflated
• Not suitable for high-impact sports or children under 16
• Use for: Recreational boating, racing, fishing and long-distance cruising where comfort is key
  

Child and Pet Life Jackets

Are you planning to take the kids and maybe a fur-kid out for a boat ride? Child and pet life jackets are designed to keep children and pets safe on the water. A child’s life jacket must be Coast Guard-approved. Pet life jackets are not generally regulated by the Coast Guard, but you’ll still want to find a top-quality one before heading out from the dock or private boat lift rental. 

Features

• Designed specifically for children or pets, with appropriate sizes and buoyancy
• Usually includes features like handles, crotch straps and head support
• Ensures that smaller or less confident swimmers stay afloat
• Use for: Boating, fishing or other water activity involving children or pets

Always steer to the safe side and stow enough life vests for all your passengers before leaving a marina or private boat slip for rent.