Life Jackets for Boating » Yachts & Boats

Life Jacket, Vest, PFD - Whatever you call them, they will save your life…
The life jacket is the single most important piece of safety gear for any boater. It is estimated over 85% of boaters who die in a boating incident would have survived if they had only been wearing a PFD. Isn’t that reason enough to buy a good quality life jacket and wear it always? Boating is a sport, and having the best safety gear available is critical.

Which Life Jacket is Right for You?

	Use	Advantages
Type I
Inherent and Inflatable Type Life Jackets`	Off-Shore Open or Rough Waters Coastal Cruising General Boating	Best for all waters Will turn most unconscious wearers face up Highly visible coloring
Type II
Inherently Buoyant Type II Life Jacket	Inland waters or calm waters where fast rescue is likely	Comfortable
Inflatable Type II Life Jacket	Also suitable for open or rough waters	Will turn most unconscious wearers face up
Type III
Inherent and Inflatable Type Life Jacket	Inland waters or calm waters where fast rescue is likely.	Generally the most comfort for continuous wear. Many styles available.
Type V
Inherent and Inflatable Type Life Jacket	Special use - see Life Jacket label	Designed for specific activities

Life Jackets - Selecting The Right One
Life jackets come in a variety of shapes, colors and materials. Some are made for rugged use while others are made to protect you from cold water. No matter which life jacket you choose, be sure to get one that is right for you, your planned activities, and the water conditions you expect to encounter. Remember, spending a little time now may save your life later.
Read the inside label of a life jacket for restrictions, size, weight, and USCG approval. Most life jackets are made for general boating activities, but some are only for specific activities. Read the label to ensure the life jacket is appropriate for the intended wearer and activity.

The Correct Fit
Select a life jacket for the activity you will be participating in. Many large stores (Wal-Mart, K-Mart) sell life jackets, as well as marine retail stores. Follow these steps to ensure the life jacket you select fits properly:
- Put on the life jacket, ensuring all straps, zippers and ties are fastened firmly and correctly.
- Raise your arms over your head (reach for the sky).
- Have someone firmly lift the life jacket straight up by the shoulders.
- The life jacket must stay in place. If it rises above your nose or mouth, so will water!

Test Your Life Jacket
- Test your life jacket in a pool or shallow water to see how you float.
- Relax and let your head tilt slightly back.
- The life jacket must keep your chin above water.
- If you are a large person, consider a Type I or inflatable life jacket to support your body weight.

The 5 Types of Life Jackets
Wearable, inherently buoyant and inflatable PFDs are available in Types I, II, III and V).
Inflatable life jackets are rated at different Type levels (I, II, III or V). Always check the label to determine the Type level of your PFD. Inflatable life jackets are not to be worn by anyone under 16 years of age, Personal Watercraft riders, skiers/tubers/wakeboarders, or while boating in whitewater.

Type I – Offshore Life Jacket. Provides sufficient floatation to keep most adults turned face up, even if unconscious. Large, bulky, and hot, but provides the most flotation (22 pounds) of the inherently buoyant life jackets. Recommended for non-swimmers. The Type I Hybrid life jacket provides both foam and an inflatable system in one jacket. This is the best life jacket to keep you afloat in remote regions where rescue may be slow in coming.

Previous 1 2 Next