Wear Your Personal Flotation Device

Importance of a Lifejacket on the Water

Coast Guard regulations require carriage of wearable Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) on recreational vessels. Boats 16 feet and longer in length must also carry a throwable PFD.

Boaters should consider wearing PFDs at all times while aboard a boat, but there are certain activities where you should make it a personal requirement.

Many States expect PFDs be worn for these special activities. These include things like water skiing, operating or riding on a personal watercraft (PWC), whitewater kayaking or rafting, and sailboarding. Children less than 13 years of age are required to wear a PFD while onboard a boat.

The U.S. Coast Guard certifies PFDs approved for use in the United States. An approval label can be found on any certified PFD. There are five types of Coast Guard approved PFDs. Each offers a different level of protection and intended use.

Type I

Type I or off-shore lifejackets offer the greatest level of protection and flotation. They are designed to roll most unconscious wearers face-up in the water. Type I's are required on passenger for hire vessels like ferries. They are bulky, uncomfortable to wear and not commonly used as PDFs by recreational boaters.

Type II

Type II or near-shore buoyancy vests are a step down from the type I and intended for use in calmer waters. They will turn some unconscious wearers face-up and designed for waters where there is a chance of quick rescue.

Type III

Type III, or flotation aids, are the most commonly used PFD by boaters. The design offers the same flotation as a type II, but no face-up protection for an unconscious wearer. These PFDs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Designs are more comfortable and easily worn.

Type IV

Type IV or throwable devices are ring buoys and floating cushions. Ring buoys are an important water rescue device that should be located at your dock. Practice throwing ring buoys at targets in the water, they aren't as easy to use as one might think. Be sure to have about 50 feet of line attached to the buoy to reel someone in, or in case you need a second attempt at a throw.

Type V

Type V PFDs are devices intended for special uses. The most common example is the Mustang exposure suit worn by many of us in Alaska. Many type V devices bear a label that states that they do not qualify as PFDs under Coast Guard regulations unless worn. Many are too hard to don after you are thrown into the water, so make sure to wear this type of PFD.

There are three flotation systems used in PFD construction. These include foam, inflatable, as well as hybrid combinations of the two. Try wearing and using your PFD before having to depend on it. Test your PFD in shallow water or swimming pool to see how well it floats and fits you.