When selecting a PFD, choose the right one for you, your planned activities, and the water conditions you expect to encounter. Consider where you will be boating and what kinds of boating you will be doing. You may in fact need more than one PFD. No matter which PFD you choose, be sure to get one that is right for you, and make certain that it is U.S. Coast Guard approved for a person of your size and weight.

Please review the following information to help you accurately determine the best type of PFD for your activity, conditions, style and size.

PFDs are broken down into 5 categories, based on their intended function, and PFD manufacturers must meet or exceed specific requirements in order to obtain U.S. Coast Guard approval within these categories.

Type

Type I
Also known as an offshore lifejacket, Type I personal flotation devices provide maximum buoyancy and are recommended for rough, open or offshore cruising when rescue response may be slow. Designed to turn most unconscious wearers from a face-down to a face-up breathing position in the water, Type I PFDs are bulky and somewhat uncomfortable for watersports. An adult size provides a minimum of 22 pounds of buoyancy, and a child size provides 11 pounds.

Type II
Also known as a near-shore lifejacket, Type II personal flotation devices are intended for calm, inland waterways and circumstances when prompt rescue are likely. Designed to be worn around the neck and strapped around the torso, Type II PFDs will turn some (but not all) unconscious wearers from a face-down to a face-up breathing position in the water. An adult size provides a minimum of 15.5 pounds of buoyancy; a medium child size provides a minimum 11 pounds; and small child/infant size provides a minimum 7 pounds buoyancy.

Type III
Also known as a flotation aid, Type III personal flotation devices are intended for calm, inland waterways and circumstances when prompt rescue are likely. Type III PFDs are designed to offer maximum comfort and freedom of movement (i.e. watersport jackets and vests), but require users to place themselves in a face-up breathing position in the water. Provides the same minimum buoyancy as Type II PFDs.

Type IV
Also known as a throwable device, Type IV personal flotation devices are intended for calm, inland waterways with plenty of boat traffic and where help is always available. Type IV PFDs are designed to be thrown to a person in the water and grasped and held by the user until rescued. It is not designed to be worn. Type IV devices include buoyant cushions, ring buoys, and horseshoe buoys. For paddling and rowing, Type IV throwable devices are best used in conjunction with a wearable PFD since they are not USCG approved for canoe and kayak use.

Type V
Also known as a special use device, Type V personal flotation devices are highly specialized vests designed for specific watersport activities such as waterskiing, board sailing, and paddling. Type V PFDs provide the performance of either a Type I, II, or III PFD (as marked on its label) may be worn instead of another PFD only if used according to the approval condition(s) on the label; otherwise they are not considered USCG approved.

Size

When selecting a PFD, size is very important. It must fit properly to work properly, so you must make sure PFDs are the right size for the individuals who will wear them. In addition to the buoyancy guidelines included above, the U.S. Coast Guard weight guidelines are:

Infant  (0-30 pounds)
Child (30-50 pounds)
Youth (50-90 pounds)
Adult (over 90 pounds)

While determining correct fit, it is also important to consider comfort. A personal flotation device should be sufficiently snug to prevent the user from slipping down, but if it is too tight it will be uncomfortable and will likely be removed. Follow the adult sizing guidelines for each product to find the PFD best suited to your body type.

Children should always wear PFDs. In many states it is required by law. Bearing this in mind, it is important to size children's personal flotation devices correctly. Infant PFDs should be designed with flotation collars to keep heads out of the water and crotch straps to keep the PFD in place. Follow the weight guidelines for each product to help you determine which size to buy.

Style

When selecting a PFD, the style you choose is largely a matter of personal preference. Only once you have accurately matched function (type) and size, should you consider style to help narrow down your decision.

Care

In order to extend the life of your PFD proper maintenance will ensure long life and superior buoyancy. Rinse salt water, sand and sunscreen from your PFD after use and before storing. Let it dry completely before storing to prevent mold and mildew, but do not use a dryer, heater, radiator, or other direct heat source which could damage the buoyancy material.

Stow your PFD in a well ventilated place that is easily and quickly accessible but out of direct sunlight. UV light can damage and age many synthetic materials. Do not store PFD beneath heavy objects or use it as a cushion of fender. Compressing the foam can decrease the buoyancy.

At the start of each boating season test all your PFDs. Check to make sure there is no mildew, and that the buoyant material has not shrunk or become waterlogged. Carefully inspect PFDs for abrasion, tears, and holes. Make certain that seams are not coming apart; straps are not ripping, fraying or rotting; and hardware is functioning properly. Test the PFD's buoyancy in the water.

If you discover that a PFD is in poor condition, replace it. An emergency is no time to "repair" a worn out PFD. After all, your life (and the lives of your loved ones) may depend on it.

If you discard a PFD, don't throw it out without destroying it. Someone may salvage your discarded PFD from the trash to "recycle" it without realizing it is unsafe. The straps should be cut off the vest so that it cannot be fastened to another user. Each section should have a knife stuck into it, leaving an obvious wound so that it is truly useless. The last thing you want is to have someone hurt because you did not disable the vest.

Note

In addition to U.S. Coast Guard regulations, many states have laws regarding the wearing of PFDs in certain specific situations. It is your responsibility to know what those laws are and to follow them. Please check your state regulations.

For additional information about personal flotation devices please visit the U.S. Coast Guard website.