A fact to consider … boating accident statistics compiled by the U.S. Coast Guard indicate that 90 percent of the people who drown in a boating or water accident would be alive today if they had been wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident.

The best PFD is the one you wear!

* Your life jacket should always readily accessible.

* Whenever water conditions or weather cause concern, have everybody aboard immediately put on their life jacket.

* If you should fall in the water, stay with the boat.  If another person is in the boat wait for the boat to come along side.

Safety Requirements

The U.S. Coat Guard’s Federal Requirements state, “All recreational boats must carry one wearable PFD (Type I, II, III, or Type V) for each person aboard … [and that] any boat 16 feet and longer (except canoes and kayaks) must also carry one throwable Type IV PFD.”

It is federally required that children 12 years old and younger must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket at all times when underway in a vessel less than 19 feet in length, unless in a fully enclosed area.

Life Jacket Classification

Type I … offshore life jackets

This class of life jacket provides the most buoyancy.  It is effective for all waters, especially open, rough or remote waters where rescue may be delayed.  It is designed to turn most unconscious wearers to a face up position.

Type II … near shore buoyant vests

Intended for calm, inland water, where there is a good chance of quick rescue.  Life jackets of this type will some, but not all, unconscious wearers to face up position in water.

Type III … flotation aids

This type is popular among recreation boaters.  This type is designed for calm water with good chance of quick rescue.  Wearer may have to tilt head back to keep face out of water.  This is the most comfortable type for continuous wear.  Total inflatable jackets are now U.S. Coast Guard approved if they have the approval number listed on the label.

Type IV … throwable devices

A cushion or ring, this device is 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 must be stowed in an immediately available location.

Type V … special use devices

Intended for specific activities and may be carried instead of another life jacket only if used according to approved conditions on the label.