In the early days of boating PFD's (portable floatation device) were called "life jackets" or "life savers". With increasing Coast Guard regulation on waterways, the PFD designation came into popular usage. Basically, what every boater buys a PFD for, is to be a life saver.
How do you buy a PFD that is serviceable, comfortable, and will save your life in the event of an accident on the water?
First you have to decide what you want your jacket to do. Do you wear your PFD the whole time you are on the water, or do you put it in a compartment ready to go if you need it? On Federal waterways you must have an appropriately sized PFD for every person on board. More of the states have a similar law. Jackets are priced from under $20 to almost $300. Some major retailers will even have special four-pack adult jackets for as little as $50, during the summer season. Just be sure the PFDs you buy are designated Coast Guard Approved, so if there is an accident, they will provide the proper floatation for each person. Also, if you are stopped for inspection, the PFDs on board will pass.
There are five classifications of PFD's:
The Type I offshore life jackets are meant to assure your safety in rough water, where rescue may not be very soon. These have the most buoyancy and in most instances will turn an unconscious person face up in the water. These are the ones carried on most commercial boats.
Type II are meant for inshore waters, where a quick rescue is likely. These may or may not turn an unconscious person face up in the water. Some inflatable vests fall within this category.
Type III - These can be vests, long sleeved jackets or inflatable vests and are often listed as floatation aids. They are not recommended for rough waters and are not designed to turn an unconscious person face up in the water.
Type IV are the throwable devices such as rings and cushions. They are meant to be thrown to a person in trouble, not to be worn, and only for persons capable of holding on to the device.
Type V - These are vests, deck suits, hybrid PFD's and devices designed for a specific purpose like water skiing, kayaking or someone working around water. These must be used according to their label instructions.
Regulations on when to wear a PFD vary with the water you are on, your age (children have much stricter regulations than adults), your degree of activity, and your comfort level on the water.
While inflatables are most often used by tournament participants, if you choose an inflatable PFD be aware that it must be worn at all times on the water. We found them only in Type II and Type III. Keep in mind that the inflatable devices are classified for use by swimmers only. For their own safety, non-swimmers should use foam ones only. Because these are not recommended for non-swimmers they are not a good choice for youngsters, even those juveniles who fall in the weight category of adults.
If you choose one that inflates, you will have to choose between Hydrostatic Inflation Technology (inflates under hydrostatic pressure), Automatic Inflation (inflates when submerged in water) or Manual Inflation (inflates by pulling a cord). All inflating PFDs we found were rechargeable, but to be sure to check before buying.
Most foam PFDs for adults can be stored in a compartment, where they are easily and quickly accessible. Inflatable PFDs cannot.
Keep in mind that PFDs are not all alike and some are much more comfortable than others. While a four-pack of jackets, for someone who often has friends who fish with them, can be an economical choice, these one-size-fits-all often will not provide the comfort of one chosen for the individual wearer. PFDs are being made now for different body types; some have mesh panels for warm weather wear, come in both short and long versions, vests, suspenders, body pouches, long sleeved jackets, some with zippers, others with snaps or clasps. Most women's jackets have cups to make them more comfortable, and children's jackets come with straps that are easier to adjust and much less binding than older ones.
It may cost a little more, but if every member of your boating family tries on their PFD and is happy with it, their time on the water will be more fun (whether the vest is worn or in a compartment). There will always be days that start out calm and beautiful, and turn into a rough water ride back to dock with everyone wearing his or her PFD. A comfortable, well-fitting one makes it less stressful for everyone.
All too often we purchase a PFD at the last minute, glancing over those in stock, picking by price, color or convenience. Instead, consider that your PFD is a life saver. The next time you buy one take as much time as you would to buy a winter jacket, walking shoes, or a barbeque. When needed, the PFD is the most important accessory in your boat, so pick one that you are comfortable wearing, fastens quickly and does the job you need it to do.
by Dick and Bess Pierce - Midwest Outdoors
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