Choosing the perfect personal flotation device can seem confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ll share some quick tips for staying safe while you have fun on the water with properly fitted and comfortable life jackets.
Types of personal flotation devices
When choosing a life jacket, the main considerations are the right fit and how appropriate it is for your planned activities. For example, if you’re fishing or kayaking, you’ll definitely want to have a good range of arm motion. We’ll explain a few different types and each of their advantages, according to the US Coast Guard:
- Auto-inflating life jackets are flat and comfortable to wear, only inflating when you get in the water or manually activate it. Some are buoyant enough to turn an unconscious wearer face-up in the water. However, they’re not suitable for children, or for people who are unable to swim at all. They also require regular checks to make sure the inflation features are functional. They’re ideal for fishing because they’re very comfortable to wear when not inflated and the don’t prevent you from moving your arms freely.
- Manually inflatable life jackets have the same features as above, but lack the ability to inflate automatically. This means that this type of life jacket won’t provide you with any help if you’re unconscious in the water and unable to activate the inflation.
- Simple vest type life jackets filled with foam require almost no maintenance, making them easy to stash on the boat and forget about until it’s time for them to be worn. Many will turn an unconscious wearer face-up in the water, and they’re very buoyant. They’re more bulky than inflatable life jackets but much less bulky than offshore type vests.
What is life jacket sizing for adults based on?
It’s easy to figure out the right size for an adult PFD: the sizing is based on the size of your chest. Measure the circumference of your chest, making sure that the measuring tape is comfortable and not too tight. For women, you may want to choose from life jackets specifically designed for women. They’ll likely fit a lot better (and feel better) because they’re contoured for your body shape.
How does PFD sizing for children work?
Sizing for children’s PFDs is different than it is for adults; there are a couple different sizes based on your child’s weight. For a child between 8 and 30 pounds, an “infant” PFD is the correct size, while a child between 30 and 50 pounds should wear a “child” or “toddler” sized PFD. A child between 50 and 90 pounds needs a “youth” PFD.
How should my PFD fit?
When you put on a life jacket for the first time to try it out, follow these fitting steps:
- Loosen all the straps on the life jacket and put it on, zipping or clipping it closed.
- Tighten all the straps, starting at the waist.
- Have someone pull the life jacket up by the shoulders; if they’re able to slide it up above your nose or head, tighten the straps more. If you can’t tighten up the straps enough to prevent it from sliding over your head, you’ll need to go down a size as this is a sign that your life jacket is too large. If possible, test your life jacket in the water before it’s worn in a situation where you may need it, like tubing. This will allow you to see whether the flotation device slides over your head before you take it out on the boat.
- Your life jacket should fit tightly while still feeling comfortable, and should provide you with a good range of motion. Move your arms around and make sure the flotation device doesn’t chafe or rub and is right for you.
Some final tips:
Make sure you choose a PFD that’s Coast Guard. It should have the Coast Guard designation printed on the inside of the front.
Don’t forget a PFD for your four-legged friend! You can check out this article about taking your dog on the boat for information on choosing doggie life jackets and why it’s so important that they wear one.