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What’s A Life Jacket?
A life jacket is a type of personal floatation device (PFD) that is designed to keep you afloat in water and help you stay afloat longer. There are different types of life jackets available, each with its own set of features and benefits. It’s important to choose the right type of life jacket for your needs, as well as other factors such as size, weight, and comfort.
Types Of Life Jackets
There are 4 main types of life jackets: Type I, Type II, Type III, and Type IV. These life jackets are separated based on several different factors, which we will go into below.
Type I PFDs are the most common type of life jacket. They’re typically made of a thicker, more durable material and have a higher buoyancy rating. This makes them ideal for use in rough water or when swimming in open water. They can support over 20 pounds of weight with their supporting buoyancy.
Type II PFDs are less buoyant than Type I PFDs, but they’re still designed to keep you afloat. They’re typically made of a thinner material and are more comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Type III PFDs are the least buoyant type of life jacket, but they’re still designed to keep your head above water. They’re typically made of a thinner material and are more comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Type IV PFDs are not a type of life jacket. Rather, this class refers to various types of throwable devices that can be thrown overboard to rescue a potential victim of drowning. Most type IV PFDs are holstered to the deck of the boat for easy access in case of emergency. These devices should be handled with great care. They are not suitable for unconscious people or children to use.
How to Choose the Right Life Jacket
Now that you know the different types of life jackets available, it’s time to choose the right one for your needs. There are several factors to consider when making your decision:
Select the proper type based on activity or boating conditions
Choose a life jacket that properly fits both you and the activity you’ll be participating in. Be sure to check the weight and buoyancy rating of the life jacket. Make sure it can support your weight in water. You’ll also need to ask more experienced boaters or consult the Boat US Foundation website for the right rating to use for whatever the weather conditions are when you go out on the water.
Check for a proper fit.
When you put on a life jacket, it should fit snugly and not ride up over your head. The California State Park has a great video on how to properly fit a life jacket.
Inspect your life jacket regularly
Be sure to check for rips, tears, or other signs of wear and tear before each use. If you notice any damage, replace the life jacket immediately.
Wash your life jacket after each use
Rinsing off your life jacket in clean water after each use will help extend its lifespan.
Examine the outlined size and weight requirements.
Ensure that the life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard-approved by checking for a label on the inside of the jacket that contains this information.
Don’t forget to wear it!
Of course, a life jacket’s purpose is defeated if you don’t put it on. When you’re out on the water, you might think that it is unnecessary to wear your life jacket. But, if an accident does occur, you’ll be glad you have it on. Make sure to put your life jacket on every time you get on the boat, no matter how short the trip.
Wearing a life jacket is not only the law in many states, but it could save your life. By taking the time to choose the right type and properly fit your life jacket, you can ensure that you and your loved ones are safe when enjoying time out on the water.