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There's
no question that PFD's (Personal Flotation Device), or life jackets,
save lives. According to recent Boating statistics* released by
the U.S. Coast Guard, 70% of all fatal boating accident victims
drowned. Approximately 90% of those who drowned were NOT
wearing a life jacket.
It's
the Law
Federal
Requirements require all recreational boats to carry one wearable
PFD (Type I, II, III or Type V PFD) for each person aboard. A Type
V PFD provides performance of either a Type I, II, or III PFD (as
marked on its label), and must be used according to the label requirements.
Any boat 16ft and longer (except canoes and kayaks) must also carry
one throwable PFD (Type IV PFD).
PFDs must be
- Coast
Guard approved,
- in
good and servicable condition, and
- the
appropriate size for the intended user.
When
selecting a life jacket, make sure it fits the conditions you will
be experiencing. Each type is designed for specific types of water
and some will NOT turn a victim Face Up if unconscious. Recent
statistics have shown 272 out of 309 fatalities were due to life
jackets being inaccessible or not approved*.
 TYPE
I - Off Shore Life Jacket
Designed
for extended survival in rough, open water, this jacket floats the
best. It is designed to turn most people who are unconscious in
the water face up. This jacket helps the person stay in that position
for a long time. It is to be used in open water and oceans.
 TYPE
II - Near Shore Life Vest
This
"classic" PFD is recommended for calm inland water where
there is chance of fast rescue. It is less bulky and less expensive
than a Type I. It may not always help an unconscious person to float
face up. It is comfortable and comes in many sizes.
 TYPE
III -Flotation Aid
With styles for different boating activities and sports, these are
for use in calm water where there is good chance of fast rescue,
since they will generally not turn an unconscious person face up.
Based
on the types, remember, the lower the number: the better the performance.
 Type
IV- Throwable Device
Intended for calm, inland water with heavy boat traffic where rescue
is always possible. These PFD's are designed to be thrown to a conscious
person, and to be held by them until rescued. These PFD's are
NOT to be worn and should be used in conjunction with a wearable
life jacket.
 Type
V - Special Use Device
Special use PFDs include work vests, deck suits, and hybrids for
specific activities such as whitewater rafting. Some vests contain
some internal buoyancy and are inflatable to provide additional
flotation.
TIPS
- When
purchasing a life jacket for a child, remember One Size does
NOT Fit All. Be sure to check the "User Weight"
on the label They can be marked "less than 30," "30
to 50," "less than 50," or "50 to 90."
- Always
look for the United States Coast Guard approval number before
you purchase any lifejacket, and make sure you understand the
regulations and requirements in your state. Also ensure you properly
maintain whatever lifejacket you choose.
ANPAC® supports the North American
Safe Boating Campaign.
* Statistics
taken from the Comdtpub P16754.18 2004 Boating Statistics, United
States Coast Guard. Images courtesy of the United States Coast Guard.
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ANPAC®
is a proud sponsor of the 2008