Choosing The Right Life Jacket: Key Considerations

Life jackets are essential safety equipment for anyone engaging in water activities. They are designed to keep the wearer afloat in the water and significantly reduce the risk of drowning. When choosing a life jacket, it is important to consider the activity and water conditions. Different types of life jackets are available, offering varying levels of buoyancy and comfort. Type I life jackets provide the greatest buoyancy and are recommended for offshore use, while Type II and Type III jackets are suitable for near-shore and inland waters, respectively. Inflatable life jackets offer a slim profile and comfort but require manual inflation. When selecting a life jacket, it is crucial to ensure a proper fit, durability, and features like pockets and attachment points. The Astral E-Ronny, NRS Vapor, and Stohlquist Fisherman are popular choices for their comfort, versatility, and functionality.

What are the different types of life jackets?

There are five main types of life jackets, also known as personal flotation devices (PFDs), which are categorised by the US Coast Guard depending on their intended use and buoyancy level.

Type I

Type I life jackets are recommended for offshore boating activities such as cruising, racing, fishing, and boating alone or in stormy conditions. They offer a minimum buoyancy of 22 lbs for adults and 11 lbs for children. They are designed to turn most unconscious wearers face-up in the water and are the best option for open, rough, or remote waters where rescue may be slow. They are the bulkiest and most uncomfortable option but do the best job of retaining body heat.

Type II

Type II life jackets are suitable for inland day cruising, fishing, sailing, and boating in light craft. They offer a minimum buoyancy of 15.5 lbs for adults and are intended for use in protected, inland waters near the shore where the chances of immediate rescue are high. They are more comfortable than Type I jackets but provide less buoyancy. They will turn some unconscious wearers face-up in the water but perform poorly in rough waters.

Type III

Type III life jackets are designed for supervised activities with a good chance of immediate rescue, such as sailing regattas, dinghy races, water skiing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and personal watercraft operation. They offer a minimum buoyancy of 15.5 lbs for adults and are more comfortable to wear than Type I or Type II jackets, but they provide less floatation. They are not designed to turn unconscious people face-up in the water.

Type IV

Type IV life jackets are "throwables" and are not designed to be worn. They are intended to be thrown to an overboard victim or to supplement the buoyancy of someone in the water. They offer a minimum buoyancy of 16.5 lbs for a ring buoy or 18 lbs for a boat cushion.

Type V

Type V life jackets are for special use and are restricted to the specific activity for which they are designed, such as sailboarding, deck suits, paddling vests, commercial white water vests, or float coats. They must be worn when underway to meet minimum US Coast Guard requirements. They offer a minimum buoyancy of 15.5 to 22 lbs for adults.

How do you choose the right life jacket?

When choosing the right life jacket, there are several factors to consider.

Firstly, you should select the proper type of life jacket based on your activity and boating conditions. There are five main types of life jackets, each designed for different situations. Type I jackets, for example, are intended for offshore use and offer the greatest buoyancy, while Type III jackets are suitable for watersports and general passenger use. Type IV devices are not worn by users but are designed to be thrown to someone who has fallen overboard.

It is also important to ensure that your life jacket fits properly. You should refer to the manufacturer's labelling for size and weight guidelines, and test the fit of the jacket by fastening any closures and raising your arms above your head – ideally, the jacket should not rise above the wearer's chin. If it reaches the wearer's ears, it is too large. For children, it is important to utilise the crotch strap found on some life jackets, as this provides added assurance that the jacket will not slip off or ride up.

In addition to type and fit, you should also check that your life jacket is in good condition, with no holes or tears, and remember to actually wear it when taking part in water-based activities.

What are the pros and cons of standard PFDs?

Standard PFDs are a tried-and-true option for those seeking a reliable personal flotation device. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide if a standard PFD is the right choice for you:

Pros of Standard PFDs:

• Low-maintenance: Standard PFDs are simple to care for and only require basic maintenance, such as keeping them clean, dry, and stored properly when not in use.
• Inherently buoyant: Unlike inflatable PFDs, standard PFDs are always ready for use and provide buoyancy as soon as you put them on, without any activation needed.
• Versatile: Standard PFDs can be used for a wide range of water sports, including kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, waterskiing, and fishing. They are a versatile option for those who enjoy various water activities.
• Pockets: Most standard PFDs have pockets that can be handy for storing snacks, tools, sunscreen, emergency gear, and other small items. This feature is often missing from inflatable PFDs.

Cons of Standard PFDs:

• Bulk: One of the main drawbacks of standard PFDs is that they can be bulky and restrictive, especially for activities like stand-up paddle boarding. This bulkiness may hinder movement and comfort.
• Heat: On hot days, wearing a standard PFD can be uncomfortable as they tend to trap heat and may not provide adequate ventilation.

When choosing a PFD, it's important to consider your specific needs and activities. While standard PFDs offer reliability and versatility, they may not be ideal for everyone due to their bulk and potential heat retention. Inflatable PFDs, on the other hand, offer comfort and a slim profile but require maintenance and manual inflation in some cases. Ultimately, the best PFD is the one that suits your activities and feels comfortable to wear, as this will increase the likelihood of you using it regularly.

What are the pros and cons of inflatable PFDs?

Inflatable life jackets are a popular choice for those who require a PFD that doesn't interfere with their activities, such as fishing, paddling, or pedalling. They are also lightweight, compact, and reliable. However, they are not suitable for non-swimmers or children under 16.

Pros of Inflatable PFDs:

• They are more comfortable, versatile, and reliable than traditional life jackets.
• They are lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry and store when not in use.
• They can provide life-saving flotation in an emergency.
• They are available with manual or automatic inflation options.
• They can be easily packed into a bag, making them convenient for travel.
• They are designed to turn the wearer face-up if they are face down in the water, ensuring they can breathe.

Cons of Inflatable PFDs:

• They are more expensive than standard life jackets.
• They can take longer to put on in an emergency situation.
• They require regular servicing and maintenance, such as inspecting and replacing the trigger mechanism and CO2 canister.
• They may not be suitable for certain activities or conditions, such as waterskiing or whitewater rafting.
• They may not be suitable for everyone, especially non-swimmers or children under 16.
• They may not be as effective in emergency situations if the wearer is unconscious or unable to activate the inflation mechanism.
• They may not provide enough buoyancy for individuals with lower body fat percentages.

Overall, inflatable PFDs offer a range of benefits, including comfort and convenience, but it is important to carefully consider the potential drawbacks and ensure that the PFD is suitable for the intended user and activities.

How do you choose the right size of life jacket?

When choosing the right size of life jacket, it's important to consider your size, age, gender, and the type of water activity you'll be partaking in. For adults, sizing is based on your chest size, while for children, their weight will determine the size. Here are some detailed steps to help you choose the right size:

Measure Your Chest or Weight:

For adults, measure the circumference of your chest at its broadest point. Use this measurement along with the manufacturer's size recommendations to find the right life jacket size for you. For children, refer to the weight categories provided by the manufacturer to select the appropriate size.

Put on the Life Jacket:

With a standard life jacket, loosen the straps, put it on, and zip it up. With an inflatable life jacket, put it on over your head (vest style) or clip it around your waist (waistpack style).

Adjust the Straps:

Start by tightening the straps at the waist and then adjust the shoulder straps if your life jacket has them. The life jacket should feel snug but not uncomfortable.

Check the Fit:

Have someone pull up on the life jacket's shoulders. If it moves up past your nose or head, the life jacket is too large, and you need to tighten the straps. If it still moves up, size down.

Test the Fit:

Wear the clothes you would normally wear during the water activity and test the life jacket's comfort and range of motion. For paddlers, mimic the paddling motion to ensure the life jacket doesn't chafe or restrict your movements.

Ensure Proper Buoyancy:

Check the buoyancy of the life jacket by entering water deep enough to float without touching the bottom. Tilt your head back and relax your body. Your chin should remain above water, and breathing should be easy. If your mouth goes underwater, you need a life jacket with more buoyancy.

Additional Considerations:

• Water Activity: Choose a life jacket suitable for your water activity, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, etc.
• USCG Approval: Ensure your life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved.
• Condition: Inspect the life jacket for any holes or tears, ensuring it is in good condition.
• Age and Size: Select a life jacket appropriate for your age and size. Adult life jackets are typically for those over 90 lbs, while youth and child life jackets cater to specific weight ranges.

Remember, choosing the right size and type of life jacket is crucial for your safety. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations to ensure a proper fit.

Frequently asked questions