Life Jacket Resources

When selecting a life jacket for you and other members of your family or passenger on your boat, understanding the features and intended function of each life jacket is critical to making the right choice. The articles posted here will help you understand U.S. Coast Guard guidelines and requirements, as well as what to look for to make sure the life jacket you purchase will be the right one for your water activity.

Choosing the Right Life Jacket - Life jacket recommendations for popular types of water recreation.
How to Read Life Jacket Labels - Helpful tips to understand the information on a USGC approved jacket label.
How to Select and Maintain an Inflatable PFD - Know when an inflatable PFD is the right choice, and which one works best.
Life Jackets for Infants and Children - What to look for in a life jacket to keep children safe.
U.S. Coast Guard Life Jacket Ratings - The 5 U.S. Coast Guard classifications for life jackets and their advantages and disadvantages.
What Does Pounds of Buoyancy Mean? - Learn how to calculate pounds of buoyancy requirements.

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Safety First: The best life jacket is the life jacket that you will wear. A life jacket is a must for all types and levels of watersport activities. No one plans to have an accident. And the most common mistake is to think that strong swimmers don't need to wear a life jacket. However, even strong swimmers who are injured or unconscious can drown. Nine out of 10 drownings occur in inland waters, most within a few feet of safety and involving boats less than 20 feet long. Most drowning victims had access to a life jacket, but did not wear one. A life jacket can save your life – but only if you wear it!

The articles posted on this page will guide you through your life jacket shopping. Everything from understanding U.S. Coast Guard ratings; choosing between a traditional life jacket and an inflatable life jacket; and buying the right life jacket for infants and children.

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