Choosing the Right Life Jacket
Safety First: Personal flotation devices are a must for all types and levels of water-sport 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 Personal Flotation Device, but did not wear it. A life jacket can save your life – but only if you wear it!
Personal flotation devices (or PFDs) are categorized by Type in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations, i.e. Type I, II, III, IV or V. For a detailed explanation of the different types of life jackets and their intended uses, read our article on
U.S. Coast Guard Life Jacket Ratings. While there is no such thing as the perfect life jacket, the ideal life jacket is one that you will wear. It should be comfortable, provide a secure fit, and offer maximum freedom of movement.
When choosing what type of life jacket is right for you, you should consider the type of water activity(ies) you do and your water recreation areas, such as the temperature of the water, the probability of quick rescue, and whether or not you are going to wear the life jacket for extended periods of time. If you participate in multiple types of water activities, you may find you require more than one type of life jacket.
Here are some recommendations for some popular types of water recreation.
General Recreational Boating
Personal Water Craft, Waterskiing and Water Sports
Hunting and Fishing
Paddlesports
Offshore Boating and RacingThere are various life jacket options available for general recreational boating use.
You must have at least one, U.S. Coast Guard approved, wearable PFD for each person onboard, and it must be the appropriate size. If your boat is 16 feet or longer (generally excluding canoes and kayaks but check your state's regulations) you must also have one throwable device (Type IV PFD). To purchase a throwable Type IV PFD, see our
Economy Life Jackets category.
Children under 13 years old must be wearing an age and size appropriate life jacket at all times when a vessel is underway. Note: Life jackets designed for adults will not work for children! For more information on how to choose the right life jacket for your child, read our article on
Life Jackets for Infants and Children. To find a life jacket for an infant under 30 pounds, shop our Infant Life Vests category. To find a life jacket for children up to 90 pounds, shop our
Youth & Child Life Vests category.
Either automatic or manual inflatable vests are a popular option for recreational boating because they are lightweight and the most comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. Inflatables are not intended for children under 16 or non-swimmers, and should never be used for watersport activities where immersion is expected. If you are interested in purchasing an inflatable, read
How to Select and Maintain an Inflatable PFD, and shop our wide selection of inflatables in our
Inflatable Life Vests category.
Type II Vests are the most common type of life jacket found on recreational boats. They are inexpensive, easy to store, and easy to put on which has made them a popular choice among boaters to keep on board as spare life jackets. They are a good choice for non-swimmers since they provide good flotation and may turn an unconscious wearer face up; however, they are also bulky and uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time. To shop for affordable Type II Vests, see our
Economy Life Jackets category.
Type III life jackets are available in an almost endless variety of styles and colors, and are the most common life jacket worn by recreational boaters. They are worn like a jacket and usually offer a zipper or buckle closure in the front. Type III life jackets range in price from the very affordable to the very expensive. The most important criteria in selecting a Type III life jacket is that it is comfortable, non irritating, and easy to put on. It is also vital to ensure that every person on your boat has a life jacket that is appropriate for their weight and size. To shop for adult Type III life jackets, see our
Adult Life Jackets category.
Type III life jackets are the most common life jackets for high speed water sports. These life jackets are often generically referred to as ski vests, however, there are different styles to choose from that work best for particular activities such as personal water crafts. Because of the nature of these activities, it is vital that the life jacket you select will not only be comfortable, but fit securely and snugly. It is important that you read the manufacturer’s label on the life jacket to ensure that your life jacket has been tested and intended for high speed, high impact activities. For more information on life jacket labels, read our article on
How to Read Life Jacket Labels. To find a life jacket for water sports, shop our
Water Sports and Ski Vests category.
There are various styles of Type III life jackets designed specifically for hunters and fisherman. They are designed to allow freedom of movement and include features such as pockets and storage compartments and camo or bright orange color options. These life jackets are not intended for non-swimmers or sports where immersion is expected. Inflatable life jackets are also a popular option for sportsman. For more information on inflatables, read our article on
How to Select and Maintain an Inflatable PFD. For life jackets designed specifically for fishermen, see our wide selection of products in our
Fishing Vests category.
People participating in any type of paddlesport such as canoeing, kayaking, rafting and whitewater activities should look for a Type V life jacket that has been designed and tested specifically for that sport. These jackets have a unique design and special fit that allows for the necessary freedom of movement. They also will often include handy zippered pockets or compartments to keep necessary items easily accessible. To find a life jacket designed for paddlesports, shop our
Water Sports and Ski Vests category.
Anyone participating in offshore activities should have a Type I Offshore Life Vest intended for their specific activity. These life jackets are designed for offshore waters and offer the most flotation to keep your head above the water’s surface, will turn an unconscious person face up, and have high visibility colors and reflective stripes. Depending on the activity you participate in, you may want to look for Type I life jackets that have been designed to help prevent hypothermia or are tested for high speed impacts.
Be aware that any states have specific regulations regarding the use of life jackets. Make sure you are aware of the requirements in your state before selecting a product. Click on the following link for information on the laws in your state:
http://www.nasbla.net/referenceguide/index.php?queryID=4.9Find the perfect life jacket for you by shopping our
Life Jackets category.
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Disclaimer: Information on this website is provided only as a guideline, and not to be used for any other purpose. While we strive to obtain accurate product information, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of any product information. We recommend that you do not solely rely on the information presented on this website and that you always read labels, warnings, and directions and other information provided with the product before using a product. For additional information about a product, please contact the manufacturer. The buyer is responsible for choice, fit, and use of any life jacket purchased from SavvyBoater.com. By purchasing through this site, the buyer acknowledges this fact and accepts the waiver of any liability against SavvyBoater.com. Please boat safely and always wear your life jacket.
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