Unfortunately, boating-related accidents are far more common than you may think, which is why you must always wear a personal flotation device on the water. These devices are also known as life jackets, life vests, flotation suits, and PFDs, and they go a long way in keeping you safe, especially in an emergency. If you fall overboard while fully dressed, the weight of your wet clothes and shoes can make it difficult for you to swim, pulling you farther down into the water. In situations like this, your flotation device can help keep you afloat and buy valuable time till you are rescued.
We here at RVs and Boats For Less care about your safety, and we have created this guide to tell you about the different PFDs available. For more information, visit us in Chubbuck, ID, where we happily welcome our friends from Idaho Falls and Pocatello.
Type I PFD
Type I PFDs are extremely buoyant devices that will turn the wearer face-up in the water. They work well on most bodies of water, especially rough or remote waters where rescue operations can be delayed. However, these are often bulky and uncomfortable to wear, and difficult to swim in. There are currently no USCG-approved Type I PFD models available, so you may need to have another option on board your vessel.
Type II PFD
Type II options are more comfortable than Type I models and come in inherently buoyant and inflatable styles. They are often the most affordable type of personal flotation device and are best in calm waters where rescue response is likely to be faster than in other areas.
Type III PFD
If you need a comfortable wearable option, go with a Type III PFD that comes in a coat, jacket, or vest styling. These pieces of gear provide the wearer with more freedom of movement in the form of buoyant clothing. You can choose models with additional features, such as cargo pockets and protection against hypothermia.
You can use your Type III PFD in reasonably calm water, where you need to lift your head to keep it out of the water. Remember that these devices don’t assist in long-term survival in the water.
Type IV PFD
A type IV PFD is a throwable life ring that you can throw at someone who has fallen overboard. All vessels over 16 feet must have a Type IV throwable life ring onboard so that it can be thrown to a person in the water at a moment’s notice. The location where you keep your PFD is vital—it must be within arm’s reach of the side of the boat, not stowed under a seat or within a compartment.
This type of flotation device is not intended for non-swimmers, unconscious people, or children.
Type V PFD
A Type V PFD covers all activity-specific flotation devices and is ideal for watersports activities like water skiing, whitewater rafting, and cold-weather hunting. Depending on their styling, you can also classify these pieces of activity-specific gear as Type I, II, or III.
We hope this guide helps you choose the right PFDs for your boating adventures. If you have more questions or need help to pick the right PFDs for your boat, ask our experts at RVs and Boats For Less. We are in Chubbuck, ID, and proudly serve those from Idaho Falls and Pocatello.
