The PFD (Personal Flotation Device aka life vest) is potentially one of the most controversial and complicated decisions you can make when hitting the water. There are so many factors that go into this debate that I can only brush the surface for you today. The most important factor that I, hopefully, instill is that a PFD may be the one and only factor to your day that can leave your adventure in total success or utter devastation.
Why get a PFD?
Let’s start with the statistics surrounding a Life vest.
In 2019 the US Coast Guard recorded 613 deaths and 2,559 injuries related to boating incidents. 79% of those deaths were drownings. 86% of those drownings were found to not have a PFD on at the time of the incident.
The USCG is estimating that approximately 8 out of every 10 incidents involved a boat under 21 feet in length. That’s Jon Boats, Kayaks, Jetskis, Paddleboards…
Now, take into account the legal aspects of the PFD
US Coast Guard Regulations mandate the presence of a USCG-approved lifejacket for every person aboard a recreational vessel.
Every state’s laws fluctuate to a small degree. Check out Boat USA to find your state’s current regulations. For the most part, kids under 13 will be required to wear a properly fitting life vest at all times. Likewise, adults will be required to wear one when the vessel is moving.
If this isn’t enough to convince you of the importance, consider reading our article “Safety First When on Your Outdoors Adventures”
In the article we talk about the risks of inclement weather causing unexpected falls and injuries. We describe how a proper PFD can be the difference between drowning near the boat ramp or returning home to your family at the end of the day.
Boating activities are often a family event, great for introducing your kids to outdoors adventures. Parents are notorious for using the saying “do as I say, not as I do.” When it comes to water safety, that’s not the best motto to apply.
As a former EMT and ER Tech, I have dealt with countless families and parents traumatized by the split-second of distraction. Kids are structurally designed to be top-heavy. Their propensity to end up head first in the water can lead to higher risks of head injuries and prevent them from righting themselves. No matter the details of the circumstance, the agony that follows will always be devastating. There is no better way to protect your child when on the water than to ensure they have a proper fitting, good condition, life vest on at all times. There is no better way to encourage and engrain the need for that PFD into their conscience than to set a good example.
A Note on Proper Fit
The PFD should fit snug without cutting into the skin. With all zippers and buckles attached and tightened, the wearer should put her hands up over her head. A person standing behind her, while holding the PFD at the shoulders, should not be able to lift the device up over the chin or ears.
There are numerous videos on YouTube showing exactly how to test the fitting for kids and adults.
One last morsel to chew on:
Game wardens are very busy checking their assigned jurisdictions. They are naturally more prone to checking on questionable circumstances than situations that present no concerns. If your vessel is properly marked, all the necessary safety measures are properly displayed, and everyone present is acting responsibly they may be less likely to interrupt your day’s activities. “Sticking out like a sore thumb” comes to mind…
The Technicalities of a PFD
First, what is a PFD? Most basically, PFD means Personal Flotation Device. They are commonly referred to as a life vest, lifejacket, flotation device, or buoyancy suit.
There are 5 types of PFDs officially recognized by the USCG
Type I
The most protective devices that are generally accepted as suitable for virtually all water conditions. They provide the best level of buoyancy and have the most propensity for turning an unconscious wearer upright so her face will be held up, out of the water until rescue can arrive. The coast guard recommends these PFDs for offshore activities, when boating in stormy conditions, and when boating alone. Now, here’s the kicker. There are not many Type I PFD’s available to the general public.
Type II
The Inherently Buoyant Type II PFDs provide somewhat less flotation and have a bit lower buoyancy minimum than the Type I PFDs, but are considered sufficient by the USCG for inland activities and light watercraft usage. They are still able to turn most unconscious wearers upright to protect airways, but they are not going to be as successful at long-term rescue delays. These traditional Type II PFDs are considered the most cost efficient options on the market. They are, also, the most commonly chosen options for required stored vessel PFDs.
The Inflatable Type II PFDs cover most of the inflatable life vests (frequently called suspender style PFDs). It is sufficient for remaining afloat and buoyant enough to be spotted when there is a somewhat shorter delay for rescue. They are smaller and more compact which makes them more comfortable for longer durations than the Type I and they are more buoyant than the Type III PFDs, but they are unlikely to turn an unconscious wearer right side up. Of special note is the fact that these are not approved for anyone under 16 years of age and you must be over 80 pounds.
Most of the life vests that you’ll find at Big 5, Academy, Dicks, Walmart, etc. are Type II and Type III PFDs.
Type III
These are more low-profile type PFDs that work well for canoeing, near-shore sailing races, water skiing, and other water activities that keep the wearer close to shore where they will likely be rescued quickly. There are also inflatable versions of the Type III PFDs which can provide short-term flotation assistance. They are still not for children under 16 and not suitable for rough waters or up righting unconscious wearers.
Type IV
The throwable flotation devices, while mandatory on certain types of vessels, are not truly life vests. They are intended for the vessel occupants to be able to get a flotation device to an individual in the water should they come across a “man overboard” or have someone from their own vessel fall overboard.
Type V
This is kind of a catch-all for the rest of the wearable flotation devices approved by the coast guard. These are the PFDs that are more activity-specific and will be designated on their label as to what they can be used for. Whitewater rafting, Paddle boarding, and similar activities will have Type V PFDs specifically for their sports. Different styles in the Type V category will include Float Coats, Inflatable belts, and deck suits.
A special note on Inflatable PFDs
All inflatables should have a mouthpiece that will allow the wearer to inflate the device should their inflation canister malfunction. You are expected to remain conscious for proper use of any inflatable PFD. Keep in mind, there are no inflatables suitable to help an unconscious wearer. That being said, there are two forms of inflatable PFDs that are on the market: Manual inflation and automatic/manual inflation. While there are some true manual inflation life vests available on the market you will, probably, not be able to find one that is USCG approved/rated. The only USCG-approved inflatable PFGs are automatic/manual.
The care, maintenance, and operation of inflatable PFDs are far too extensive to include here. You can check out the various videos on YouTube and the instructions throughout the internet for details on using these devices. Let me know if you would like an article dedicated to Inflatable PFDs here on this platform. The Contact Us page has various ways to let us know what you would like to learn more about.
A Breakdown of Styles and Options
Unfortunately, there really aren’t many options for women’s life vests. A few companies have started making Women’s specific designs. Also, these options have a very limited collection of color patterns or structural options. There are more options available in the “universal” styles but the structure will be very vest specific and will require fitting at the store before deciding what might fit well during your outings.
A couple of the articles that were rather informative when I started looking for a new vest included:
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Best Women’s PFD for Kayaking
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8 Best Women’s Life Vests
- I will forewarn you, though, availability even within these options is slim.
When selecting your lifevest you need to take a variety of issues into consideration
Are you on the water alone or are there going to be other people nearby?
The more isolated you are the more need you will have for a PFD that is suitable for long-term flotation. You will also have a greater need for protection should you become unconscious.
Are you doing a sport that requires a great deal of mobility and flexibility in your clothing?
Paddling class 3 rapids requires significantly different motion capabilities than puttering around the local lake for an afternoon picnic.
What special needs might you have while in your life vest?
Fishing from a bass boat or Jon Boat doesn’t typically require having multiple items directly at hand. Kayak fishing, on the other hand, requires a conscientious focus on spacing and usability. Many kayak anglers have found that having items which can serve multiple uses makes for a smoother and more enjoyable outing.
Chad Hoover gives a great explanation of this in his video How To Use A Kayak Fishing PFD | NRS Shenook Women’s Life Vest
I am rarely on the water these days without having a fishing pole at hand. And most of the time I use smaller watercrafts like the Bass Raider or a 10-12 foot kayak. Regardless, I still find the fishing style life vests more cumbersome than I prefer. This, however, is a personal preference. The more you see me fishing and boating, the more you will see I use different PFDs for different outings.
The best recommendation I can give to you is to experiment. Yes, it can get expensive so don’t go buying 20 different life vests (unless you feel like spending that kind of money). Rather, get one that feels right to you, use it for the season. Figure out what works well on that PFD and what you’d like changed. Then spend some time looking for a life vest that has what you like and maybe a few of those things you figured out you want. You may end up with 2 or 3 styles that feel good under different circumstances or you may find that one that works for you for everything. Either way, you have that first one ready for use at all times.
A PFD will help keep your head above water as you wait for help to arrive. Even the best swimmer can find herself in a situation beyond her control when unexpectedly thrown into the water.
No matter what the results, make sure you keep the three PFD rules in mind.
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It needs to be comfortable enough that you will be willing to wear it whenever you are on the water: All the time, Every time!
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It needs to be USCG approved and suitable for the activities you are participating in, including the regulations specified by your state for the activity.
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You want to make it home when your quest is complete so make sure you wear your PFD.