| Life Vests | | | | wear. |
| - Regardless of the type of activity or the level at | | | | - Lightweight and comfortable. |
| which you perform, life vests are an absolute must | | | | - Good for calm, inland water, or where there is good |
| for any watersports activity. | | | | chance of fast rescue. |
| | | | - Available in many styles, including vests and flotation |
| - Three types of flotation products are present for | | | | jackets. |
| life vests: foam, inflatable, and hybrid. | | | | - Designed so user can put him or herself into a |
| - Foam - This is considered to be the most reliable by | | | | face-up position in the water. |
| the USCG. It is designed for both swimmers and | | | | Type IV: Throwable Device |
| non-swimmers. | | | | - Can be thrown to someone in the water. |
| - Inflatable - Intended for swimmers only, inflatable | | | | - Includes approved boat cushions, rings, and |
| flotation products are the most compact of the | | | | horseshoes. |
| three types. | | | | - May be required equipment on some boats. |
| - Hybrid - A reliable selection by the USCG, it is also | | | | - Intended for calm, inland waters where boat rescue |
| designed for both swimmers and non-swimmers. | | | | is always possible. |
| Life Vests Type Definitions | | | | - Should be used in addition to wearable life vests. |
| Type I: Off-Shore PFDs | | | | Type V: Special Use Devices |
| - Best for open, rough or remote water, where | | | | - Special uses or conditions apply. |
| rescue may be slow coming. | | | | - PFD label will always specify what the conditions are |
| - Provide the best flotation. | | | | and what type of PFD the Type V may be |
| - Turns most unconscious wearers face-up in water. | | | | substituted for to meet the carriage requirements. |
| - Foam = 22 lbs. of flotation. | | | | Of additional importance is the necessity to test your |
| - Easy to put on. | | | | PFD in shallow water or guarded swimming pool. This |
| Type II: Near-Shore Buoyant Vest | | | | will help to insure that the fit is appropriate and the |
| - Good for calm, inland water, or where there is a | | | | PFD is in working condition. |
| good chance of fast rescue. | | | | Also, always take the necessary steps to inspect the |
| - Turns some unconscious wearers face-up in water. | | | | condition of your equipment before taking part in any |
| Not as definite as Type I PFDs. | | | | watersports related activity. Finally, it is vitally |
| - Foam = 15.5 lbs. of floatation. | | | | important that you be certain you have enough life |
| - Inflatable = 33.5 lbs. of flotation. | | | | vests aboard your boat to accommodate every |
| Type III: Flotation Aid | | | | passenger. |
| - Generally the most comfortable type for continuous | | | | |