Personal flotation devices are essential to keeping you afloat in watery conditions. For kayakers, canoers, boaters, fishers, jet skiers, or anybody participating in watersports, a life jacket is not only a safety essential but is also many times required by law to be in use or be on your persons. Personal flotation devices are also known as life jackets or life vests as well.
Many states require a lifejacket that is U.S. Coast Guard-approved along with having a proper fit for the wearer, being readily accessible, and in good condition. While these laws vary from state to state, the fact of the matter is that the USCG recommends for anyone operating a watercraft such as a kayak, canoe, boat, or jet ski to wear a lifejacket while in the vessel.
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Design
Most life jackets are designed with the same basic components, and while some straps and pockets may vary, the general structure stays the same.
Adjustable Shoulder Straps - can be adjusted to fit comfortably and snugly
Sizing Information
Reflective Tape - essential for spotters looking for people stranded in the water
Width Adjusters - can be adjusted to fit comfortably and snugly
Pockets - will vary depending on manufacturer and style; Keep in mind that pockets can house small fishing equipment, keep your hands warm, or keep small items within reach - so their placement and numbers can be important if you’re looking for the at-hand storage.
Lash Tab - to keep you connected to others in your party or a boat
The most important thing to note about life jacket design is that if one design doesn’t fit your stature, then don’t alter it beyond the adjustments offered with straps to make it fit. In fact, this nullifies the USCG approval for that life jacket.
The more straps that any given life jacket has, the more allowance there is for safe, approved adjustments. This is especially helpful for those with many curves, and the placement of foam within the lifejacket is more for comfort rather than safety, so be sure to experiment with a few styles if comfort is difficult to achieve.
Materials
Different flotation materials will come with different price tags as well as performance features and durability.
Material | Guidelines |
Gaia | An organic nitrite compound foam effective at resisting heat, chemicals, and humidity. These are easy to clean. |
Kapok | Durable, resilient, light, and strong, Kapok is very buoyant but also highly flammable. |
PVC | This material is inexpensive and durable, but many will shy from this option because it is not recyclable. |
Inflatable | Considered a Type III PDF, inflatable jackets are relatively new to the scene but offer a slim profile for the paddler. |
Types
Depending on your age range and water activity, you can choose from one of five different types of life jackets.
Buoyancy refers to the amount of force, in pounds, required to keep the user afloat. While most adults need just an extra 7 to 12 pounds of buoyancy to stay afloat, other factors such as your weight, body fat, lung size, clothing, and whether the water is rough or calm are all factors to staying on top of the water. So be sure to give yourself a little leeway when choosing the right buoyancy for your life jacket. A life jacket with the right buoyancy will allow you to sit in the water with your head tilted back, allowing for your mouth to still be exposed to the air. If water comes up to your mouth in this position, then you’ll need a jacket with higher buoyancy.
Type | Min. Buoyancy | Guidelines | Best for: |
Type I | 22 lb | Offshore: Bulky with the most buoyancy, these are geared for rough waters or long rescue times. They tend to be brighter and can turn an unconscious user face-up. |
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Type II | 15.5 lb | Near-Shore: Bulky but designed for a fast rescue in near, inland bodies of water. |
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Type III | 15.5 lb | Flotation Aids: Intended for quick rescue, these offer comfort and a wide range of movement. |
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Type IV | Ring Buoys: 16.5 lb Cushions: 18 lb | Throwable Devices: These are for experienced swimmers and include cushions or ring buoys. Not required for canoes or kayaks. |
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Type V | Hybrids: 7.5 (deflated) - 22.0 (fully inflated) Special Use: 15.5-22.0 | Special-Use Devices: Must be used for the activity specified on the label to comply with USCG regulations. |
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There are also life jackets designed for dogs, and while not regulated by the USCG, they can give your pet extra flotation when in an emergency situation. Make sure that your dog’s lifejacket fits snugly so that the dog cannot twist or swim out of it, has easy-release buckles, sports a low profile (to reduce the chance of snagging), and has a handle so you can easily lift your dog out of the water.
Sizing
Your life jacket should fit snugly and comfortably without riding up or chafing when in use. Depending on your age range, there are different sizing categories to keep in mind:
Adults: Sizing is based on chest circumference, not weight.
Children: Sizing is based on weight. While there are five categories of life jackets, most children and youths should use a Type III USCG-approved model.
Life Jacket Classification | Child’s Weight | Tips |
Infant | 8-30 lb | These come with padded head supports, grab handles, and crotch straps. Often a Type II design. |
Child | 30-50 lb | Some come with the same features as infant jackets depending on your needs and your child’s abilities. |
Youth | 50-90 lb | Fitted like adult jackets but with extra straps for further adjustments. |
Women: These specialty life jackets have contoured cups and princess seams to fit a feminine frame.
In order to properly fit your life jacket, follow these 5 simple steps:
Loosen all straps to the maximum allowances and slip the jacket over your head.
Tighten straps, starting with the waist and working your way up.
Test the fit by having someone pull up on the shoulders of your life jacket. If your jacket comes up to your nose or above your head, you need to tighten the straps. If your straps are fully secured to their extreme and you’re still having fit issues, then the life jacket is too big.
Test comfort by practicing standard watercraft maneuvers like paddling to see if any part of the jacket is uncomfortable or causes chafing.
If everything up to this point fits well, then it’s time for a water test! Take a dip in your local pool or pond to ensure that the life jacket stays snug and performs its functions when in the water, as this is a true test for its purpose.
Shop our extensive line of life jackets at Outdoor Shopping.
