• Variety of choices
• Factors to consider
• How to choose
• Lifejacket or PFD?
• How to fit
• Teach your children well
• Inflatable lifejackets
Variety of choices
Factors to consider
- Lifejacket or PFD?
- Type of activity
- Style, comfort & thermal properties
- Inflatables
- Protection means peace of mind
- It won't work if you won't wear it!
It is most important to read the label & tags
that come with your lifejacket.
Some PFDs are not approved or appropriate for certain activities. Size and weight characteristics are vital.
How to choose
For excellent performance when you need it most and for comfort and peace of mind when you are just laying back. The right design, fit and buoyancy makes all the difference.
Lifejackets, personal flotation devices (PFDs) and immersion suits are designed and tested with rigorous standards so that users can be sure they are getting the protection and performance they need from their safety gear.
A wide variety of styles, colours and customised uses have been developed by lifejacket manufacturers to meet the demands of modern consumers and professional mariners.
• Link to checklist for choosing a lifejacket
Lifejacket or PFD?
Do I need a Lifejacket or a PFD?
The terms lifejacket, life vest, pfd, personal flotation device, life belt, are often used interchangeably.
But there are important differences between a lifejacket and a PFD.
In very simple terms a Lifejacket is an approved device that will float someone with their head well out of the water but also has the ability to turn that person onto their back with their face up even if they are unconscious. A PFD or Personal Flotation Device provides sufficient flotation to keep a person afloat at the surface, but is not self-righting. Because of the extra flotation material required and the positioning of it on the chest a lifejacket tends to be bulkier than a PFD. See below for more detailed information about the classification and charactaristics of lifejackets and PFD's.
In the U.S.A. the Coast Guard has a different system of classification and approvals. They refer to all approved devices as Personal Flotation Devices and they are divided into 5 Types. Types I and II are what we recognize as lifejackets (with turning ability and more flotation), the Type III's encompass a range of vest type personal flotation devices (less flotation - no turning ability), the Type IV's are throwing devices and includes floating seat cushions and the Type V's are special devices for specific purposes and include collar and pouch inflatables.
Click for more information...
• Comparison of Lifejackets and Personal Flotation Devices Will It Float? Background Research Report (page 39-44) CSBC/SMARTRISK
How to fit
The following information is courtesy of the PFDMA (Personal Flotation Device Manufacturers Association) from their brochure "Facts about Life Jackets."
Trying your lifejacket
Try on your lifejacket to see if it fits snugly. Then test it in shallow water to see how it performs.
To check your lifejacket's buoyancy, relax your body and tilt your head back. Make sure your lifejacket keeps your chin above water and you can breathe easily.
Be aware that your lifejacket may not act the same in swift or rough water as in calm water. Clothing and items in your pockets may also affect how your lifejacket works.
If your mouth is not well above the water, you need a lifejacket with more buoyancy. Older foam lifejackets may lose buoyancy and may have to be replaced.
Lifejackets should not ride up on the body in the water. If a wearer's stomach is larger than the chest, however, ride-up may occur. Before use, test your lifejacket to be sure that excessive ride-up does not impair its performance.
Teach your children well
Lifejacket manufacturers recommend immediate in-water testing of children's lifejackets on the intended user. Children often panic when they fall into the water. While a lifejacket will keep a child afloat, it may not keep a struggling child face-up. Violent movement can counteract a lifejacket's performance; therefore, it is important to teach children how to wear a lifejacket and how to relax their arms and legs in the water.
Check your child's lifejacket for proper fit. To work correctly, a lifejacket must fit snugly. To check fit, pick the child up by the shoulders of the lifejacket. If the lifejacket fits, the child's chin and ears will not slip through. Check the lifejacket label to ensure it matches your child's weight.
Life jackets are not babysitters. Even if a child wears a lifejacket when on or near the water. an adult must always be present. Never use inflatable toys or rafts in place of lifejackets.
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• A few words on lifejackets and personal flotation devices in Canada (Finding the Right Flotation Device for Your Child) Transport Canada - Office of Boating Safety
Inflatable lifejackets
The following information is courtesy of the PFDMA (Personal Flotation Device Manufacturers Association) from their brochure "Facts about Life Jackets."
Inflatable lifejackets rely on inflatable chambers that provide buoyancy when inflated. Uninflated, inflatable lifejackets are less bulky than inherently buoyant lifejackets. Inflatables come in a variety defined performance types. The specific type of lifejacket is determined by characteristics such as its amount of buoyancy, its in-water performance and its type of inflation mechanism. To understand the details of your lifejackets, read the lifejacket label and owner's manual, and consult your dealer if necessary.
All Inflatables:
Contain a backup oral inflation tube (which also serves as the deflation tube).
Advantages of Inflatables
• High visibility when inflated
• Turns most wearers face-up faster than traditional lifejackets
• Will usually keep unconscious users face-up
• May be more comfortable than inherently buoyant lifejackets
• Superior in-water performance
Disadvantage of Inflatables
• Some require multiple steps to deploy
• Not suitable for nonswimmers because they cannot accomplish oral inflation if needed
• Not approved for children under 16 years of age
• Not appropriate for activities that involve frequent water entry or high-speed boating activities (e.g., personal watercraft use, racing, sailboarding, whitewater rafting)
• Require frequent inspection and maintenance
Maintain inflatable lifejackets
Check your inflatable lifejacket -including the buoyancy cell and inflation system- at least every 2 months, in addition to the following:
1. If the lifejacket does not have cylinder seal indication, remove the cylinder, and check for punctures and rust.
2. Check all components for dirt or corrosion.
3. Check the mouth inflation valve.
4. Store in a cool dry place.
5. Replace the bobbin on an automatic model every 12 months, unless specified otherwise.
Click for more information...
• A few words on lifejackets and personal flotation devices in Canada (Finding the Right
Flotation Device for Your Child) Transport Canada - Office of Boating Safety
Links to Canadian Lifejacket Manufacturers:
Helly-Hansen
Boating is a fun activity when you know what to do.
A day in the sun, wind and waves can affect your vision, alertness and reaction times.
Your passengers attention and balance will be affected too! Alcohol is a big factor.
A capsize can happen unexpectedly in small boats. A fall overboard in cold water is very dangerous due to the gasp reflex.
As the owner or operator of a boat you have a duty of care to your passengers.
Can you ensure their safety?
Are you fully prepared for a sudden emergency situation? Does everyone know exactly what to do?
You must provide a lifejacket that fits each size of person properly. When should you insist that they wear it?