PFDs

byBoatUS

What Type of Life Saving Device Is Right for You?

Six years of extensive research and testing have earned the BOAT/U.S. Foundation a national reputation as a leader in PFD (Personal Flotation Device) safety. The "Foundation Findings" series of consumer tests has reported in depth on USCG-approved, inflatable, and children's PFDs. The information below is based on these reports, copies of which are free upon request from the BOAT/U.S. Foundation. There's no such thing as the perfect life jacket, although the ideal PFD is one that you will wear - it's comfortable, provides a secure fit, and offers maximum freedom of movement.

All PFDs have advantages and disadvantages. You should consider the type of boating you do and your boating area, the temperature of the water, the probability of quick rescue, and whether or not you are going to wear the PFD you buy every time you board your boat.

U.S. Coast Guard-Approved PFDs

"A USCG-Approved" label on a PFD doesn't mean "guaranteed to save your life." It means the PFD meets a minimum testing standard in calm water. It is exactly that, a minimum, and not a guarantee of the PFD's performance as a lifesaving device.

If you boat in calm, protected waters, or in supervised activities like dinghy racing, or if you water ski or day sail, where there is a high probability of immediate rescue, a more comfortable, less buoyant Type II or Type III device may suffice. Type IIIs do not provide adequate flotation for many overboard situations, and it is dangerous for you to rely on them for lifesaving performance beyond the capabilities for which they were designed.

In rough water, the more buoyancy, the better. Of all the Coast Guard-approved life jackets we tested, only the Type I, with 22 lbs. minimum buoyancy, was adequate for rough water. It is also the only one that will turn an unconscious wearer face up—there's no guarantee that a Type II or Type III will do that.

If you have a big boat with plenty of storage and you are among the 80%+ of boaters who simply refuse to wear a life jacket, then buy a Type I and/or a new Coast Guard-approved inflatable vest. The Type I PFD is the most buoyant of the current Coast Guard-approved types and it will do more than other types to keep your head and mouth above water. If you boat in open water, where there's a chance of adverse wind and water conditions, and/or cold water, a Type I is the only Coast Guard-approved PFD to consider.

Many boaters compromise between the wearability of the Type III and the superior buoyancy of the Type I, opting instead for the least expensive Type II. Carrying Type IIs for everyone aboard meets the minimum Coast Guard requirement, but Type IIs do not have adequate buoyancy in many situations and are poor at keeping your head above water because they cannot be snugged up for a good fit. Remember, you get what you pay for.

Flotation Materials

• Kapok - Organic fiber encased in a vinyl packet. If the packet is pierced and water gets in, kapok can become waterlogged and rot, causing loss of buoyancy.

• Polyethylene Foam - Punctured or torn polyfoam will not become waterlogged or rot. Lighter and less expensive than kapok, but stiff and restricts movement. Layered construction allows some water absorption and buoyancy loss. Limited hypothermia protection.

• Aquafoam - Soft, flexible PVC foam conforms well to body shape and helps preserve body heat. Closed-cell foam maintains buoyancy and won't waterlog even when punctured or cut. Resists most chemicals, mildew, and UV rays.

• Airex - This PVC material provides the softest and most flexible buoyancy available. Resists chemicals, mildew, UV rays, and won't absorb water. Most comfortable PFDs are made of Airex. Provides maximum protection from cold.

• CrossTech® - Soft, flexible and lightweight. More durable than polyethylene foam. High resistance to cell collapse caused by crushing. Good thermal insulator.

Inflatable PFDs

Boaters in Europe and elsewhere - where laws do not even require PFDs aboard - have worn inflatable devices for years. In many of those places, the water is cold and rough, so the more buoyancy, the better. Fully inflatable life jackets, ranging from 22 1/2-34 lbs. buoyancy, are the best alternative for wearing comfort and safety, so long as they inflate reliably. The Coast Guard's concern about boaters' diligence in servicing and maintaining inflatables has direct bearing on whether they can be relied upon in an emergency. In 1993, based on its nationwide three-year USCG-funded study of inflatables, the BOAT/U.S. Foundation recommended that the Coast Guard set standards for inflatables. These standards were completed and approved in September 1996 and include safeguards to tell wearers when cartridges need attention, easy-to-understand care and use instructions, and ensure that the PFDs are user-friendly. Inflatable PFDs are an excellent life saving device, but they are not for everyone. They are more expensive and require more maintenance and care than regular life saving devices. In addition, they are not approved for use by children.

If price is a big factor in your choice, be honest with yourself. If you're going to wear your PFD, buy a Type III, or an inflatable if your boating conditions call for the extra buoyancy. If you're not going to wear it, get a Type I. And whatever you choose, make sure there's one aboard for every person on the boat. Try it on, adjust it to fit, read the label, and then test it out in the water. You'll never know how well it'll keep you afloat unless you try it.

PFDs ands Kid

In 1993 the National Transportation Safety Board recommended that wearing of life jackets should be mandatory for children. Several states have already enacted such legislation. For children, a life jacket is the single most important piece of safety gear. Children are shaped differently than adults, and the performance of the different types we tested on children depended largely on the child's size and body shape, particularly with collar models. If you let children help choose their own PFDs, most kids will opt for one with a favorite cartoon character - this is fine if it encourages them to wear it. Choose a bright color like orange or yellow that's visible in the water from a distance. That goes for adults, too.