The U.S. Coast Guard rates personal floatation devices (PFD, life jacket, life vest) for buoyancy and provides a "Think Safe" pamphlet with every approved PFD. The USCG recommends wearing one whenever operating a human-powered watercraft, while some states require them.
The first item to consider when buying a PFD is the category. Type III and V are typically used by paddlers. Each USCG approved personal flotation device has a label printed on the inside. Look for the “INTENDED USE:” to see if it is approved for kayaking.
Bulky and meant for open ocean, rough seas, or remote water, where rescue may be slow.
Meant for calm, inland waters, or where fast rescue is likely.
Meant for calm, inland waters, or where fast rescue is likely and designed with comfort and freedom of movement.
Ring buoys and boat cushions are thrown to someone in trouble.
Read the label to see for which activity the PFD is meant.
Post Date: 8/8/2014
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