Best Life Jackets of 2021
What to know about life jackets, vests, and PFDs
Whether you're a first-time boater or an experienced fisher, it's important to know the safety etiquette behind life jackets and PFDs. We spoke with Amanda Perez, Director of Education at the BoatU.S. Foundation, to explain different styles, proper fit, essential features, safety recommendations, and care.
What is a personal flotation device (PFD)?
"A personal floatation device is a piece of safety equipment designed to keep you afloat in the water," Perez told Insider. "It can be either 'wearable' as in a life jacket or life vest, or it can be 'throwable,' such as a life ring or 'seat cushion' that's meant to be tossed to someone who has fallen overboard."
What are the different types of life jackets?
There are three different types of life jackets:
Inherently buoyant PFD: Life jackets of this type have collars that go around the back of the head to turn an unconscious wearer face-up. They offer the best protection but tend to be bulkier than other types. Because of its additional foam and fabric, it's the best type for retaining body heat and keeps your head high above water. These jackets are great for cruising, racing, and offshore fishing. They are especially good for non-swimmers and all child-sized life jackets will be inherently buoyant. Most states require inherently buoyant life jackets for jet skis and wake sports, Perez explained.
Inflatable PFD: Inflatable PFDs must be pre-inflated, typically with an oral inflation tube. These are not to be worn by anyone younger than 16 or less than 80 lbs, Perez advised. They can be much more comfortable than inherently buoyant life jackets, especially in hot weather. However, manually inflated jackets and belt-packs are best for strong swimmers, as they will need to perform additional steps to get the jacket inflated and in position. They are also generally best for those who will be close to help should an emergency occur.
Hybrid PFD: "Hybrid personal floatation devices are nearly always 'special use devices,' meaning they are intended for a specific activity and are only approved when worn," Perez said. "The most common type is the paddling jacket, but you may also find some others made for commercial applications." Some of these special uses include sailboard harness, deck suit, paddling vest, commercial white water vests, and float coats.
How should a life jacket properly fit?
Though this depends on the style of the life jacket, Perez said a standard vest-style jacket should fit snugly without riding up over your ears when you're floating in the water. She recommends testing the fit of your life jacket by jumping in the water and seeing how you float when wearing it. It should not ride up above the chin.
How does proper fit affect safety?
"A life jacket that is too big runs the risk of letting the wearer slip out," she said. "If it's too small, it may not provide enough buoyancy or it may be uncomfortable — and you won't want to wear it. If you aren't wearing your life jacket, it can't save your life."
Do I have to service my life jacket?
An inherently buoyant life jacket will not need much regular maintenance, according to Perez. As long as the straps and zippers work and there aren't any rips, tears, or discoloration, your inherently buoyant life jacket is ready to go.
An inflatable life jacket should be checked every time it is worn, however. It's important to make sure that the inflator works and that the CO2 cartridge doesn't show any signs of corrosion. Automatic inflatable life jacket models will also have a trigger mechanism for the inflator that should also be checked regularly. Any time an inflatable life jacket is activated, the CO2 cartridge will need to be replaced.
What features must my life jacket have?
All life jackets will have the means to secure it on your body, whether it's a zipper, buckles, or a combination of both. Perez recommends life jackets having a whistle because they can be useful for attracting nearby boats to come and help you, especially when floating low in the water makes it difficult to be seen.
What does the number mean on a life jacket's inflation chamber?
"An inflatable life jacket will always need a CO2 cartridge to inflate it," Perez said. "The numbers on the cartridge will correspond to the capacity as well as the size of the threads for the attachment to the inflation mechanism."
She noted the importance of double-checking your replacement cartridge matches the requirements of the life jacket. An inappropriately sized cartridge can spell disaster in an emergency.
Is a certain life jacket recommended for different body types, weights, genders, and heights?
Perez said adult life jackets are usually sized based on chest circumference, with some cut differently to fit a woman's figure and others designed for specific activities — such as paddling or sailing — where a greater range of arm motion is needed.
What is the best life jacket for babies and children younger than 18?
Infant, child, and youth jackets will have varying weight indications — as well as additional features — meant to keep kids safe, such as a crotch strap to keep the jacket from floating over a child's head or a collar meant to keep their head further out of the water.
Do life jackets and PFDs have to be replaced?
If your life jacket is broken in any way, do not attempt to fix it. When buckles break, or zippers fail it is time to replace the life jacket. Fabric discoloration is another factor: if the fabric is exposed to enough UV light and water to discolor, it's a safe bet that the foam is deteriorating as well. If you properly store and maintain your life jackets — rinsing off any saltwater and storing out of direct sunlight — they should last for many years.
What is the best way to clean my life jacket and PFD?
Mild soap and water are the best for gentle cleaning, Perez explained. Never use harsh chemicals such as bleach; let them air dry before storing to avoid mildew.
What is the best life jacket for calm waters? How about rough waters?
For calm and rough waters alike, a Type 1 or 2 may be best because they will likely hold up long enough until help arrives. A Type 1 life jacket is inherently buoyant and is best for open, remote, or rough water when rescue may be slow to arrive. Type 2 life jackets can be inherently buoyant or inflatable and are less buoyant and more comfortable than Type 1 jackets. These are recommended for use when in a protected inland area, where immediate rescue is likely.
If you're spending your day close to shore or near lots of other boaters — in calmer waters — you may opt for a type 3 or any number of inflatable devices. Type 3 life jackets are more comfortable than Types I and II, but provide far less buoyancy than a Type 1. These are also recommended for supervised activity with a good chance of immediate rescue.
Are there any accessories that would be useful in case of a water-related emergency?
"An added layer of protection for boaters going offshore, or in areas where help may be far off, is a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) that can be activated in the case of an emergency and send a signal via a satellite that you need help," Perez said. A whistle and flashlight are also good to have.
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