We have used several types of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) over the past, I started using them as a teenager riding around and driving my Uncle's 1969 Sterncraft Tri Hull powered by a 160 Mercruiser and piloting his stick steer bass boat. Back then they were the big orange foam block vests with a black strap, and a few years into our trips he switched over to some nice low profile Stearns fishing vests, which were more flotation "aids" than they were life jackets.
In 2011 the Skipper and I moved closer to the water and we began using our small boats more often, so we tracked down some PFDs that were comfortable to wear and compatible with dinghy sailing, rowing, kayaking and canoeing. The features we like are low profile PFDs that allow us to bend at the waist, paddle and row. The Skipper's PFD also has foam bumps and mesh air vents that improve air circulation. Both PFDs have adjustments for the shoulders and waist, storage pockets and bits of reflective tape. We also chose red PFDs that are easier to spot in the water than some darker colored vests.
Our current vests are the Astral Camino and the Extrasport Eagle. The light gray bumps inside the Camino vest on the left are cushioned foam, they hold the vest away from the body to improve air circulation.
We keep enough comfortable vests for passengers to wear. In the pockets we keep a whistle, a knife and a small LED flashlight. Eventually I'd like to add a signal mirror and maybe a small VHF transceiver with GPS locator. I flew Search and Rescue in a former life, and a small light or signal mirror flash can be seen from far far away. We like red and yellow vests, they are easier to spot in the water.
Here are some tips from the "Think Safe" booklet that comes with most PFDs, published to help boaters choose the right device. I believe that beyond being safe we can be smart, this information increases our knowledge and coupled with a positive attitude, we can "Boat Smart."
1. How many PFDs do you need? Depends on the number of people on board, the size and type of boat, and the kind of boating you do. You must have any one of these wearable PFDs for each person on board:
-Off-Shore Life Jacket (Type I) - Best for rough, open water. Turns unconscious wearer face up, highly visible, but bulky.
-Near-Shore Buoyant Vest (Type II) - Turns some unconscious wearers face up, less bulky, not for long hours in rough water.
-Flotation Aid (Type III) - Good for calm, inland water or where there is a chance of fast rescue. Comfortable and available for many different types of activities. Will NOT turn unconscious wearer face up and not for extended rough water survival.
-Special Use Device (Type V) - Special uses or conditions like work vests, hybrid PFDs or boardsailing vests. A Type V Inflatable must be worn to be counted as a PFD. They are less bulky and good for continuous wear, but they may not inflate fully and require maintenance. My thoughts on the inflatables is that the wearer needs to be very familiar with use in extreme conditions, that usually requires dunk tank training and periodic re-qualification, which I have been through. Imagine ending up in the water, surprised, disoriented and maybe injured. Are you going to remember how to inflate the vest?
-Throwable Device (Type IV) - If your boat is 16 feet or longer, and is not a canoe or kayak, you must also have at least one Throwable Device (Type IV). It can be thrown up to 40 feet, makes good supplemental flotation and also serves a nice cushion.
2. Be sure to choose a PFD that is right for your planned activities and the water conditions that you expect to encounter. A good vest should have a list of recommended uses, like paddling, sailing, kayaking or water skiing. Many PFDs are not tested for personal protection from impact and therefore not approved for use on personal watercraft, for water skiing or similar towed activities.
3. The best place for a PFD to be stored is on your body. I like the cushioning that my PFD provides and it also provides a little back support. The storage pockets are convenient for my phone and tow vehicle keys. If the conditions are such that the PFD is not worn, keep it close and do not attach it to the boat, and brief your crew on their PFD's location.
From the Coast Guard: "9 out of 10 drownings occur in inland waters, most within a few feet of safety. Most of the victims owned PFDs, but they died without them. A wearable PFD can save a life, if it is worn."
4. Read the label to make sure the PFD is made for the wearer's weight and size.
5. Try out your PFD in calm conditions to make sure your mouth floats well above the water and you can breathe easily.
6. Check PFD for wear. When it gets damaged or worn, replace it. Regulations require that the PFD be in good shape for use on the boat.
If you need more information on boating safety, contact your state boating authority, US Coast Guard Auxiliary, Red Cross, US Power Squadron or the Coast Guard.
PFDs reduce the risk of drowning when we follow their use and care instructions. Safe Boating is no accident. Enjoy the water and Boat Smart!
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