Types of PFD's
Wearing a life jacket can truly be life changing!
Wearing a life jacket can truly be life changing!
Type I or Offshore life jacket are bright orange with reflectors, this makes it easy for rescuers to find you if you end up in the water. Type I is the most buoyant life jacket, most of the buoyancy is in the front, and around the neck. This allows the life jacket to turn you on to your back and keeps your head out of the water so you can breathe. It is important that you have a Type I for deep water where you can't see land.
Type I or Offshore life jacket are bright orange with reflectors, this makes it easy for rescuers to find you if you end up in the water. Type I is the most buoyant life jacket, most of the buoyancy is in the front, and around the neck. This allows the life jacket to turn you on to your back and keeps your head out of the water so you can breathe. It is important that you have a Type I for deep water where you can't see land.
Type II or Nearshore life jacket are usually bright orange and can make you easily seen to rescuers. Type II is the second most buoyant life jacket. The buoyancy is in the front, and around the neck. Type II will also turn you on to your back and keep your head out of the water so you can breathe. Type II is used where you can see land, but the water is still deep and shore maybe too far to swim to. Type II is required for any child under the age of 4 and must include a headrest, a leg strap and webbed handle.
Type II or Nearshore life jacket are usually bright orange and can make you easily seen to rescuers. Type II is the second most buoyant life jacket. The buoyancy is in the front, and around the neck. Type II will also turn you on to your back and keep your head out of the water so you can breathe. Type II is used where you can see land, but the water is still deep and shore maybe too far to swim to. Type II is required for any child under the age of 4 and must include a headrest, a leg strap and webbed handle.
Type III or Recreational Aides come in a variety of styles. Some Type III life jackets come with specific directions from the USCG. There are vest styles, float coats, and inflatables.
Type III or Recreational Aides come in a variety of styles. Some Type III life jackets come with specific directions from the USCG. There are vest styles, float coats, and inflatables.
Type IV or Throwables are used as assistance for rescuing a tired swimmer that does not have on a life jacket. The type IV is not to be worn. You can tell the tired swimmer to hug and kick with the throwable cushion. Some throwables have ropes attached that you can assist the swimmer by pulling them to safety. The throwable cushion does not have a rope attached.
Type IV or Throwables are used as assistance for rescuing a tired swimmer that does not have on a life jacket. The type IV is not to be worn. You can tell the tired swimmer to hug and kick with the throwable cushion. Some throwables have ropes attached that you can assist the swimmer by pulling them to safety. The throwable cushion does not have a rope attached.
Type V or Special Use PFD comes with special instructions for the users. There are Type fives used for working around water and also Type fives that are used for recreation.
Type V or Special Use PFD comes with special instructions for the users. There are Type fives used for working around water and also Type fives that are used for recreation.