No matter what kind of activity you’re involved in or what level of it you’re performing, life vests are extremely important for any watersports activity.
Life vests are the pieces of clothing which are worn the way regular jackets are. As a rule, they have a zipper or buckle closure system, with some jackets frequently using both.
There’re three kinds of flotation products for life vests: inflatable, foam, and hybrid.
Foam vests are considered to be the best and most reliable by the USCG. They are designed for both men and women, swimmers and non-swimmers.
Inflatable vests are designed for swimmers only and they are the most compact ones of all three types.
Hybrid vests belong to the reliable selection by the USCG, and are also designed for both swimmers and non-swimmers.
Types of Life Vests And Their Definitions
Type I: Off-Shore PFDs (personal flotation devices)
Off-Shore PFDs are great for rough, open, or remote water, where the rescue may be slow to come. These vests offer the best flotation and can be used by the most unconscious wearers facing up water. Foam is 22 lbs. of flotation. Off-Shore PFDs are extremely easy to put on.
Type II: Near-Shore Buoyant Vest
Near-Shore Buoyant Vests are excellent for inland, calm water, where the fast rescue can come. This type of vests can be also worn by unconscious wearers facing up water but is not as definite as Type I PFDs. Foam is 15.5 lbs. of floatation. Inflatable = 33.5 lbs. of flotation.
Type III: Flotation Aid Vests
Flotation Aid Vests are the most comfortable ones for continuous wearing as they are extremely lightweight and comfortable. They are also perfect for calm, inland water, and where the rescue can come as soon as possible.
Flotation Aid Vests are represented by numerous styles, including vests and flotation jackets. Besides, they are designed in such a way the user can put him or herself into a face-up position in the water.
Type IV: Throwable Device
As it can be seen from its name a throwable device can be thrown to another person in the water. These devices include rings, approved boat cushions, and horseshoes. A throwable device can be a required equipment on some boats. They are designed for calm, inland waters where boat rescue is available all the time and must be combined with wearable life vests.
Type V: Special Use Devices
Special Use Devices presuppose special uses and conditions. PFD label can specify the conditions and define what type of PFD the Type V may be substituted for in order to meet the carriage needs.
It’s extremely important to test your PFD in shallow water or guarded swimming pool. In this way you’ll insure whether the fit is right and the PFD works in a proper way. Besides, it’s recommended to take the necessary steps to study the condition of your equipment before participating in any watersports activity. Finally, you should be always certain that you have enough life vests on your boat to prvide every passenger with it.
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