Lifejackets (personal flotation device)

How to Choose a PFD

When choosing a life jacket:

Make sure it is the right type for the right activity.

Make sure it is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Make sure it fits the intended user. Check the stamp on the life jacket for weight limits.

Make sure it is in good condition. Check buckles and straps for proper function. Discard any life jacket with torn fabric or straps that have pulled loose.

Practice putting it on in water and swimming with it on. When you practice, have a companion with you who can help you if you have difficulty.

How to Use Your PFD

Try on your PFD to see if it fits snugly. Then test it in shallow water to see how it handles. A PFD is designed not to ride up on the body in the water. If a wearer’s stomach is larger than the chest, ride-up may occur. Before use, test your PFD to be sure that excessive ride-up does not impair the PFD’s performance. Do not use a PFD that rides up excessively.

To check your PFD’s buoyancy, relax your body and tilt your head back. Make sure your PFD keeps your chin above water and you can breathe easily.

If your mouth is not well above the water, your PFD needs more buoyancy. Older foam PFDs may lose buoyancy and may have to be replaced.

How to Care for a PFD

To ensure that your PFD will be in good shape when you need it, you must take care of it.

Do not alter your PFD. If yours does not fit, get one that does. An altered PFD may not save your life.

Periodically check to see if your PFD is in good repair and if it provides adequate support. Check it often for rips, tears and holes. Also check to see that seams, fabric straps and hardware are okay. Give your PFD belts, ties and straps a quick, hard pull to make sure they are secure. You should find no signs of water logging, mildew odor or shrinkage of the buoyant materials.

Make sure that the snaps, belts, ties, straps and zippers are working properly.

Do not use your PFD as a boat fender or a kneeling pad. PFDs lose buoyancy when crushed.

Hang your wet PFD to dry in open air or in a wellventilated area. Do not dry your PFD in front of a radiator or other heat source.

Do not leave your PFD on board for long periods when the boat is not in use.

Do not use cleaning fluids or gasoline to clean your PFD, and do not dry clean it.