WEARING YOUR uscg approved LIFEJACKET

• The best lifejacket is the one you will wear.
• Some lifejackets are designed to keep your head above water and help you maintain proper breathing.
• Some styles are not intended for weak or non swimmers. Read the label and be honest.
• To meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements, a recreational vessel must have a U.S. Coast Guard approved lifejacket for each person aboard.
• Lifejacket wear rules for children may vary by state.
• Adult sized lifejackets may not work for children. Child sizes are available.
• When worn correctly, a foam filled lifejacket fits snugly and will not rise above the wearer’s chin or ears.
• Foam filled lifejackets should be tested for fit and buoyancy at least once a year. Waterlogged, faded, or damaged lifejackets should be discarded.
• Inflatable lifejackets should be maintained per the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Most adults only need 7 to 12 pounds of buoyancy (31 to 53 Newtons) to keep their heads above water.

• By providing buoyancy if you unexpectedly enter the water.
• By providing buoyancy if you intentionally enter the water to help someone else.
• By providing buoyancy when you can no longer stay afloat due to fatigue, injury, or cold.
• By providing buoyancy if you are a weak or non swimmer.

• The appropriate size for the intended user
• Appropriate for the intended activity
• In good and serviceable condition
• U.S. Coast Guard approved to meet carriage requirements

• Check the label for user weight and chest size.
• Different body types float differently.
• Try your lifejacket in the water to ensure your airway is clear.
• A good fit is secure, comfortable, and adjustable.

• Even when not required by law, a lifejacket should be worn while the vessel is underway. A wearable lifejacket can save your life only when you wear it.
• Wearable lifejackets must be readily accessible.
• You must be able to put it on quickly in an emergency such as a sinking or fire.
• Do not stow lifejackets in plastic bags, locked or closed compartments, or under other gear.
• Throwable devices must be immediately available for use.

• Inflatable lifejackets may be more comfortable to wear.
• They require careful attention to maintenance and condition.
• Inflatable lifejackets must have a full cylinder and all status indicators must be green, otherwise the device is not serviceable and does not satisfy carriage requirements.
• Inflatables are not appropriate for weak or non swimmers.

• Federal law requires children under 13 to wear a lifejacket while the vessel is underway.
• Exceptions may apply when below deck or within an enclosed cabin.
• State laws may vary. Check with your state boating safety officials.

The Coast Guard recommends and many states require wearing lifejackets:

• For water skiing and other towed activities. Use a lifejacket marked for water skiing.
• While operating a personal watercraft. Use a lifejacket marked for water skiing or PWC use.
• During whitewater boating activities.
• While sailboarding. Under federal law, sailboards are not classified as boats.

If you are boating in an area under the jurisdiction of the Army Corps of Engineers, or a federal, state, or local park authority, additional rules may apply.

Design types: Inherent, Inflatable, Hybrid, and Special Purpose.

Two main classes:

• Devices that provide face up in water support regardless of physical condition (lifejackets).
• Devices that require the user to swim or adjust posture to keep the face out of the water (buoyancy aids).

Wearable PFD categories:

• Performance Types: Type I, II, III, V
• Performance Levels: Level 50, 70, 100, 150, 275

The number in a performance level device indicates minimum buoyancy. Buoyancy is measured in Newtons (N). For example, 70 N equals 15.74 pounds of buoyancy.

Performance Type devices

• Type I: greatest inherent buoyancy and turns most unconscious persons from face down to a safer face up position.
• Type II: intended to turn some unconscious persons to a position where breathing is not impeded.
• Type III: intended to support a conscious person upright. Not required to turn an unconscious person.
• Type V: approved for restricted uses such as boardsailing or commercial whitewater rafting. Label specifies approved use and limitations.

Performance Level devices

• Level 50: for competent swimmers near shore or with help nearby.
• Level 70: minimal bulk for near shore or with rescue available. Not expected to keep a user safe for long in disturbed water.
• Level 100: for sheltered water where rescue may take time.
• Level 150: general use or foul weather clothing. Turns an unconscious person face up.
• Level 275: primarily for offshore use under extreme conditions.

Lifejacket size categories

• Adult: greater than 88 lb
• Youth: over 55 lb and up to 88 lb
• Child: over 33 lb and up to 55 lb
• Infant: 33 lb or less

The following reference tables are presented as responsive layouts for easier reading on mobile.