Life Vests, Life Jackets, and Life Preservers

Frightening statistics

Of more than 3,500 drowning accidents in the U.S. yearly, males are four times more likely than females to become victims. Children under the age of 4 are 14 times more likely to die from drowning than in a car accident. Of children who are rescued, 92% are discovered within 2 minutes.

The facts

Know the facts about different types of jackets and Personal Flotation Devices. Boaters should wear PFDs, especially weak swimmers or non-swimmers, and always when boating alone or at night, and when waters are rough or cold.

Offshore life jackets: designed for survival in large and rough bodies of water; these turn an unconscious person to a vertical position; often bulky and uncomfortable.

Near-shore buoyant life vests: the most common PFD for use near shore and in calm water; turns an unconscious person face-up in water; less bulky due to available sizing.

Flotation aid life jackets: the most comfortable with wide range of styles; designed for water activities; only inflatable ones turn unconscious person face-up in the water.