Also called personal floatation devices (PFDs), life preservers or life vests, life jackets can save a life, but only if actually worn. Life jackets are approved by the Coast Guard in the United States. They should be sized right and comfortable enough so the wearers will keep them on during water activities. The life jacket style chosen depends on the activity a person expects to use it for.
The five types of life jackets include Type I (offshore use), Type II (near shore buoyant vest), Type III (such as the thinner vests often used by water skiers) and Type IV (throw-able life rings and cushions). Type V are special use floatation devices and are only approved for the specific use on the label of the device (such as white water rafting or board sailing). Type I is the safest, as it automatically brings the wearer's head out of the water. Type IV is the most comfortable for use by adults where a quick pick-up by a nearby boater is expected to be available at all times.
What to Look for
Picking out the right life jacket includes practical usability and taste. It would be difficult to find a life jacket for sale that wasn't approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, but check the label to be sure it is the right type for the activity. The more likely the wearer may have to depend on the PFD to keep his head above water, the lower type number the device should be labeled.
There is such a wide range of designs, styles and colors of PFDs, most any taste should be satisfied. More importantly, the life jacket chosen should safely suit the activities the wearer expects to use it for while being comfortable enough to keep on so a person isn't tempted to go without.
Common Pitfalls
Balancing practical safety, style and sizing with price can be tricky. A Type III sport life jacket actually worn, though not as safe as a Type I or II vest, is better than the safer vest if the water enthusiast finds it too uncomfortable and takes it off. For multiple uses, a Type II yoke type vest, which is less bulky than Type I and more comfortable, should be a good choice. Good for calm, inland waters, a Type II vest will turn most unconscious wearers face-up in the water. Sized right, it can be used by adults or children.
A life jacket purchase is the time to choose quality over bargain pricing. Fortunately, with U.S. Coast Guard approved labeling required on new life jackets for sale, any Type II labeled device found to be comfortable and styled to the buyer's taste should be a good choice.
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