Did you know nine out of ten of the hundreds of boaters who drowned in 2006 were not wearing personal flotation devices (PFDs)? That horrifying statistic from the U.S. Coast Guard should spur even the most rugged boaters out there to buckle up. But obviously it doesn't.I see people all the time when I'm kayaking completely without PFDs or stowing them out of reach. Even if they're in reach, the question is would the boaters have time to retrieve them if their boat struck something, caught on fire, capsized or sustained any number of other sudden emergencies? Probably not. That's not even addressing what would happen if they had a medical emergency or fell unconscious.
These deaths are so needless they're a tragic shame. There are so many different types of flotation devices it's a breeze to find one that's comfortable and functional.
When you do go shopping for a PFD, there's a critical fact that's easy to overlook: Not all PFDs provide the same measure of safety. When you're at the store, be sure to read the tags to determine if the device that caught your eye is a Type I, Type II, Type III, Type IV or Type V PFD. The Coast Guard provides very clear language to describe what the different types of devices will and won't do.
A Type I personal flotation device is meant for offshore use. It provides the most buoyancy and will keep most people's face out of the water even if they're unconscious. A Type II personal flotation device is for near-shore use. It will keep most people's faces out of the water but it's not as buoyant as a Type I PFD. A Type III vest-style PFD is intended for near-shore water sports where the wearer will receive quick-assistance if he or she falls unconscious. It will not automatically keep faces out of the water. A Type IV PFD is a flotation device that is thrown to a person in distress and will only work if the person can hold on to it. A Type V PFD is a specialized device meant for participants in sports like windsurfing, kiteboarding and kayaking. The wearers have to be aware of how they work before taking them out on the water.
Any of this Type-based information may change in the future, so it's important that you read the tags before making a purchase. Also, make sure that the PFD you choose is matched to the age, weight and size of the user and that they know how to wear it correctly. A PFD that's ill fitting or worn incorrectly won't provide the safety you expect.
Drowning is preventable. Don't become a statistic. When you hit the water have a PFD and wear it.
For more advice on PFD's, visit the U.S. Coast Guard site by clicking HERE. To find out about a cool kayak, visit my review site RuggedReviews.com
