There is nothing more fun than spending a day or a weekend, out on the water with family and friends.  Hours of laughter, splashing and quality family time.  One of the most important safety items that a boater, or watercraft rider, can have on hand is the correct PFD.  There are numerous types of PFDs and not all PFDs are recommended for every situation.  The North America National Safe Boating Campaign “Wear It” campaign aims to educate boaters on the importance of wearing a PFD.

In 2009, the Coast Guard counted 4,730 accidents that involved 736 deaths, 3,358 injuries and approximately $36 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents. Of those who drowned, 84 percent were not wearing life jackets.

“The statistics show that no matter where you are boating, being properly prepared and equipped and wearing a life jacket can help save many lives,” Virgil Chambers, executive director of the National Safe Boating Council said. “We want to prove that life jackets not only save lives, but that today’s life jackets are comfortable, stylish and easy to wear,” Boaters need to be and should be properly informed and educated about boating safety and most importantly, remember to ‘Wear It!’”

What type of PDF is appropriate for your boating activities?

IF YOU RIDE ON A PWC OR PARTICIPATE IN TOWED WATER SPORTS:  CHOOSE A FLOTATION AID LIFE JACKET FOR ACTIVITIES THAT INVOLVE FREQUENT WATER ENTRY. RUGGED WITH MULTIPLE BUCKLES DESIGNED FOR HIGHER IMPACT ON WATER. INFLATABLE LIFE JACKETS ARE NOT PERMITTED. MOST STATES REQUIRE PWC RIDERS AND “SKIERS” TO WEAR THEIR LIFE JACKET.

IF YOU CRUISE WITH FRIENDS : CHOOSE A MANUAL OR AUTO-MANUAL INFLATABLE LIFE JACKETS FOR ADULTS ONLY. NOT APPROVED FOR CHILDREN UNDER 16, NON-SWIMMERS, PWCS, WHITE WATER PADDLING OR TOWED SPORTS. COMFORTABLE, COMPACT SIZE AND HIGH PERFORMANCE. FLOTATION AID LIFE JACKET APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES.

IF YOU BOAT WITH FAMILY: CHOOSE A FLOTATION AID LIFE JACKET APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES. DESIGNED FOR GENERAL BOATING ON CALM, INLAND WATER, NOT FOR ROUGH WATER. MUST FIT PROPERLY FOR SIZE AND WEIGHT.  COMFORTABLE, MANY STYLES AND SIZES AVAILABLE FOR DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES. INFLATABLE LIFE JACKETS ALSO A GOOD CHOICE.

IF YOU FISH: CHOOSE A MANUAL OR AUTO-MANUAL INFLATABLE LIFE JACKET FOR ADULTS ONLY. FLOTATION AID LIFE JACKET FEATURES POCKETS AND STRAPS FOR SUPPLIES AND TACKLE.  CONSIDER DUAL PURPOSE FLOAT COAT FOR COLD WEATHER AND WATER.

IF YOU PADDLE: CHOOSE A MANUAL OR AUTO-MANUAL INFLATABLE LIFE JACKET FOR ADULTS ONLY. FLOTATION AID LIFE JACKET DESIGNED WITH LARGE ARM OPENINGS FOR EASE OF MOVEMENT WHILE PADDLING.  APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES.

IF YOU HUNT: CHOOSE THIS MANUAL OR AUTO-MANUAL INFLATABLE LIFE JACKET FOR ADULTS ONLY.FLOTATION AID LIFE JACKET WITH CAMO, LARGE ENOUGH TO FIT OVER HEAVY CLOTHES. CONSIDER DUAL PURPOSE FLOAT COAT FOR COLD WEATHER AND WATER.