Lifejackets come in many shapes, colors and materials. Some are made rugged to last longer while others are made to maintain body heat in cold water. No matter which Lifejacket you choose, get one that is right for you, your planned activities and the water conditions you anticipate. Spending a little time now can save your life later.

Always look for the United States Coast Guard approval number before you purchase any Lifejacket and make sure you understand the regulations and requirements in the state you are in. Also ensure you properly maintain whatever Lifejacket you choose.

Which Lifejacket is right for you?

Use  Advantages

Type I

Inherent and Inflatable Type  Lifejacket'  Off-Shore
Open or Rough Waters
Coastal  Cruising
General Boating  Best for all waters
Will turn most unconscious  wearers face up
Highly visible coloring

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Type II

Inherently Buoyant Type II  Lifejacket  Inland waters or calm waters where fast rescue is  likely Comfortable
  
Inflatable Type II  Lifejacket  Also suitable for open or rough waters    Will turn most unconscious wearers face up  
  
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Type III

Inherent and Inflatable Type  Lifejacket  Inland waters or calm waters where fast rescue is  likely. Generally the most comfort for continuous wear  
Many styles available.
  
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Type V

Inherent and Inflatable Type  Lifejacket  Special use - see Lifejacket label    Designed for specific activities  

Children's jackets
All lifejacket are clearly labeled with the appropriate weight range for the product. Check the label to match the weight range of your child. To check for a good fit, pick the child up by the shoulders of the lifejacket. If the lifejacket fits, the child's chin and ears will not slip through. Children come in many sizes and shapes. If a lifejacket style does not work well, try another one.

While some children weighing between 30 and 50 pounds may like the freedom of movement that a Type III lifejacket provides, most children in this weight range, especially those who cannot swim, should wear a Type I or Type II lifejacket.

Types of Jackets
Type I - Offshore Lifejacket
This Lifejacket is designed for extended survival in rough, open water. It usually will turn an unconscious person face up and has over 22 pounds of buoyancy. This is the best Lifejacket to keep you afloat in remote regions where rescue may be slow in coming.

Type II - Near Shore Buoyant Vest
This "classic" Lifejacket comes in several sizes for adults and children and is for calm inland water where there is chance of fast rescue. It is less bulky and less expensive than a Type I, and many will turn an unconscious person face-up in the water.

Type III - Flotation Aid
These life jackets are generally considered the most comfortable, with styles for different boating activities and sports. They are for use in calm water where there is good chance of fast rescue since they will generally not turn an unconscious person face-up. Flotation aids come in many sizes and styles.


Type IV - Throwable Device
These are designed to be thrown to a person in the water. Throwable devices include boat cushions, ring buoys, and horseshoe buoys. They are not designed to be worn and must be supplemented by wearable Lifejacket. It is important to keep these devices immediately available for emergencies, and they should not be used for small children, non-swimmers, or unconscious people.


Type V - Special Use Device
Special use Lifejackets include work vests, deck suits, and hybrids for restricted use. Hybrid vests contain some internal buoyancy and are inflatable to provide additional flotation.