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Life Preserver Requirements
A Coast Guard approved, wearable life jacket - also referred to as a personal floatation device (PFD) - is required for each person on board a recreational boat, including canoes, kayaks, and personal watercraft (PWC). A person being towed by a boat, such as on water skis or knee board, is considered a person on board and an approved life jacket is required either on the person or on board.

PFD's Float ----- You Don't!
Type I - Offshore
Adult: 22 lbs. buoyancy.
Child: 11 lbs. buoyancy.
Turns most users face up.
For all waters; especially offshore remote waters where rescue may be delayed.
Type II - Near-Shore
Adult: 15.5 lbs. buoyancy.
Child: 11 lbs. buoyancy.
Turns some users face up.
For protected waters - near shore - where fast rescue is likely.
Type IV - Throwable Devices
Not to be worn.
For throwing to a person in the water to grasp and hold until rescue.
Type V - Special Use
Use according to label and outside other clothing.
For special uses and conditions; label states limits of use which may include
approval only when worn.
Inflatable Device
Many types now USCG approved, use according to label and outside
other clothing. Approved only when worn, Inflatable PFD's are more
comfortable to wear which encourages wearing at all times.
Children's Life Jackets
Teach your children to wear a life jacket whenever they are on a boat or around the water. This is required in some states.

Children's life jackets come in child weight ranges:
Less than 30 lbs.; 30-50 lbs.; 50-90 lbs.; and over 90 lbs.

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