Seachoice General Purpose Life Vest

Wearable personal flotation devices (PFDs), also known as life jackets, life preservers, or buoyancy aids, are the most essential piece of individual safety equipment on a boat. These devices come in a wide range of configurations and styles, making it crucial to carefully select the right one for your needs. To assist you in this decision, we have prepared this comprehensive PFD buying guide.

Sizing is a crucial factor when choosing a PFD. By federal law, recreational boats must have one wearable PFD correctly sized for each person onboard. We offer infant, child, youth, and adult sizes based on weight and/or chest circumference. It is essential to test the fit, especially for infants, children, and non-swimmers. To do this, grasp the wearer's PFD at the shoulders and pull upward; if it rises above the wearer's chin or ears, it is too loose or too big, and you should either tighten the straps or go down one size.

PFDs can be divided into two categories based on the expected level of water contact: general boating, worn when the wearer does not expect to get wet, and water sports, worn when contact with the water is likely. Inflatable PFDs, which inflate automatically when submerged, belong to the first category, as do most inherently buoyant PFDs (vests filled with buoyant foam panels). Multi-sport and ski PFDs feature several adjustment points for a snug fit that won't shift or ride up in the event of high-speed impact with the water.

It is crucial to remember that an unworn PFD will be useless in an emergency. Half of all boating fatalities due to drowning occur close to shore in calm waters; in most cases, the life jackets were stowed, not worn. Therefore, it is essential to wear your PFD at all times while on the water.

Our PFD Sizing Chart provides detailed information on the available sizes, including Infant, Child, Youth, Adult Universal, XL/XXL, and 3XL/4XL, along with the corresponding weight and chest circumference ranges.

Regarding the types of PFDs we offer, they include General Purpose Keyhole, Inflatable, Multi-Sport, Ski, and Commercial models. Each type is designed for specific applications and levels of performance, with varying levels of USCG & Transport Canada certification, buoyancy materials, and feature sets. Customers can review the detailed product descriptions and customer ratings to make an informed decision.

In conclusion, selecting the right PFD is crucial for your safety and the safety of your loved ones while enjoying recreational boating activities. By understanding the sizing, activity-specific needs, and performance levels, you can make an informed choice that will provide the necessary protection and peace of mind on the water.

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