Jacket Pfd
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US $39.95
Having the proper safety equipment is always the key to a successful day out on the water. There are several different levels of gear, but always a basic that you should always have.
If you have ever fell out of a boat or just fell in the water and realize that your feet don't touch the bottom, but you are still floating chances are your life has just been saved by a life Jacket or better said, a PFD (personal floatation device). A life jacket is the most basic of all equipment, yet the most important. You should never even sit on a kayak in the water without one. There are many different types of life jackets so it's important that you have the correct jacket for the correct activity. Not only should you have the correct type, but you should also make sure that it fits you properly.
There are five different types of jackets type I, II, III, VI and V. The lower the number, the better the life jacket is. Type I is considered to be an off shore jacket. This one would be used by workers who are working in very rough water where rescue may take some time type 1 also can turn most unconscious people over so that even though you are unconscious you won't be floating face down into the water, which obviously would hinder breathing. The disadvantage of these types of jackets is they are big and bulky. This is not the type for jacket to be used for an activity where lots of movement is required such as kayaking.
Type II is a jacket, still a little bulky and meant for a swimmer that is expected to get a fast rescue. This jacket will turn most people over in the water so that they will be facing face up in the water; again, a very important feature for an unconscious person to use.
Type III jacket I would estimate is the most popular type. This is the type you would see a skier wearing or for general inland boating. You would want to try on this jacket before using to make sure it floats you. It comes in a variety of style but basically it is a vest type of style. This type of jacket is meant to be used if you expect a fast rescue. It will not turn an unconscious person face up in the water.
Mixed in with type II jackets are inflatable. These are jackets that can manually inflate or automatic activated by water for example. They are nice if you need a lot of movement. If you have ever seen a sailboat race they use them a lot. They are also nice for fishing out on the lake. Another good use for them is snorkeling although I don't suggest using the one that automatically inflates when it touches water.
Type IV jackets are not really jackets, but considered more as a floatation device. These would be anything that you and throw and a person can hold onto such as a buoy or sometimes boats have seats that double as a flotation device. These should be used with a combination of a jacket. They are meant for emergencies and should be relied upon for a normal flotation device. In many areas it is required to carry one on your boat along with life jackets. These are perfect if you just need a little extra flotation for the person in the water to hold on to before getting rescued.
Type V, are considered special use jackets. They should be carefully researched to make sure you are getting the right one for the right situation. They should only be used for what they are labeled to use for. It is hard to explain what they are used for since there is an unlimited use for them. It is important that they are worn properly and that they are used under the right conditions. Most of the time accidents happen suddenly. You usually don't have time to slip on a jacket before you fall into the water, and that is what these jackets are meant for.
Make sure you read the care labels and you maintain your jackets properly. If they become damaged or worn out make sure you replace them. Life jackets are cheep insurance. Once you fall into a lake and get that feeling that you can't touch bottom you will thank yourself for putting on that life jacket.
If you would like more information about life jackets the best place to look is any website that uses Coast Guard information. They will provide you with the best information to choose the jacket best for you.