| If you are a boating enthusiast, the most important | | | | your canoe.The most common type of paddling |
| thing on the water is your health and safety!! The | | | | personal flotation device is PFD-3. They are |
| use of a personal flotation device (PFD), commonly | | | | lightweight, comfortable and smaller in size, and are |
| referred to as life jackets is required by law in many | | | | intended for use in lakes and rivers where there is a |
| states, there are five different types that the United | | | | high chance of rescue in the event of an upset. This |
| States Coast Guard classifies PFD's into. If you are an | | | | type of personal flotation device will not keep your |
| avid paddler of kayaks or inflatable boats, you will | | | | head up without aid from the person wearing it. The |
| probably want a type-3 flotation device that is much | | | | PFD type-4 are mainly rings or other floats that can |
| smaller and more comfortable than the higher types. | | | | be thrown to people from boats. They are intended |
| Life jackets found in the type-1 category are large, | | | | for use on calm water where a rescue can happen |
| bulky jackets found aboard large ships, and have no | | | | quickly. This type of device is not recommended for |
| place in a dinghy zodiac or aluminum kayaks!If you | | | | use in any type of paddling craft including inflatable |
| own an inflatable zodiac or any one of a variety of | | | | kayaks.And finally, type-5 are large personal flotation |
| power boats, then a life jacket that is most suitable | | | | devices used in specialized sports like sailing or |
| for you would be a type-2 personal flotation device. | | | | paddling. These are commonly seen in rigid zodiac |
| These are usually found on ski boats and sailboats | | | | boats or other types of commercialized rafting craft. |
| and will hold an unconscious victim face up in the | | | | These come in many different shapes and sizes, and |
| water for a long period of time. This type of PFD is | | | | it is important to understand their intended use |
| too bulky for kayaks or a canoe, but for extra | | | | before you strap one on.By Terry Price- Remember |
| safety, it may be a good idea to stow one away in | | | | to visit- The right boat loan can make it all possible! |