Sink or Swim

The most common PFD's worn by paddlers are Type III. They are rated by the U.S. Coast Guard as "good for calm, inland water, or where there is good chance of fast rescue." They come in different chest sizes for adults and are rated in pounds for children. Brightly colored PFD's are best so that you'll be visible to motorized boaters.

A Type V PFD is the least bulky, but it requires inflation. Pulling a ripcord inflates the vest one time from a canister, and a manual inflation tube acts as a backup. If you are sure that you will always be able to pull the cord or, if your canister fails, pump up your PFD, the Type V might work for you. I wouldn't risk it.

Let me try to reply to comments I often hear in my store:

"Do I really need to wear one?"
Only if you value your life. Some people think that their swimming ability is good enough to recover from a capsize. However, the question isn't swimming ability, it's floating ability. Would you be able to swim if you banged your head and became unconscious? With a PFD, if you were knocked out, your paddling buddy would be able to grab on and help. Without the PFD, you would go down.

"PFD's are uncomfortable."
Yes, the old horseshoe life jackets that you wore at camp a gazillion years ago were uncomfortable and extremely bulky. The new paddling PFD's are form fitting, with large armpit areas to allow free movement without chafing, and some are specifically designed to be extremely comfortable for women.

One woman in my paddling class completely forgot that she had her PFD on. She only realized it when she tried to put on her seat belt for the ride home!

"It will ruin my suntan!"
Refer to "Do I really need to wear one?"

Please always wear a PFD when paddling with your children. It's important that their prime role models stress water safety.

Have a great time on the water.

Irene