So, That Ring Around Your Middle Might Save Your Life!

If you are a boating enthusiast, the most importantgood idea to stow one away in your canoe.
thing on the water is your health and safety!! The useThe most common type of paddling personal flotation
of a personal flotation device (PFD), commonlydevice is PFD-3. They are lightweight, comfortable and
referred to as life jackets is required by law in manysmaller in size, and are intended for use in lakes and
states, there are five different types that the Unitedrivers where there is a high chance of rescue in the
States Coast Guard classifies PFD's into. If you are anevent of an upset. This type of personal flotation
avid paddler of kayaks or inflatable boats, you willdevice will not keep your head up without aid from the
probably want a type-3 flotation device that is muchperson wearing it. The PFD type-4 are mainly rings or
smaller and more comfortable than the higher types.other floats that can be thrown to people from boats.
Life jackets found in the type-1 category are large,They are intended for use on calm water where a
bulky jackets found aboard large ships, and have norescue can happen quickly. This type of device is not
place in a dinghy zodiac or aluminum kayaks!recommended for use in any type of paddling craft
If you own an inflatable zodiac or any one of a varietyincluding inflatable kayaks.
of power boats, then a life jacket that is most suitableAnd finally, type-5 are large personal flotation devices
for you would be a type-2 personal flotation device.used in specialized sports like sailing or paddling. These
These are usually found on ski boats and sailboats andare commonly seen in rigid zodiac boats or other
will hold an unconscious victim face up in the water fortypes of commercialized rafting craft. These come in
a long period of time. This type of PFD is too bulky formany different shapes and sizes, and it is important to
kayaks or a canoe, but for extra safety, it may be aunderstand their intended use before you strap one on.