Life Jackets and Personal Floatation Devices

Life Vests and PFDs resources and Information

PartsVu is thrilled to offer a broad selection of life vests and personal floatation devices to keep you and your passengers safe out on the water. Shop boat safety equipment from top manufacturers, like Kwik Tek, Stearns, Onyx Outdoor, Seachoice, First Watch, Full Throttle, and more. Need help picking the right life jacket for you? Check out this helpful guide on our blog titled PFD 101: Selecting the Right Life Jackets.

Looking for more boating and marine products? Check out our complete selection of Products and Accessories or shop our broader categories of Boating Accessories and Boating Safety Equipment and Boat Safety Equipment, Lifejackets, & Personal Floatation Devices. Or shop Life Jackets and Personal Floatation Devices by category, including:

• Type III & Ski Vests
• Type I & Type II Life Vests
• Type V & All Inflatable PFD's
• Type IV - All Throwable PFD's
• Youth & Infant Life Vest
• Dog Life Jackets 

Life Jackets and Personal Floatation Devices FAQs

What are the US Coastguard guidelines concerning life jackets?

While you must refer to the boating regulations within your state, minimum U.S. federal law requires a life jacket to be carried for each person on board. In states where no children’s life jacket law is in place, a U.S. Coast Guard interim rule requires children under 13 on moving boats to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket that fits. Personal flotation device (PDF) guidelines are provided by the U.S. Coast Guard:

• Type I PFDs/Offshore Life Jackets – Best for all waters including open ocean, rough seas, or remote water, where rescue may be slow.
• Type II PDFs/Near-Shore Buoyant Vests – For general boating activities and good for calm, inland waters, or where there is a good chance for fast rescue.
• Type III PFDs/Flotation Aids – For general boating or the specialized activity that is marked on the device such as water skiing, hunting, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and others. Good for calm, inland waters, or where there is a good chance for fast rescue. These PDFs are designed to complement the given watersport.

PartsVu offers a wide range of life jackets. See the links below for our most recommended or click here to view our complete selection.

• Type II Universal Adult Life Vest – 4 Pack with Storage Bag

• Youth Life Vests

• Child Life Vests

• Mustang Type III Inflatable PFD’s – Multiple Colors To Choose From

What is the difference between life jackets and PFDs?

First, let’s break down the general differences between the terms ‘life jacket,’ ‘life vest,’ and ‘PFD.’ Simply put, all life jackets and life vests are wearable PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices), but not all PFDs are life jackets, vests, or wearable, for that matter. A PFD is simply any device used to help a person stay afloat. This includes ring buoys, buoyant cushions, and inflatable belts. PFD designs include wearable and non-wearable styles, different types, and different performance levels.

How Do PFDs Work?

Standard PFDs use foam to stay afloat, though inflatable and hybrid designs are common as well. 

Inflatable PFDs rely on CO2 cylinders. They inflated either manually, by pulling on a string, or automatically through exposure to water. The primary benefit of inflatables is that they tend to be lightweight and less bulky than other options. However, you always run the risk of a malfunction if the inflatable isn’t in proper condition. More on this later. 

Regardless of their composition, the function of any PFD is to provide buoyancy if you unexpectedly find yourself in the water. Some are designed to simply assist the user in swimming. Others are designed to flip the wearer upright and allow them to breathe, even if they’re unconscious. Fatigue, injury, cold, or simply being a weak or non-swimmer are all conditions that may necessitate extra help.

What are the different types of PFDs?

Inherent PFDs (Also Known as Standard PFDs)

Standard PDFs are those that get their buoyancy from foam, offering built-in, constant flotation. These come in wearable and throwable styles and are ideal for swimmers and non-swimmers alike. They come in a full range of sizes. Sizes include infant, child, youth, and adult. Some are designed specifically for water sports.

Inflatable PFDs

As mentioned, Inflatable PFDs rely on CO2 cylinders that can be inflated either manually or automatically. These are a compact and comfortable option but have some drawbacks. Inflatable life jackets aren’t recommended for those who can’t swim or those who are weak swimmers. In addition, only adult sizes are available.

While these PFDs can meet Coast Guard requirements, there are a couple of stipulations. The device must be in a good condition. It must have a full CO2 cylinder with all green status indicators. Additionally, inflatable PFDs are only considered a legal form of flotation by the USCG when you’re wearing them.

Hybrid PFDs

Hybrid PFDs are a reliable option, as they offer compact design with built-in flotation as a backup. Hybrids come in youth, child, and adult sizes, but aren’t available for infants. A good option for people of all swimming abilities and often designed with water sports in mind, hybrid PFDs are a smart option for many boaters. 

Special Purpose PFDs

PFDs that don’t exactly fit into the previous categories include options such as belt packs and some vests/jackets. They may be inherent, inflatable, or hybrids. These special purpose devices are designed for specific activities, such as kayaking, wakeboarding, windsurfing, or other water sports. They may not have Coast Guard approval for use outside of those activities.

How do I select the right life jacket for my child?

A properly fitted life jacket is one that fits snugly on your child’s body while remaining comfortable. If at its tightest the life jacket is loose or gaps anywhere on your child, it is too big. On the opposite end, if the jacket is difficult to get into, the jacket is too small. It’s important that you find the right fit for your child for two key reasons. First, a snug fit means that the life jacket won’t be able to slip off in an emergency. Second, a comfortable fit means that your child will quickly grow accustomed to wearing it, and will be more likely to keep it on and stay safe (even when you’re not looking!). 

Each company’s sizing will run differently, but are generally based on chest and waist measurements. Be sure to take your child’s measurements into account, and take new measurements each year to ensure the best fit. 

After selecting the size of the life jacket, do a test fit well before heading out on the water. This will allow you to exchange the jacket if it is ill-fitting or uncomfortable. If possible, do this at a swimming pool so that your child can get used to wearing it in the water, get a feel for how it works, and make any necessary adjustments to the straps. 

Each life jacket will be a little bit different, but the following steps apply to most:

1. Slip the jacket over your child’s head and zip the front zipper all the way up to their neck
2. Fasten the bottom buckle, securing the jacket to their waist
3. Tighten or loosen the jacket using the adjustment straps on either side. 
4. At this point, the jacket should be snug. However, if the jacket has leg straps, adjust these as an added precaution to prevent the life jacket from riding up. 
5. To double-check the fit, attempt to lift your child by the jacket’s shoulder straps. If the vest comes up past their chin, the jacket needs to be tighter or a smaller size needs to be purchased.
6. If a pool or calm body of water is available, have your child practice floating face up while wearing their life vest. Ensure that the straps stay in place and that the jacket effectively keeps your child’s head above water.