State Partnership Program

Video by Trevor Welsh

5 Types of Personal Flotation Devices with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Proctor Lake

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District

Aug. 8, 2020 | 3:35

While at the lake we want to make sure everyone is safe! And while around the water, it is always a good idea to be wearing your life jacket. There are five types of Personal Flotation Devices, or PFDs, that are coast guard approved, but which one is good for you? All coast guard approved PFDs are approved to save your life in an emergency, but each one is also ranked for different activity types and different situations.

Type 1
A Type 1 PFD is for offshore activities such as deep sea fishing, cruises, or stormy conditions. If you fall of a boat and become unconscious this PFD is most likely going to turn you over and keep your head out of the water. In rough waters this is extremely important for your survival. If going out in the ocean, then a Type 1 PFD is for you!

Type 2
A Type 2 PFD is for inland waters such as lakes and other smaller bodies of water where you are more likely to noticed and rescued quickly. This type of life jacket will keep you afloat, but it may not always roll you onto your back to keep your head out of the water in an unconscious situation.

Type 3
A Type 3 Life jacket is also for inland waters where immediate rescue is very likely. This life jacket can be used for activities such as kayaking, sailing, fishing, or skiing. The big difference between a type 2 and type 3 life jacket is the type 3 will not flip you over due to not having that head support behind the neck.

Type 4
A Type 4 PFD is not actually life jacket. These PFDs are throw-able which means they are meant to be thrown overboard during a rescue situation. A life ring or a square throw-able cushion are the two Type 4 PFDs used on a boat. Having a throw-able on board your boat and readily available is actually required by law. So next time you are out on the water, make sure a throw-able Type 4 PFD is within reach.

Type 5
A Type 5 PFD, or an inflatable life jacket, is becoming extremely popular! This PFD is good for inland lake activities such as fishing, boating, or kayaking. This life jacket is light weight which keeps you cool on hot days, not bulky, and gives you plenty of room to move around. This type of life jacket relies on a CO2 cartridge to become inflated and will inflate once you jump in the water or pull the cord. An inflatable also requires more maintenance than the other types of life jackets. The CO2 cartridge must be replaced once used or once it expires and must be stored in a cool place. If this maintenance is something you are unable to keep up with, then please use a traditional life jacket.

Once you pick your life jacket, don’t forget to inspect it by checking for rips, faded fabric, or broken buckles, make sure it is the correct size, and that it is coast guard approved. No matter what activity you have planned at the lake, picking one of these 5 PFDs can save your life! Which one will you choose for your trip to the lake?