Lets talk Personal Flotation Devices for family fun on the water.
A personal flotation device abbreviated as PFD has also been called a life jacket, life preserver, life belt, Mae West, life vest, life saver, cork jacket and buoyancy aid. It is a piece of equipment designed to assist the wearer to keep afloat in water. The wearer may be either conscious or unconscious.
PFDs are available in different sizes to accommodate variations in body weight. Designs differ depending on wearing convenience and the level of protection needed. They may take the form of a simple vest, a jacket, or their variations suited for particular purposes. They are most commonly made of a tough synthetic fiber material encapsulating a source of buoyancy, such as foam or a chamber of air, and are often brightly colored yellow or orange to maximize visibility for rescuers.
Some devices consist of a combination of both buoyancy foam and an air chamber. Reflective "SOLAS" tape is often sewn to the fabric used to construct life jackets and PFDs to facilitate a person being spotted in darkness when a search light is shone towards the wearer.
Most Personal Flotation Devices come in a vast array of colors including camouflage for the hunter and for the kid's, different characters.
The Sterns Puddle Jumper is recommended by a lot of swim classes to give the beginner the confidence they need to start learning. (Please contact us for school discounts). It is also the only U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket of its kind that can be used on a boat.
The US, federal regulations require all persons under the age of 13 to wear a life jacket (PFD) when in a watercraft. State regulations may vary and must be followed when in that state's jurisdiction.
Infant/Child vest
This vest comes in a multitude of colors and characters.
Weight: Up to 30lbs (14kg)
Stearns Puddle Jumper
Learn-to-swim aid for beginners in the water
The Coast Guard-approved life jacket features a fun character on the front for more fun in the water,
USCG approved for use on a boat.
Weight: 30 - 50 lbs. (13.6 kg - 22.7 kg)
Youth Vest
Recommend forFishing, Sailing, Boating, Paddle Sports, Water Sports
Weight: 50-90lbs (23-41kg)
Collar Life Jacket
Yoke-style flotation device designed to turn an unconcious person to a vertical or slightly backward position
Weight: 90lbs +
Automatic or Manual Inflatable
This type vest comes in two models,
Automatic or Manual type inflation.
The Automatic type automatically inflates upon immersionin water.or when the wearer pulls the "Jerk to Inflate" handle.
This is best as the wearer could be unconcious.
Inflatable Belt Pack
Inflates to Full-Size Pullover Type III PFD Vest (second stage donning required)
CLR Marine carries personal floatation devices made by Mustang Survival, SOSpenders, Stearns, First Watch, Onyx Outdoor, Kent Sporting Goods and Full Throttle. They can be found under the Manufacturers name or MARINE SAFETY > Personal Flotation Devices at clrmarine.com.
