FLOTATION TYPES
Off Shore Life Jacket (type I, 22lbs buoyancy)
Type I life jacket is the best choice for rough or open waters. This type will float you the best and is
favorable if rescue may be long in coming. This type will turn an unconscious person upright in the water.
Though is bulky it does have a highly visible color for easier detection.
Near Shore Buoyant Vest (Type II, 15.5lbs buoyancy)
Type II is a good choice for calmer waters. It will turn most unconscious persons face-up in the water. (but
not all persons> ) Though it is less bulky than Type I, it is not intended for long hours in calm or rough
water.
Flotation Aid (Type III, 15.5lbs buoyancy)
Type III is probably the most comfortable device offering more freedom of movement, such as water skiing
or fishing, but is not intended for rough water. Also, an unconscious person may end up face-down in the
water.
Throwable Devices (Type IV)
Throwable devices are intended for calm waters with heavy boat traffic where help is always close. It is not
intended for unconscious persons or nonswimmers or long hours in the water. They are good backups for
the other devices.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Try your flotation device to see if it is the correct choice for you. Do this by relaxing your body in the
water. Let you head tilt back. If your chin is not above water you need a different device. Keep in mind
that each device works differently in different types of water.
If your flotation device does not fit well, get another one instead of trying to alter it yourself.
Do not use the device for a boat fender. The device will lose buoyancy if crushed.
Let the device drip dry thoroughly be fore putting it up.
Always wear you own device. You know that yours fits and works well for you. It may not work for
someone heavier than you.
