How To Choose A PFD - How To Test Your PFD

You must have at least one, U.S. Coast Guard approved, wearable PFD for each person onboard, and it must be the appropriate size. If your boat is 16 feet or longer (generally excluding canoes and kayaks but check your state's regulations) you must also have one throwable device (Type IV PFD). 

Test your own wearable PFD in a pool or shallow water close to shore to see how it works. If it fits properly and is correctly fastened, it should stay in place and not ride up or slip over your chin.

To work best, PFDs must be worn with all straps, zippers, and ties properly fastened and any loose ends tucked away.

To check the buoyancy, relax your body and let your head tilt back.

Make sure your PFD keeps your chin above water and that you can breath easily.

If your mouth is not well above the water, select a different PFD with more buoyancy.

If possible, the best test of all is to jump into a pool, feet first, from a platform the same height as your boat. (Be sure you are in deep enough water.)

Your PFD should not ride up and try to pop off over your head. Throwable PFDs (life rings, boat cushions) should be tested by heaving them.

Test how accurately you can aim at a specific spot, keeping in mind the adjustments you need to make for changing wind conditions.

BE AWARE: Your PFD may not act the same in swift water or heavy seas as it does in calm water.

70% of all boating fatality accidents result from drowning.
Almost 90% of those who drown are not wearing a life jacket!