Keeping Heads Above Water Flotation Devices Can Often Save Lives

Call it a life jacket, personal flotation device or Mae West - it can’t save your life if it’s shoved in a locker or under a thwart in your boat.

If you’re wearing a flotation device during a boating accident, chances are three out of four you’ll survive in the water - even if you’re injured. Many approved life vests are designed to keep the wearer floating face-up even if unconscious.

Life jackets are one type of personal flotation device. Others include boat cushions or waist belts.

In 1994, the last year for which figures are available, 784 people died in boating accidents in the United States. Of those, 550 drowned because they were not wearing life jackets.

While Congress has refused to approve legislation requiring children to wear life jackets while in boats, it is a requirement in 26 states. Life jackets are sized according to weight ranges and chest sizes. A snug fit is essential for all children and a strap between the legs is a good feature for a younger child’s vest because it prevents the vest from slipping off.

This fall, there will be a new option to choose from - the inflatable life vest, which resembles a plastic bib with an attached carbon dioxide cartridge. The cartridge inflates the vest either automatically upon contact with water or manually when a cord is pulled.

Such vests have been used all over the world since just before World War II, and their precursors, such as an inflated pig’s bladder, have been used “ever since we’ve been on the water,” said Tammy Rossow, executive director of the Personal Flotation Device Manufacturer’s Association.

But until this year, the inflatable vests did not meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements. They become legal Sept. 24.

There are five types of personal flotation devices, including three types described as life jackets. There are hundreds of styles, ranging from camouflage-color fishing vests to plastic shells in brilliant hues.

Here is a rundown of the five types of personal flotation devices:

The offshore life jacket is designed for use in rough, open water. It has more than 22 pounds of buoyancy and usually will turn an unconscious person face-up in the water.

The near shore buoyant vest is less bulky and less expensive than an offshore life jacket, and many will turn an unconscious person face-up in the water.

The flotation aid is generally considered the most comfortable and stylish and should be used in areas where there is a good chance of fast rescue. These generally will not turn an unconscious person face up.

The throwable device is anything like boat cushions or life rings.

The special-use device is a work vest or deck suit for restricted use.

Do some shopping and “buy a life jacket you will wear,” Rossow said. “There are many PFDs to choose from which are both comfortable and attractive, which means you are much more likely to be wearing it if an emergency arises.”