Is an Inflatable Life Jacket Right For You?

Other styles require manual inflation and are entirely activated by the wearer, such as by pulling a lanyard, which inflates the life jacket with a carbon monoxide cartridge.

All styles also have oral inflation back-up. Manual systems are the simplest to maintain and don't pose the problem of unwanted or inadvertent inflation, but they rely entirely on the wearer to inflate them.

The oral inflation method is considered back-up only, as the wearer may not have the strength or ability to orally inflate their PFD, depending upon the circumstances.

In addition, inflatable PFDs may need to be rearmed after use and there is the possibility of rearming it incorrectly or forgetting to rearm it all together. The Coast Guard-approved styles are designed to minimize the chances of improper rearming.

The fact is that life jackets save lives. It's important to take the time to make sure that you have the right life jacket for yourself and anyone else who's going to be out on the water with you. Inflatable life jackets might be right for you and by following these few easy tips in choosing and maintaining your life jackets, you can be sure of a good fit, good working condition and a greater degree of boating safety.

• Life jackets are important to have BEFORE they're needed
• Getting the right fit in children's life jackets
• Test your life jacket for sun deterioration

Inflatable life jackets are nothing new on the marine scene, but they were not U.S. Coast Guard approved until 1996.

It has taken some time for the concept to catch on. Finally, these Type V, USCG-approved PFDs are gaining wider acceptance as more and more people discover their comfort and versatility.

Inflatable life jackets must be inflated to be buoyant and are only approved for certain wearers and boating situations. If you're thinking of buying an inflatable PFD, consider the following guidelines:

1. They are sized for adults weighing over 80 pounds.
   
2. They are not recommended for weak or non-swimmers.
   
3. They are not recommended for use during water sports.
   
4. They are not for use when riding a personal watercraft.
   
5. They are not for children.

These PFDs rely on inflatable bladders that are either blown up manually or automatically. Certain styles are equipped with an auto-inflation device that requires no action by the wearer.

If someone wearing one of these life jackets falls into the water, the life jacket inflates itself automatically. This could mean the difference between life and death if the wearer is in any way injured or left unconscious in the water due to an accident.