The US Coast Guard has set standards for PFD's and rated them from Type I to Type V. Since it is recommended that children be fitted in a Type II or Type III PFD (Personal Floatation Device) We will explore the differences between the two.
Type
II PFD's, or near-shore buoyancy vests, are for calm and open water where a rescue will occur quickly.
They are not designed for long periods in rough water. These vests will turn some, but not all, unconscious wearers face-up in the water. Type II PFD's are designed with extra flotation on the back and behind the head. Where young infants lack agility and precise movements, it is recommended that they be fitted into a Type II PFD.
Type III P
FD's, are for calm and open water where a rescue will likely occur quickly.
These PFD's are designed to keep the wearer in a vertical position. It is the wearer's responsibility to maneuver themselves into a face-up position, usually accomplished by tilting their head back. Type III are typically used for activities such as canoeing or kayaking with children offering more freedom of movement.
Proper Fit: Find your proper size by reading the chest-size range for that particular PFD. Make sure it's U।S। Coast Guard approved for your size, weight and type of activity. you do different types of boating, you should get the right PFD for each. It is recommended that children wear Type II PFD’s and above
How to fit your child's PFD: Adjustable straps will give the best fit giving you room to layer up or down. A PFD should fit snug to provide proper flotation in the water. To check the fit put on the PFD, tighten all straps and fix zippers. Grab onto the shoulders of the PFD and lift, the jacket should not move much from the chest, but your child's feet should move up off the floor. If the jacket moves up towards their face or the front zipper touches their nose the jacket is either too loose or if it is tightened all the way it is too big.
Attributes to look for in a PFD: Pick brightly colored jackets and many also come with reflective tape so your child can be easily seen on and/or in the water. Quality PFDs today are made from durable, water resistant materials, such as 200 or 400 denier nylon. Plastic over sized zippers are good features in a child's PFD making it easy to put on and take off. Grab loops on the top of the PFD make it easy to retrieve a child from the water and crotch straps prevent the PFD from riding up over a child or infants head. Infant and kids' Type II PFD's under the head padding design encourages chest-up floatation Segmented collar with grab loop makes it easy to grab hold of and the reflective tape makes them easily seen, A crotch strap prevents the PFD from ridding up over a child’s face.
Proper Care: UV rays deteriorate and breakdown the Nylon fibers on a PFD therefore it is important to keep them out of the sun when not in use. If wet, lay them to dry in the shade to prevent mold growth. You can hand wash them with a cloth, warm water and mild laundry soap if needed. This jacket is designed for all-day comfort, with a deep cut neck line and open armholes in a short-waisted design for the active child great for recreational boating in flat water। Equipped with crotch strap to prevent the PFD from riding up over a child's face.
Comparing styles and uses of PFD's (Life Jackets)
Extrasport Type II, Infant and Youth PFD: Under the head padding design encourages chest-up floatation. Segmented collar with grab loop makes it easy to grab hold of and the reflective tape makes them easily seen, A croch strap prevents the PFD from ridding up over a child’s face. Activities: Canoeing, Motorized Boating, Recreational Kayaking.
Infants: up to 50lbs, Youth: 50-90lbs
Extrasport Volks Child Type III PFD features a deep cut neckline and wide-open armholes and a short cut torso making it easy to move along with all day comfort. It is designed to keep the wearer in a vertical position, it may require the wearer to tilt their head back to avoid going face-down in the water. Activities: Canoeing, Recreational Kayaking, Motorized boating. Kids': 30-50lbs
Extrasport Volks Jr. Type III PFD features a deep cut neckline and wide-open armholes making it easy to move along with all day comfort making a good choice for just about any non motorized watersport.It is designed to keep the wearer in a vertical position, it may require the wearer to tilt their head back to avoid going face-down in the water. Activities: Canoeing, Kayaking, non-motorized water sports.
Kids' 50-90lbs
Extrasport Inlet Type III PFD full-featured center-zip design. Fleece lined hand-warmer pockets provide additional comfort and warmth. Reflective shoulders and log0 make it easy to see your child. Large arm holes give ease of movement. Two side adjustment straps for an articulated fit. Activities: Canoeing, Sea Kayaking, Sailing.
Kids' 50-90lbs
Astral Otter Type III PFD, this kids design is the ultimate in movement and buoyancy for learning to roll a kayak in whitewater. All of The flotation is located in the mid section and is designed to keep the wearer in a vertical position. Large arm hole design gives uninhibited movement cut to torso length making it easy to sit in the keyhole of a kayak. Activities:Whitewater Kayaking, Whitewater Canoeing.
Kids': 50-90lbs
