Inflatable Lifejackets

Inflatable life jackets are a more comfortable and lightweight option than the traditional buoyant lifejacket. When deflated they are compact and appear to resemble a big set of suspenders. Some inflatable lifejackets also come in a belt pack style. Both styles of inflatable lifejackets rely on an inflation chamber to provide buoyancy. They are inflated using a CO2 cartridge which can be manually deployed or some are automatic and react to either immersion in water or a change in pressure which would occur in the event of being submerged in even very shallow water. All inflatable lifejackets also feature a backup oral inflation tube which also doubles as the deflation tube.

PFD Manufacturers

Inherently Buoyant Lifejackets

Inherently buoyant life jackets use inherently (naturally) buoyant materials, such as foam to provide buoyancy. Inherently buoyant life jackets are good for swimmers and non-swimmers alike as well as all age groups and sizes range from infant through youth right up to XL adult sizes. There is a life jacket made for almost any on water activity and care should be taken in making sure that your choice of life jacket is one that is suitable for its intended on water use. For example there are high impact jackets designed for high-speed activities such as riding PWCs, waterskiing, or tubing. In addition to choosing one for your intended use, make sure that it fits you properly. It should be snug enough that it will not float up when you are in the water and comfortable enough that you will wear it whenever you are out on the water.

Care of Your Inflatable Life Jacket

Like any life jacket, you should take care of it. When not in use, store it in a dry, cool, well ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Annually check its performance by orally inflating it and leaving it overnight to ensure there are no leaks. Check for excessive wear and tear and without the CO2 cartridge in place, test the manual firing mechanism to ensure that the pin moves into a 'puncture position' and will indeed release the CO2 when it is used.

Inflatable Lifejackets cont.

Inflatable lifejackets provide all the buoyancy normally found in an inherently buoyant lifejacket, have a generous collar to provide buoyancy under the head and are designed to roll an unconscious person face up in the water.

Inflatable lifejackets must have a full cylinder and all status indicators on the inflator must be green, or the device is NOT serviceable, and does NOT satisfy the requirement to carry life jackets.

Coast Guard Approved inflatable lifejackets are authorized for use on recreational boats by persons at least 16 years of age.

Unlike inherently buoyant lifejackets, those without automatic inflators will 'go down with the ship', so to be legal (and practical) an inflatable lifejacket must be worn.