PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES (PFD)

The following regulations can be found in the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission pamphlet Arkansas Boating Laws (Revised 2000).  For more  information, please visit the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission webpage.  

• Boats under 16 feet in length, canoes and kayaks, must have one Type I, II or III PFD, in serviceable condition and of proper size for each person on board.

• Boats 16 feet or longer must have one Type I, II or III PFD in serviceable condition and of proper size for each person and one Type IV throwable PFD in each boat.

Type I PFD, or Off-Shore Life Jacket provides the most buoyancy.  It is effective for all waters, especially open, rough or remote waters where rescue may be delayed.  It is designed to turn most unconscious wearers in the water to a face-up position.  The Type I comes in two sizes.  The adult size provides at least 22 pounds of buoyancy, the child size, 11 pounds.

Type II PFD, or Near-Shore Buoyant Vest, is intended for calm, inland water or where there is a good chance of quick rescue.  This type will turn some unconscious wearers to a face-up position in the water but not as effectively as a Type I device.  An adult size device provides at least 15-1/2 pounds buoyancy, a child size provides 11 pounds.  Infant sizes each provide at least 7 pounds buoyancy.

Type III PFD, or Flotation Aid, is  intended for calm, inland water where there is a good chance of a quick rescue.  It is designed so that conscious wearers can place themselves in a face-up position in the water.  The wearer may have to tilt his head back to avoid turning face down in the water.  Examples of Type III PFDs are float coats, fishing vests, and vests designed with features suitable for various sports.  

Type IV PFD, or Throwable Device, is intended for calm inland water with heavy boat traffic where help is always present.  It is designed to be thrown to a person in the water and grasped and held by the user until rescued.  It is not designed to be worn.  Type IV devices include buoyant cushions, ring buoys and horseshoe buoys.

Type V PFD, or Special Use Device is intended for specific activities and may be carried instead of another PFD only if used according to the approval condition on the label.  Some Type V devices provide significant hypothermia protection.  Varieties include deck suits, work vests, board sailing vests, and inflatable PFDs.  If a Type V PFD is used in place of a Type I, II, or III, it must be worn at all times.

Children under the age of 13 must wear a well-fitting PFD at all times while aboard a boat.  The only exceptions are when they are within the enclosed area of a houseboat, cruiser or within the railings of a party barge while the boat is not underway.

Personal Watercraft (Jet Skis, Seadoos, etc.):  No person shall operate a personal watercraft unless each person aboard is wearing Type I, II, III or V PFD approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.  Inflatable PFDs are not permitted.

Water Skiing, Tubing and Similar Activity:  Persons being towed on water skis, tubes or similar device are required to wear a Type I, II, III or V personal flotation device.  This does not apply to authorized water carnivals or exhibitions.

Selecting the right PFD for you:

The first step in selecting the right PFD is to read the label.  Make sure that it is made for your size and weight and is US Coast Guard approved.  Next, try it on.  Check the fit.  Is it snug but  comfortable?  The next step is to check how it feels in the water.  It should keep your chin above water and you should be able to breathe easily.  If it doesn't, or if it rides up on your body, look for a different one. 

Care for your PFD:

In order to get the best protection and longest life from your PFD, you need to take care of it.  Make sure you check your PFD often.  Look for rips, tears or holes and make sure that the straps and hardware are in good order.  Check for signs of age, weathering, mildew or shrinking.  If your PFD is not in good order, cut it (so it can't be accidentally used by somebody else) and throw it away.  Remember, the law says that there must be a properly fitting PFD, in serviceable condition, for each person aboard. 

Follow these points to be sure your PFD stays in good condition:

1.  Don't alter your PFD.  If yours doesn't fit, get one that does.  Play it safe.  An altered PFD may not save your life.

2.  Don't put heavy objects on your PFD or use it for a kneeling pad or boat fender.  PFDs lose buoyancy when crushed.

3.  Let your PFD drip-dry thoroughly before putting it away.  Always stow it in a well-ventilated place.

4.  Don't leave your PFD on-board for long periods when the boat is not in use.

5.  Never dry your PFD on a radiator, heater, or any other direct heat source.

6.  Put your name on your PFD if you're the only wearer.

7.  Practice throwing your Type IV PFD.  Cushions throw best underhand.

Children & PFDS:

Children panic when they fall into the water suddenly.  This causes them to move their arms and legs violently, making it hard to float safely in a PFD.  A PFD will keep a child afloat, but may not keep a struggling child face-up.  That's why it's so important to teach children how to put a PFD on and to help them get used to wearing one in the water.

To work right, a PFD must fit snugly on a child.  To check for a good fit, pick the child up by the shoulders of the PFD.  If the PFD fits right, the child's chin and ears will not slip through.

PFDs are not babysitters!  Even though a child wears a PFD when on or near the water, an adult should always be there, too.  Parents should remember that inflatable toys and rafts should not be used in place of PFDs.

Daughters of Auxiliarist David Russell wearing their PFDs while enjoying a day out on Beaver Lake.

For more information on Personal Flotation Devises, please visit the US Coast Guard website, or the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission website.

*SOURCE: Accident statistics are from the United States Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety.  

This page was last updated on January 7, 2007
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