WEAR IT.  IT'S CALLED A "LIFE" JACKET FOR A REASON

OK, we know you don’t want to look like a dork, a walking bright orange tomato.

Be honest. Is that your image of a life jacket wearer? If so, your wardrobe needs updating. The latest life jackets are sleek and come in cool muted or electric colors.

WHAT'S THE PFD?

PFD is short for “personal flotation device” – just another way of saying life jacket or belt pack.

Wearing one on the water shows you’re smart because it’s the most important thing you can do to keep yourself safe while swimming and boating.

BTW, swim noodles don’t count as PFDs – they’re fun, but they can’t keep your head above water if you’re drowning.

FACT CHECK

• 709 people died in recreational U.S. boating accidents in 2008, according to the most recent statistics available from the U.S. Coast Guard.
• Drowning was the cause of 70 percent of these deaths; 90 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.
• Overall, approximately 447 lives could have been saved in 2008 if boaters had worn their life jackets.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Everyone should wear a life jacket when boating. Think of PFDs as a koozie for your body. Strap one on. Boaters often don’t have time to retrieve stowed life jackets during an emergency.
• Wearing a life jacket not only makes sense, but in many cases it's the law. All recreational boats including canoes and kayak must have one wearable U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD or life jacket for each person on board.
• Babies, small children and non-swimmers should always wear a life jacket when near the water, not just when boating or swimming. It's just common sense.

TYPES OF PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES           TYPE I TYPE II TYPE III TYPE IV TYPE V Off-Shore Life Jacket. Designed to turn an unconscious person in the water to a vertical or slightly backward position, they have over 20 pounds of buoyancy. These are the best PFDs to keep you afloat in large and rough waters where rescue may be slow in coming. They are most commonly found on commercial crafts. Near-Shore Buoyant Vest. Also designed to turn an unconscious person to a vertical or slightly backward position, they are less bulky than a Type I. They have a minimum buoyancy of 15.5 pounds and are for calm, inland water where there is a chance of a fast rescue. Flotation Aid. These are generally considered the most comfortable PFDs. There are many sizes and styles for different boating activities. Except for the Type III inflatable life jacket, most are not designed to turn an unconscious person face-up and have a minimum buoyancy of 15.5 pounds. Throwable Device. These are designed to be thrown to someone in the water. They include boat cushions, rings and horseshoe buoys. Do not wear them on the back; they are designed to be grasped to the chest, not worn. Keep these immediately available for emergencies. Special-Use Device. These are wearable devices approved only for certain activities. The label shows its approved uses and limitations. Varieties include work vests, board sailing vests, and white water vests.