The most important piece of safety equipment on the water is the life jacket. TYPES OF LIFE JACKETS: TYPE I Offshore life jacket This PFD is designed for extended survival in rough, open water. It usually will turn an unconscious person face up to prevent drowning and has a minimum of 22 pounds of buoyancy. This is the best PFD to keep you afloat in remote regions where rescue may be slow in coming. TYPE II Near shore buoyant vest This "classic" PFD comes in several sizes for adults and children and is for calm inland water where there is chance of fast rescue. It is less bulky and less expensive than a Type I, and many will turn an unconscious person face-up in the water. TYPE III Flotation aid Flotation aids are generally considered the most comfortable, with styles for different boating activities and sports. They are for use in calm water where there is good chance of fast rescue since they will generally not turn an unconscious person face-up. TYPE V Special purpose device Special-use PFDs include work vests, deck suits, and hybrids for restricted use. Hybrid vests contain some internal buoyancy and are inflatable to provide additional flotation. TYPE III and V Inflatable These are highly visible, comfortable, and when inflated turn most wearers and unconscious users face-up faster than traditional PFDss. Read more about life jacket styles and requirements at the U.S. Coast Guard’s website: uscgboating.org It is important that the life jacket fits the wearer correctly. Once the PDF is zippered and/or buckled, it should keep the wearer’s head and upper shoulders above the water. If the fit is too loose, the jacket will ride up onto the wearer’s face. If the life jacket is too small, it won't keep a person afloat.