FAQ Categories: Recreational Flotation Vests
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How should a life jacket fit?
Buckle up, lift your arms, and have someone pull the shoulders. If it rises above your ears, tighten it or size down. Adult vests size by chest. Kids size by weight.
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At what age must kids wear a life jacket on a boat?
Federal law says every child under 13 must wear a USCG-approved vest while a vessel is underway unless a stricter state rule applies.
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Inflatable vests vs foam life jacket – which is better for kayaking or boating?
Inflatables wear cool and light, inflating to about 30–35 lb of lift, but they demand re-arming and aren’t suited to frequent immersion. Foam vests are always ready, low-maintenance, and preferred for white-water, tow sports, and rental fleets.
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How much buoyancy do I actually need in a recreational PFD?
Most adults float with 7-12 lb of lift. A level 70 vest’s approx. 15 lbs gives a comfortable safety margin. Rescue-grade vests jump to 25 lb + to offset aerated, fast-moving water.
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What is a Level 70 life jacket and is it the same as the old Type III?
The new “Level 70” label replaces the former Type III in the U.S. / Canada system. It still supplies at least 15.7 lb of buoyancy for near-shore recreation but now uses icon-based graphics to show performance and activity compatibility.