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‘Type I, II, III, V’ — the PFD labels confuse everyone. This plain-English guide explains what they mean so you buy the right jacket for boating and tow sports.
The types, simply
Type I: offshore, max buoyancy, turns most unconscious wearers face-up. Type II: nearshore, basic. Type III: flotation aids for conscious users with freedom of movement — the usual pick for tow sports, so choose a Type III watersports life jacket. Type V: special-use (must be worn as labeled).
Sizing across the family
Adults size by chest and weight; a kids life jacket and infant life jacket size strictly by weight with head support and crotch straps for the young. Every person aboard needs their own approved, correctly sized jacket.
Buy approved, fit snug, replace when worn
Only buy Coast Guard-approved jackets, check fit by lifting the shoulders, and retire faded, torn, or waterlogged vests. Add a observer flag to your safety kit for towing.