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Safety Tips
Choosing Lifejackets

A lifejacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard is your best protection against water emergencies. The Coast Guard has categorized five types of personal flotation devices according to their use. Here are the three most popular devices and suggestions about how to use and care for your lifejacket.

Type II Life VestBuoyant Vest (Type II)
You probably remember this jacket as the bright orange one you wore as a child. It is designed for near-shore use, such as recreational canoeing and sailing or inland waters where a rescue would likely occur quickly. It may help turn an unconscious person in the water from a face-down position to a vertical or slightly tipped-back position.

Type III Flotation AidSpecial Purpose Device (Type III)
These "float coats" are very common on lakes for activities such as water skiing, sailing or fishing in calm, inland waters. When using for water skiing, the jacket should fit snugly with at least three straps across the chest. These vests may help keep an unconscious person in a vertical or slightly tipped-back position.

Type IV Throwable DeviceThrowing Device (Type IV)
This type is a throwable device, such as a buoyant cushion or a ring buoy. It is not worn, but can be tossed to a victim in an emergency. It does not take the place of a life jacket, but should be kept handy as a rescue device on all boats 16 feet or larger.

How To Properly Use Your Flotation Device
  • Wear one whenever there is a chance you could fall or be thrown into the water, especially when you are boating, rafting and participating in water activities.
  • Be sure all straps or ties are secured.
  • Never wear a seat cushion or ring buoy on your back. (If you do, you will float face down.) Hug it to your chest.

How To Care For Your Flotation Device
  • Make sure all snaps, belts, ties, straps and zippers are working properly.
  • Hang a wet device to dry in open air or in a well-ventilated area. Do not dry it in front of a radiator or other heat source.
  • Don't clean it with cleaning fluids or gasoline, and do not dry clean it.

E-mail the Red Cross for more information regarding choosing lifejackets at info@kcredcross.org.
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American Red Cross
Greater Kansas City Chapter
211 W. Armour Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64111 USA		         Phone 816-931-8400
Fax 816-531-7306		 United Way Member Agency

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