Inflatable life jackets

Inflatable life jackets rely on inflatable chambers that provide buoyancy when inflated. Uninflated, inflatable life jackets are less bulky than inherently buoyant life jackets. Inflatables come in a variety performance types. The specific type of life jacket is determined by characteristics such as its amount of buoyancy, its in-water performance and its type of inflation mechanism. To understand the details of a life jacket, read the life jacket label and owner’s manual, and consult your dealer or retailer if necessary. All Inflatables contain a backup oral inflation tube (which also serves as the deflation tube).

Benefits

• High visibility when inflated

• Turns most wearers face-up faster than traditional life jackets

• Will usually keep unconscious users face-up

• May be more comfortable than inherently buoyant life jackets

• Superior in-water performance

Considerations

• Some require multiple steps to deploy

• Not suitable for nonswimmers because they cannot accomplish oral inflation if needed

• Only approved for persons 16 years of age and older

• Not appropriate for activities that involve frequent water entry or high-speed boating activities
  (e.g., personal watercraft use, racing, sailboarding, whitewater rafting)

• Require frequent inspection and maintenance