Life or Death: Choosing the Right PFD

Drowning claims over 400 lives yearly in US recreational boating accidents, with a shocking truth hiding behind these statistics: 87% of drowning victims owned personal flotation devices but weren't wearing them when tragedy struck. This sobering reality forms the foundation of our deep dive into water safety equipment that could literally save your life.

Drawing from years of experience teaching thousands of paddlers through the American Adventure Sports Club, I share the costly mistake I made as a new paddler – purchasing an advanced whitewater Personal Flotation Device - PFD when I needed something more appropriate for my beginner skill level. This common misstep highlights why understanding PFD selection is critical for anyone heading out on the water, whether you're motor boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, or kayak fishing.

We explore the crucial differences between life jackets and PFDs (they're not always the same thing!), break down the four main types of flotation devices, and explain performance levels from 50 to 275.

For parents, I share a powerful personal story of rescuing a four-year-old wearing an adult-sized PFD that would have offered zero protection in an emergency – a reminder that proper fit for children isn't just important, it's potentially life-saving. From the specialized Kokatat Hustle for whitewater enthusiasts to the feature-rich Leviathan for fishing adventures, you'll discover exactly which models work best for specific water activities.

Water adventures should bring joy, not tragedy. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or just

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Chapters

• 0:00 Drowning Statistics and PFD Importance
• 5:38 Life Jackets vs PFDs Explained
• 9:07 Kayak Fishing Skills Micro Story
• 13:02 Four Types of PFDs
• 16:00 Child Safety and Rescue Story
• 19:09 Antoinette's Favorite PFDs by Sport

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:01

New Normal Big Life Drowning claims over 400 lives yearly in US boating accidents, with 87% of victims not wearing a personal flotation device or PFD or life jacket despite owning one. As a new peddler, I learned this the hard way. Buying an expensive, advanced PFD for basic whitewater kayaking. The right personal flotation device or PFD can save your life, but choosing one requires understanding your sport, the body of water, your swimming ability and body weight. Selecting a US Coast Guard or Transport Canada approved PFD from Coquitats Hustle PFD for whitewater to the Leviathan for kayak fishing is critical. For kids, proper fit is non-negotiable. In this episode, you can download your free personal flotation device or PFD buying guide at nnblblog. Don't let overconfidence sink your safety. Wear your PFD every time. Learn how to pick the perfect life vest for paddleboarding, kayaking, rafting, motorboating or fishing, and avoid my costly mistakes. Your life depends on it.

Speaker 1: 1:17

Hi friends, welcome to the New Normal Big Life podcast. We bring you natural news and stories about nature that we hope will inspire you to get outside and adventure, along with a step-by-step plan to help you practice what you learn and create your own new normal and live the biggest life you can dream. I'm your host, antoinette Lee, the wellness warrior. Today, we're talking about personal flotation device or PFD buying and life jacket safety. Picture this You're on the water loving life until someone suddenly capsizes or falls out of a boat. Will your life vest or personal flotation device PFD save you? I learned the hard way. The wrong PFD can cost you more than money.

Speaker 1: 2:01

In 2023, the US Coast Guard reported 564 recreational boating fatalities, with 75 percent approximately 423 deaths due to drowning. Shockingly, 87 percent of those who drowned, about 368 people weren't wearing a personal flotation device or PFD. People weren't wearing a personal flotation device or pfd, despite most owning one. Paddle sports like kayaking and paddle boarding saw 183 deaths, a rise of five percent since 2022, with similar trends. Most victims lacked a pfd. Drowning is the leading cause of death in boating accidents, and life jackets could prevent over 80% of these tragedies. End quote says Ted Sensenbrenner of the Boat US Foundation.

Speaker 1: 2:53

Yet many boaters and river-tubers skip them, thinking I'm a strong swimmer. But here's how to choose the right life jacket or personal flotation device or PFD. You can't count on the salesperson in the sporting goods store to know how to choose the right personal flotation device for you, unless they're a boater or have taken specific product training. The salesperson sold me a personal flotation device or PFD that was hugely inappropriate for a brand new paddler. I dropped a bunch of money on an advanced whitewater kayaking PFD and then I had to go out and buy another one that was more appropriate for a newbie whitewater kayaker, my paddle port skill level and raging river or whitewater swimming confidence. To ensure you're buying the appropriate personal flotation device or PFD, or life jacket for yourself, your child or your pet, you need to arm yourself with knowledge. Lucky for you, I've done the research Since starting with whitewater kayaking 11 years ago. I've taught thousands of youths, adults, veterans and seniors how to kayak and stand up paddleboard or SUP Through the nonprofit that I founded called the American Adventure Sports Club. I also taught at Team River Runner and Diversify Whitewater, and I'm becoming an ACA American Canoe Association stand-up paddleboard instructor. So I know life jackets, life vests and personal flotation devices or PFDs. Stand-up paddleboarding is North America's fastest growing paddle sport, and outdoor recreation is the best form of exercise in support of the body's major systems. However, if you're new to paddle sports, you must know how to be safe while doing something good for your body.

Speaker 1: 4:42

Life jacket versus personal flotation device or PFD Not all PFDs are lifejackets. Know the difference or risk everything. The most critical difference is lifejackets are designed to turn you face up on the water, even if you're unconscious. Lifejackets are also PFDs, but not all PFDs are life jackets. Not all PFDs will turn you face up in the water, they will just keep you floating. However, people commonly use the phrases life jacket, life vest and PFD interchangeably. Quote a life jacket is your best defense against cold water shock. End quote notes Transport Canada emphasizing their role in preventing drowning, even for skilled swimmers. When we come back from this short break, we'll talk about the four types of personal flotation devices, or PFDs.

Speaker 1: 5:37

Before we cover the next topic in this episode, I want to introduce you to the adventure sports lifestyle with what I call a micro story about an adventure that I've had. The adventure sports lifestyle and my deep connection to nature is essential to my good health. So here's the story.

Speaker 1: 5:53

Kayak fishing isn't a sport you can decide to do on a whim. You have to learn a series of skills that all lead to making you a competent and confident kayak fishing angler. Lead to making you a competent and confident kayak fishing angler. You'll first need to learn how to kayak, how to read the river, how to plan for wind, water weather and waves to keep yourself safe while boating, how to rescue yourself and others, and the laws around boating and fishing. Next, you'll need to know how to research your fishing location to find where the launch is, the public and private property lines, any license and parking pass requirements and the species of fish in the body of water that you plan to fish on, if going on moving water, like rivers, you'll need to know how to read the river, scout your route and, of course, basic to advanced kayaking skills, if kayak fishing in whitewater or rapidly moving water. Next, you'll need to know how to fish All the skills necessary to choose the appropriate lure for the species of fish you hope to attract and catch. Finally, when getting out on the water, you'll have to manage your paddle, your fishing rod, your boat and any obstacles, like boulders and downed trees, that you find on the river or on the lake, not to mention other boaters. After nine years of boating and six years of fishing, I have finally become a Lake Good River kayak angler. I did that.

Speaker 1: 7:18

I hope this story inspires you to get outside and adventure alone with friends, but not alone boating or the people you love the most, but don't boat alone, because it's not safe. You never know when you're gonna need a rescue or help getting off the river. World events are constantly teaching everyone some very painful lessons. Without warning, everything we take for granted can suddenly fail, and if you're not prepared in advance, you really don't have a chance. The fact is, the modern world runs on a just-in-time supply schedule. Even the biggest grocery stores can carry only enough food for a few days' worth of normal shopping. So when disaster strikes and chaos ensues at your local stores, the odds are simply against you. If you don't have emergency food and gear stockpiled in advance, you will probably suffer.

Speaker 1: 8:07

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Speaker 1: 9:00

Now back to the show where we're discussing the four types of personal flotation devices or PFDs. Personal flotation devices or PFDs come in four types. Number one is inherent it's always buoyant, it's always floaty. Number two is inflatable it comes in adult sizes only and it's not appropriate for non-swimmers. Number three is hybrid it has foam and inflation. Number four is special purpose. It's activity specific, like whitewater kayaking PFDs. For example, the US Coast Guard and Transport Canada approve PFDs with performance levels from 50 to 275, indicating buoyancy in use. Level 70, equivalent to the old Type 3 PFD, suits most recreational boaters and offers 15.5 pounds of flotation. So always check the personal flotation device label for approval and activity restrictions.

Speaker 1: 10:01

You might be asking does my dog need a life jacket or a personal flotation device or PFD? Personal flotation devices or PFDs are also available for pets, cats and dogs alike. Although most dogs are natural swimmers, some become nervous when away from shore or in cold water. So consider buying a PFD if taking your pet out on the water. Here's what you need to know about life jackets and PFDs to be safer on the water. They only work if you're wearing your life jacket or PFD.

Speaker 1: 10:31

Most communities are making it a requirement to wear a life jacket or PFD because in an emergency, you might forget to grab your PFD or struggle to get it on in time. To keep you floating, your life jacket or PFD must be the right size for your body. It shouldn't slip over your chin or ears. When someone pulls you out of the water by the life jacket or PFD shoulder straps. A key technique used in whitewater rafting and motor boating rescues Choosing the right PFD for your water sports activity, the body of water, like lakes or white water on rivers or oceans, and your swimming ability and confidence. Learn to read the new life jacket labels to ensure you're choosing the appropriate device. Here's how life jackets and personal flotation devices or PFDs work.

Speaker 1: 11:19

Life jackets, life vests, personal flotation devices or PFDs provide buoyancy when you can no longer keep yourself afloat due to fatigue, injury or cold, or if you're a weak swimmer or a non-swimmer. Life jackets are available in a wide variety of shapes, colors and sizes. Many are thin and flexible. Some are built into fishing vests, ice fishing coats and pants or hunting jackets. My ice armor by clam ice fishing jacket and pants have built-in flotation, just in case I fall through the ice. Keep listening until the end for examples of the appropriate life vests for stand-up paddleboarding, whitewater kayaking and kayak fishing for beginners to pros, as well as what I like about each device that I recommend and download your free personal flotation device or PFD buying guide in the show description.

Speaker 1: 12:16

Remember adult-sized life jackets may not work for children, but you can buy child-sized life jackets. Kids can't choose safety. Parents must do it for them. Here's a short story about the importance of choosing the right size personal flotation device for your child.

Speaker 1: 12:33

I was in a Colorado lake in the summer on a stand-up paddleboard and it was a very cold water temperature day, even though the ambient air temperature was quite hot. There were four children on paddleboards. There was one child who was about four years old and they were clearly wearing an adult-sized personal flotation device or PFT, which means if they fell off that paddle board, they would float right out of that device and if they were shocked by the cold water or didn't know how to swim, they would not make it back to shore. So the wind picked up, I started heading back and I noticed a group of children struggling to get to shore. All the older children made it to shore but the youngest one, the four year old I know because I asked him his age when I rescued him didn't have the strength or knowledge to paddle against the wind back to safety. If he got pulled out into the lane where the motorboats they wouldn't have been able to see him and if he fell off his paddle board he would have floated right out of the PFT because it was adult size so it would not have kept him floating in the water. Luckily that day I had the skills, the physical strength and the knowledge to rescue him and his paddleboard and get him safely back to shore.

Speaker 1: 13:53

So proper fit is critical for children. Federal law mandates that kids under 13 wear a US Coast Guard approved PFD on boats. Quote a child's PFD should fit snugly, not slipping over the chin. End quote, says American Canoe Association kayaking instructor Michaela Jones. Always test your foam-filled life jacket each year for buoyancy. Waterlogged, faded or damaged life jackets should be thrown away. Inflatable life jackets should be maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure they'll inflate during an emergency.

Speaker 1: 14:30

Life jacket buoyancy is measured in newtons. Most adults only need 7 to 12 pounds of buoyancy, or 31 to 53 Newtons, to keep their head above water. Life jackets and PFDs are separated into four broad categories based on weight Adult over 88 pounds. Youth over 55 pounds and less than or equal to 88 pounds. Child over 33 pounds and less than or equal to 55 pounds. And infant less than or equal to 33 pounds.

Speaker 1: 15:04

Consider this when selecting a PFD for humans. Based on a performance level level 50. This is best used for competent swimmers near shore or land or who have help nearby and a way to be rescued is close by. Level 70. This is best used when help is close by and you're near shore. Level 100. This is intended for use when waiting for a rescue. It's not designed for use in rough waters. Level 150. This is intended for use in bad weather and slightly rough conditions. It will turn an unconscious person face up. Level 275,. This is intended primarily for offshore use and under extreme conditions.

Speaker 1: 15:49

So here's Antoinette's favorite personal flotation devices, or PFDs, by sport. This is the Kokatat Hustle, and all of my favorite PVC free or ozone depleting materials life vests and PFDs, as well as the sports they're ideal for, are contained right here. This information can help you make good choices when buying or renting a PFD. The brand my family trusts most is Kokatat, the Kokatat Hustle. I wear my Hustle Life vest for whitewater kayaking. It's certified for use in the US and Canada. It has some great features, like this clamshell pocket with a two-way zipper for organizing my essentials, a side entry with three adjustable straps, adjustable shoulder straps and a lash tab for easy access to my rescue knife. If you want to see these PFDs on my body and how I use them for different sports, check out this video on my YouTube channel at New Normal Big Life on YouTube. This is the Kokutat Hustle, just in a different color. I know I love PFD so much I have color options. This is the Kokatat Centurion Rescue PFD. This is made for advanced whitewater kayakers who have the ability to rescue other people. I am not one of these people. This is my guy's PFD because he is one of those people capable of rescuing others.

Speaker 1: 17:19

Next up is the Kokatat Leviathan. The Kokatat Leviathan is my go-to kayak fishing life vest. It has an incredible 14 pockets and multiple fixture options. I carry lures, tools and other essentials like lip balm, a fishing license and snacks on the water. I don't carry sunscreen and I'll talk about how I use a natural internal sunscreen in a future article and podcast. The Leviathan feels great when I'm kayak fishing on my Badfisher Inflatable SUP rigged for kayak fishing. The Leviathan feels comfortable against my kayaking chair. The fleece line hand warmer pockets feel luxurious on days where the water is cold, even in the summer. The Leviathan is certified for wear in the US and Canada.

Speaker 1: 18:14

Next is the Koketat Weekender, spelled W-K-N-D-R. I love the Koketat Weekender for casually heading out on my stand-up paddleboard on the lake. It has a great front entry and zipper, and PVC Gaia foam and PE panels that wrap around my body offer a comfortable fit. I can use an efficient paddle stroke without it pinching my biceps or underarms. It also has luxurious hand warmer pockets and so many options for storing my essentials in these zip pockets. Choose your life jacket or PFD carefully, because your life or that of someone you love depends on it. Next I'll tell you how to keep your lunch, electronics, camping gear and other items dry on the water and in the rain with a dry bag.

Speaker 1: 19:05

Until next time, friends, I'm Antoinette Lee, your wellness warrior here at the New Normal Big Life podcast. I hope one day to see you on the river, in the backcountry or in the horse barn living your best life. Tag new normal big life or nnblblog on social media so we can celebrate your good health and big life. If you're a visual learner, you or you'd like to see me in these various pfds doing different sports, you can watch an informative and entertaining version of this video on youtube, on the new normal big life channel, or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Share this episode with someone who needs it, comment on your post and drop us a message or email nothing personal too specific.

Speaker 1: 19:46

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