What Type Of Jet Ski Life Jacket Do I Need?
Let’s dive in brief about different type of life jacket and their intended usage on different conditions. Life jackets or PFDs generally fall into categories like Type I, II, and III.
Type I PFDs are designed for offshore rough water condition, where rescue plan may not possible on time. This type of life jacket are made with highest buoyancy and can turn unconscious wearers face-up in the water. The minimum buoyancy rating for Type 1 jacket is about 22 pounds for adults and 11 lbs. for children.
Type II life vests provide less buoyancy, typically 15.5 pounds, making them suitable and usable for inland shore areas where quick rescue is possible. While being less bulky than Type I, they still have the capacity (to a extend) to turn wearers face-up.
Type III life vests are meant for waterskiing or jet skiing on calm water condition wherein rescue support is nearby. This Pfd’s are best in terms of comfort and allows a wide range of motion. With a buoyancy rating of 15.5 pounds for adults, you can expect to have them when shoring to the coastline.
Inflatable life jackets provide automatic inflation upon immersion in water or can be manually activated. These jackets are generally for users over 16 years of age and have moderate buoyancy – 34 pounds for Type II and 22.5 pounds for Type III.
Type 2 Vs Type 3 Life Jackets
Type 2 are somewhat cheaper and comfortable life vest majorly used at coastline, but can’t give you performance like Type I. Whereas Type 3 are most comfortable and practical pfd’s used nearby to coastline for casual activities like jet skiing, kayaking.
Despite similar buoyancy, Type 2 does a better job of keeping your head upside from a downward face position in case of unconscious. Whereas, Type 3 requires assistant to keep you floated, meaning it does not keep you floated if you are unconscious.
In practical usage, Type 2 are great for day cruising, fishing and somewhat light boating, but Type 3 life vest are practical and mostly used in supervised activities, like water skiing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking.
Conclusion
I am kind of guy who goes for high speed activities like jet skiing or wakeboarding, for me, I look for a life jacket known for its comfortable fit and practical features like pockets or D ring support. Unfortunately all these lacks in Type II, so my go to choice is Type III.
Also, I prioritize jackets that come with wide open arm holes and flexibility in the shoulder regions, which is key when I’m maneuvering a personal watercraft like a Yamaha or Kawasaki. All these are offered in modern Type III life jackets.
