Life Jacket Types and Sizes, Explained
New US life jacket labels rate flotation in newtons, Level 50 to 275, not Type I to V; most sold are Level 70, and the label's weight and chest range set size.
By Adolph GreenContributing writer.
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The short answer
A life jacket (also called a PFD, personal flotation device) is chosen by three things: Coast Guard approval, the activity it is rated for, and a fit that matches your weight and chest size. The US Coast Guard puts it simply: the right jacket is the one you will actually wear.
Old types vs new levels
US life jackets used to carry a Type code from I to V. The BoatUS Foundation explains that the Coast Guard removed those codes from its regulations in 2014; jackets are now described as wearable or throwable and carry performance icons. Older Type I to V jackets that are still approved and in good shape continue to meet the rules.
The old codes are still printed on many jackets, so it helps to know them. BoatUS describes their turning ability this way:
| Old label | Turns an unconscious wearer face up? |
|---|---|
| Type I | Most wearers |
| Type II | Some wearers |
| Type III | Not designed to |
On the new labels, a bold number gives the buoyancy in newtons: 50, 70, 100, 150 or 275. A higher number means more flotation and, BoatUS says, more turning ability. Most jackets sold in the US today are Level 70, which BoatUS describes as meant for use near shore in fairly protected water where help is close. A Level 70 jacket will not turn an unconscious person face up. The icons on the label show the setting each level is meant for: the farther the shore and the bigger the waves in the picture, the higher the level.
How much flotation you need
The Coast Guard says most adults need only 7 to 12 pounds of buoyancy (31 to 53 newtons) to keep their head above water. Higher levels add flotation and turning ability for rougher water farther from help.
Getting the size right
Life jacket sizes are set by body weight and chest size, not by shirt size. The Coast Guard advises:
- Check the label for the user weight and chest range.
- A foam jacket that fits should be snug and should not ride up past your chin or ears.
- Try it in the water to make sure your airway stays clear.
- Children need child sizes; adult jackets may not work for them.
Inflatable vs foam
Inflatable jackets stay flat until they fill with air, and the Coast Guard notes they may be more comfortable to wear. The Coast Guard warns that they are not for weak swimmers or non-swimmers, and an inflatable only counts if its cylinder is full and its status indicators are green. BoatUS adds that inflatables are authorized for people at least 16 years old. For foam jackets, the Coast Guard says to test them for wear and buoyancy at least once a year and throw out any that are waterlogged, faded or damaged.
What the law requires
Under federal rules, a recreational boat must carry an approved wearable PFD for each person on board, and children under 13 must wear one while the boat is underway, except below deck or in an enclosed cabin. State laws can add more, so check your state's rules. Life jackets sit in the sports and outdoors department.