Which Life Jacket Do You Need?
Wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket is the simplest life-saving strategy for recreational boaters. Take our quiz to find out which life jacket style is best for your boating activity.
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Reference in this quiz to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Question 1 of 3
Who will be wearing the life jacket?
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Did You Know?
Age and weight affect the life jacket’s size and buoyancy level needed. #safeboating
Adult life jacket DO NOT work for children. #safeboating
On recreational boats underway, children under 13 years old must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. #safeboating
For pets, look for a life jacket with a handle on top to easily pull your pet out of the water. #safeboating
Question 2 of 3
Where are you going boating?
If you need to use your life jacket in a range of locations, please choose Offshore as this will give you the highest level of buoyancy.
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Did You Know?
Comfort is key – choose a life jacket you’ll want to wear. #safeboating
Not all life jackets can be used in all environments. #safeboating
If your life jacket doesn't fit properly, it won't keep your body afloat. #safeboating
Be sure to properly fasten your life jacket for a snug fit. #safeboating
Question 3 of 3
What is your boating activity?
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Did You Know?
Be sure your life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard-approved! #safeboating
For ages 16 and older, inflatable life jackets are a great option. #safeboating
For pets, look for a life jacket with a handle on top to easily pull your pet out of the water. #safeboating
#ReadtheLabel for important safety info about your life jacket. #safeboating
#ReadtheLabel for life jacket care and maintenance instructions. #safeboating
Life Jacket Tips
- Regardless of the life jacket style, check the label to see if it is U.S. Coast Guard-approved!
- Be sure to read the label for important safety and maintenance information for your life jacket.
- Age and weight affect the life jacket’s size and buoyance level needed.
- There are lots of life jacket styles available, but some are better suited to certain activities than others.
- Comfort is key – choose a life jacket you’ll want to wear. For ages 16 and older, inflatable life jackets are a great option.
- On recreational boats underway, children under 13 years old must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
- For pets, it’s helpful to purchase a life jacket with a handle on top to easily pull your pet out of the water.
- For more information, please visit www.safeboatingcampaign.com.
Your Results
The right life jacket is a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket that fits properly and that you will wear.
Inherently Buoyant
- Look for U.S. Coast Guard approved on the label
- Many colors available
- Fasten securely
- Inflatable life jacket styles also recommended if over 16 years old and strong swimmer
- Read the label for maintenance and care instructions
Suspender Inflatable
- Look for U.S. Coast Guard approved on the label
- Fasten securely
- Automatically inflates
- Ease of motion
- Must be 16 years old
- Not recommended for non-swimmers
- Inherently buoyant life jacket is also a great option
- Read the label for maintenance and care instructions
Belt-Pack Inflatable
- Look for U.S. Coast Guard approved on the label
- Fasten securely
- Automatically inflates
- Ease of motion
- Must be 16 years old
- Not recommended for non-swimmers
- Inherently buoyant life jacket is also a great option
- Read the label for maintenance and care instructions
Pet Life Jacket
- Look for a handle on top to easily pull your pet out of the water
- Read the label for maintenance and care instructions
Float Coat
- Look for U.S. Coast Guard approved on the label
- Camouflage options available
- Inherently buoyant life jacket is also a great option
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Reference in this quiz to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the U.S. Coast Guard.