United States Coast Guard Auxiliary 8th Eastern Region, Division 11, Flotilla 5, Serving Percy Priest Lake

PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES (PFD's)

PFD HOW MANY PFDs DO YOU NEED?
The United States Coast Guard* says you must have USCG approved Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) on your recreational boat. How many and what type PFDs you'll need depends on the number of people on board, the size and type of your boat, and the kind of boating you do.

You must have one of any of these wearable PFDs for each person on board:
- Off-Shore Life Jacket (Type I PFD).
- Near-Shore Buoyant Vest (Type II PFD).
- Flotation Aid (Type III PFD).
- Special Use Device (Type V PFD).

Additionally, if your boat is 16 feet or longer, and is not a canoe or kayak, you must also have at least one:
- Throwable Device (Type IV PFD).

For example, if there are four people on your 16-foot boat, you must have at least five PFDs-four wearable PFDs and one throwable PFD.

* U.S. Coast Guard Regulation Title 33, Chapter 1, Part 175, Subpart B.

THE RIGHT PFD FOR YOU
PFDs come in a variety of shapes, colors, and materials. Some are made to be more rugged and last longer. Some are made to protect you from cold water. No matter which PFD you choose, be sure to get one that's right for you and the water conditions you expect to encounter. Remember, spending a little time now can save you a lifetime later. Always look for the United States Coast Guard approval number on any PFD you buy.

OFF-SHORE LIFE JACKET (TYPE I PFD)
Best for open, rough or remote water, where rescue may be slow coming.

NEAR-SHORE BUOYANT VEST (TYPE II PFD)
Good for calm, inland water, or where there is good chance of fast rescue.

FLOTATION AID (TYPE III PFD)
Good for calm, inland water, or where there is good chance of fast rescue.

THROWABLE DEVICE (TYPE IV PFD)
For calm, inland water with heavy boat traffic, where help is always near by.

SPECIAL USE DEVICES (TYPE V PFD)
Only for special uses or conditions.