| The body naturally bends forward in the water and takes a face-down position. A lifejacket is designed to turn a body into a face-up, head-out-of-the-water position, allowing even the unconscious person to breathe. Lifejackets have more buoyancy than PFDs. Most of the buoyancy material is in the front design making the lifejacket bulkier and less comfortable to wear, however, they work. They are only designed in red, yellow or orange. These colours make it easier to be seen in a rescue situation. Young children and weak swimmers should wear a lifejacket; for example, if your child is unable to swim and fearful of the water, a lifejacket is the best choice. It will give your child the best possible chance for survival should they end up in the water unexpectedly. | A PFD is designed for flotation and to keep a conscious person's head out of the water in calm conditions. PFDs have less flotation making them less buoyant. It also makes them less bulky and more comfortable allowing for greater movement than a lifejacket. If you see flotation material on the back of the device, this indicates that it is a PFD. Canadian-approved PFDs are available in a variety of colours. Bright colours allow a person to be seen easily in the water if help is needed. PFDs are a good choice for people who are confident in the water. If your child is a natural in the water and you intend to take your child to the pool or the beach to play then a PFD is probably appropriate. |
