Learn about waterskiing safety life vests - free video. more »

Most states require every person on any type of watercraft to have a life vest (personal flotation device is the preferred term) on board the vessel or be wearing one. A Coast Guard-approved life vest will have the Coast Guard approval stamp as well as the life vest's size on the PFD's tag. However, an approved life vest is useless if the instructions for its wear are not worn correctly. more »

All recreational boats in the United States are required to have one life vest per person on board, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Even though it's safe to always keep life vests handy, they can become musty if they are put away while wet or damp. Proper life vest cleaning and drying will prevent them from growing mildew or becoming waterlogged. If your life vests become waterlogged, they may not inflate and work as effectively. more »

Safety on the water is the most important thing you can consider when hitting the waves. Wearing the right life vest for the activity you are engaged in is essential for safety. While each material and life vest has advantages, none are superior to the others. more »

Whether boating, surfboarding, fishing, skiing or canoeing, always wear a life vest. For small children, life vests are important even during basic swimming activities. Highlighting the danger of children swimming without life vests, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' website states that "drowning is often silent, takes as little as five minutes and usually happens when an adult is nearby." Proper life vest usage is important to ensuring the health and safety of both children and adults. If you wear a life vest improperly, its effectiveness decreases. more »

Life vests, also referred to as personal flotation devices (PFDs), are a very important piece of equipment when on the water. Not only is it a requirement by the United States Coast Guard to have an adequate amount of life vests available, but they are vital to save the lives of swimmers and boaters when necessary. The majority of drowning cases occur when the victim is not wearing a life vest. They are as important as any other piece of equipment located on your boat or personal watercraft. more »

Despite the possibility of drowning, surfers are rarely seen wearing life vests. The surfboards themselves act as an excellent flotation device, and remain strapped to the surfer's ankle with a leg rope. Surfers must be able to read the ocean and work with the currents, and inexperienced surfers should not attempt to get in the water on their own, with or without a life vest. Although it is not common, surfing with a life vest is possible and could increase safety for weaker swimmers. more »

Unlike life vests--also known as personal flotation devices (PFD)--for water skiing or rafting, a PFD for kayaking should be a personalized piece of equipment. This means it should fit in both size and comfort. There are a few things to consider when shopping for your PFD. more »

Kiteboarding equipment includes a kite, lines, life vest, and a handlebar. Get expert tips and advice on kiteboarding equipment, conditions, and precautions in this free video. more »