Life Jackets, Uses, and Advantages of Inherently Buoyant, Hybrid or Inflatable PFDs
Life Jacket
Inherently Buoyant (Foam PFD's)
Uses
For swimmers and non-swimmers
Available in adult and child sizes
Advantages
Rugged
Low maintenance
Life Jacket
Air or CO2 (Inflatable PFD's)
Uses
For swimmers only
Adult sizes only
Requires regular user checks
Not for use in personal watercraft or sports, such as waterskiing
Advantages
Best comfort in warm weather
Compact size and maintenance
High performance
Life Jacket
Hybrid (PFD made with a combination of buoyant material and an inflatable bladder)
Uses
For swimmers and non-swimmers
Adult and child sizes
Requires regular maintenance
Advantages
Best comfort for non-swimmers
Stylish
High performance