Inflatable Lifejackets: A Great Option

All the familiar reasons for not wearing a lifejacket ("It's uncomfortable, it's too hot, it's ugly") are falling like dominoes with the availability of today's lightweight, comfortable inflatables. While inflatable lifejackets are not for everyone or for every activity, they are a great choice for many boaters. Available in suspender or belt-pack styles, they allow more freedom of movement and are much cooler in the summer than traditional styles. And their slim profile and varied color selection are much more stylish than the standard blocky orange Type I.

The mechanism of an inflatable life jacket consists of a deflated air bladder and a carbon dioxide CO₂ cartridge, packed into a cloth bag or suspenders sealed with Velcro. Because they are deflated when worn, these lifejackets are less cumbersome than inherently buoyant models, which are filled with foam. When buoyancy is needed, the CO₂ cartridge provides the gas to inflate the bladder and help the wearer stay afloat.

How the lifejacket inflates depends on its design. Manual inflatables rely on a rip cord that the wearer pulls to trigger the CO₂ cartridge. Automatic inflatables are triggered by being submerged in water (some use a tablet that dissolves in water, which triggers the inflation). Both models also have an inflation/deflation tube, which allows the wearer to release air from the bladder or to manually inflate it by blowing air into it.

Manual inflatables are considered by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to be Type III lifejackets, while automatic inflatables are Type V. Like all Type Vs, automatically inflatable lifejackets must be worn to meet federal carriage requirements for personal flotation devices. Boaters should always check their lifejacket’s label to be sure it is USCG-approved for their specific boating activity. Inflatables are not approved for water skiing or for use on personal watercraft (such as Wave Runners) due to the potential for sudden hard impact with the water. They are also not approved for boaters under the age of 16.

Most inflatable lifejackets offer more buoyancy that other models and perform well at turning a person face-up in the water once they are properly worn. Manual inflatables require the wearer to be able to pull the rip cord. Belt pack styles require the wearer to be able to pull the lifejacket (which is attached at their waist) over their head and then adjust for proper fit; suspender styles don't require any work after inflation except to adjust the fit. Manual styles are less expensive than automatic inflatables; beltpacks are less expensive than suspender styles. They range from $40 to $200 and up, depending on the style.

Another consideration is maintenance. Inflatable lifejackets should be inspected before every outing to make sure they are in good condition and that the inflation device is armed with a CO₂ cartridge. Any time the lifejacket is inflated, the cartridge must be replaced. Many styles now come with a spare cartridge so the lifejacket can be re-armed without returning to shore, and carrying spare cartridges (which need to be purchased) is a good idea.

All types of lifejackets have specific characteristics that make them better for some uses than others. Boaters should choose a lifejacket designed for their on-the-water activities. The very best lifejacket is the one that you will wear, and many boaters find inflatable lifejackets easy and comfortable to wear.