Many people find PFDs (personal flotation devices) to be incredibly helpful in an emergency. After all, who wouldn’t want to be able to float safely to the surface if something goes wrong? The problem is that many people don’t realize just how useful PFDs can be. In fact, they may even be under the impression that PFDs are only for scuba divers and athletes. In this blog post, we will debunk five false statements about PFDs so you can make an informed decision about whether or not to bring one on your next adventure.

PFDs save lives

According to the Coast Guard, wearing a PFD can save your life. A study by the National Safety Council found that between 1990 and 2006, PFDs saved nearly 1,500 lives. The Coast Guard also reports that in 2012, wearable lifejackets saved 4,583 lives and helped prevent 662 serious injuries.

While it’s true that wearing a PFD can save your life, it’s not the only thing you need to do in order to stay safe on the water. A properly fitted PFD will help keep you afloat and protect you from hypothermia or drowning, but it won’t protect you if you don’t take other precautions, like practicing proper boating safety habits.

PFDs are mandatory

A personal flotation device, or PFD, is mandatory for all sailors aboard a boat that takes water over the deck. This includes catamarans and some yachts. It’s important to have a PFD on board in case of an emergency.

False! A PFD is not mandatory for vessels that do not take water over the deck, such as canoes and kayaks. In fact, many people choose not to wear a PFD when sailing without a motorboat because they feel it isn’t necessary.
On boats taking water over the deck, however, wearing a PFD is crucial because even if you are only wetting your feet from stepping off the boat into the water, you still need to be able to breathe if you get into trouble. If you don’t have a PFD, you could drown before anyone knows what’s happening.

So why are they called Personal Flotation Devices? That’s actually pretty confusing. The name comes from maritime law—back in the day when ships were built with more than one crewmember on board (and usually had more than one deck), it was important that everyone know how to use their personal lifeboats in case of an emergency. So every sailor on board was given a lifeboat designed specifically for them and labeled with their name—hence “Personal Flotation Device.”

All PFDs are the same

Every PFD is the same. All PFDs are required by law when boating. All PFDs have the same requirements – they must be able to protect you from falling overboard and from being pulled under by the boat. All PFDs must be fastened properly.

All PFDs are required on all boats

The statement “All PFDs are required on all boats” is true. All PFDs, including lifejackets, are required by law when operating a boat in any U.S. water body. This includes both freshwater and salt water bodies. Failure to wear a PFD can result in fines and/or imprisonment.

Conclusion

Which statement about Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) is true? They are essential for anyone who goes boating, swimming, windsurfing, or other water-based activities. PFDs can help save your life in the event of a boat capsize or drowning.