An automatic inflatable life jacket will automatically inflate when the life jacket is submerged in at least four inches of water, either when a small tablet dissolves in water and causes the inflator to activate or when using an internal water pressure gauge that activates the inflator.

They're meant to save lives which is why they expand within seconds when fully submerged in water. People love inflatables because they're designed to be more comfortable and less restrictive than traditional foam life jackets, or as we like to say, “more buoyancy, less bulk.”

Life jackets are typically made from synthetic #materials that are buoyant, water-resistant, and durable. The most commonly used materials include foam, neoprene, and nylon. #Foam is the most traditional material used in life jackets.

The manual inflates with a quick jerk of a cord. Both types can be orally inflated by breathing into the inflation tube or mouthpiece. This is a backup method to inflate the life jacket.

Life jackets are designed to keep you afloat in water. They will automatically turn you into a face-up position, keeping your mouth and nostrils clear of the water to prevent the risk of drowning. This is particularly important if, for any reason, you are unconscious when you fall into the water.

Inflatable PFD Types & Tips Inflatable PFDs are a comfortable lifejacket option that come in Types I, II, III and V. The only type of PFD that does not come in inflatable form is Type IV, or the throwable type.

Life jackets are designed to keep you afloat in water. They will automatically turn you into a face-up position, keeping your mouth and nostrils clear of the water to prevent the risk of drowning. This is particularly important if, for any reason, you are unconscious when you fall into the water.

A: LifeVest consists of a garment, an electrode belt, and a monitor. When you wear the LifeVest WCD directly against your skin, the device can continuously monitor your heart. If you experience certain life-threatening rapid heart rhythms, the LifeVest WCD is designed to shock your heart back into a normal rhythm.

The most common material for inflatables is PVC-coated vinyl or nylon, which is strong and durable. PVC-tarpaulin is especially heavy-duty and is often used for very large structures, like those found in water parks. Oxford cloth is another commonly-used material and is the best choice for creating complex shapes.

Typically made from durable nylon or polyester fabric, these materials serve as an outer shell that encases soft foam panels responsible for providing buoyancy. The foam itself can be composed of either inherently buoyant closed-cell foam or inflatable chambers filled with air or gas.

The auto-inflating devices are activated by water or pressure change; manual-inflating devices require the wearer to pull a lanyard. Commonsense would suggest that an auto-inflating harness/life jacket is the best choice for the cruising sailor.

A life jacket is one of the most effective pieces of safety gear in a boat. Pro-tip: It only works if you wear it. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, most boating related drownings happen on nice days. Studies show that if you wear a life jacket, you're more likely to survive if something goes wrong.

Life Jacket Facts

• Life jackets must have a "U.S. Coast Guard-approved" label with approval number listed.
• Boats (including canoes and kayaks) must be equipped with a wearable life jacket for each person on board.
• Each PFD must be the appropriate size for the person who wears it.