"Lifejacket" redirects here. For other uses, see Lifejacket (disambiguation).
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A personal flotation device (PFD; also referred to as a life jacket, life preserver, life belt, Mae West, life vest, life saver, cork jacket, buoyancy aid or flotation suit) is a flotation device in the form of a vest or suit that is worn by a user to prevent the wearer from drowning in a body of water. The device will keep the wearer afloat with their head and mouth above the surface – they do not have to swim or tread water in order to stay afloat and can even be unconscious.
PFDs are commonly worn on small watercraft or other locations where accidental entry into deep water may occur in order to provide immediate support for the wearer should they end up in the water. PFDs are also kept on large vessels for passengers to wear in an emergency in order to help them stay afloat should they be forced to enter the water or accidentally fall overboard during an evacuation. PFD's are commonly worn for swimming and/or other activities that require an individual to be in water. This is for reasons such as safety (to prevent the drowning of weak swimmers, swimmers in dangerous conditions or swimmers far from safety), to make swimming easier and less demanding, to allow someone who is unable to swim to safely enter water, or as assistance for activities such as water skiing.
PFDs are available in different sizes to accommodate variations in body weight. Designs differ depending on wearing convenience, the activities and conditions they are designed to be used in and the level of protection the wearer needs. There are three main types of PFDs: life jackets, buoyancy aids and survival suits; PFDs are most often constructed out of foam pieces, with the exception of some life jackets which are inflated with air. Other highly specialized forms of PFDs include buoyancy compensators used for scuba diving, and submarine escape devices.
and 29 Related for: Personal flotation device information
A personalflotationdevice (PFD; also referred to as a life jacket, life preserver, life belt, Mae West, life vest, life saver, cork jacket, buoyancy...
include: personalflotationdevices or life jackets for everyone on board a throwable flotationdevice (in the U.S., a type IV personalflotationdevice) navigation...
military personal protective equipment Personalflotationdevice – Equipment to help the wearer keep afloat in water Personal protective equipment for arc flash –...
Buoyancy aids are a specialist form of personalflotationdevice (PFD) used most commonly by kayakers, canoeists, people practicing rafting, and dinghy...
Kisbee ring The lifebuoy is usually a ring- or horseshoe-shaped personalflotationdevice with a connecting line allowing the casualty to be pulled to the...
free dictionary. Life preserver or life-preserver may refer to: Personalflotationdevice, is a piece of equipment designed to assist a wearer in keeping...
requires users that will be outside of swim and surf areas to have a personalflotationdevice available or worn, as well as a whistle to alert other boaters...
and was in danger of drowning; she did not drown because of her personalflotationdevice and the river rescue team. Afterwards she said to Hanson, "In...
ejection seats, a yellow-colored U-shaped inflatable "Mae West" personalflotationdevice replaced the pilot parachute and its harness. Only two Block I...
The Heat Escape Lessening Posture was designed for use with a PersonalFlotationDevice. Essentially the person grabs his/her knees to reduce the surface...
and in none of the cases documented was the victim wearing a personalflotationdevice (PFD). Several institutions have tried to change the culture surrounding...
Personalflotationdevice Pelvic floor dysfunction Phase frequency detector in electronics Primary flight display, in an aircraft Probability of Failure...
two or three people (depending on local boating laws), and a personalflotationdevice. In addition, the skier must have adequate upper and lower body...
Preserver can refer to: Life preserver, a personalflotationdevice or lifebuoy Life preserver, a type of club (weapon) HMCS Preserver, a Canadian navy...
secret weapon, Viagra. Tip: In over your head? Make sure your personalflotationdevice is approved by the appropriate government organization. Expert...
water. A life jacket should be worn at all times (also called a personalflotationdevice or PFD), and a helmet is also often required for most kayaking...
high-visibility clothing Breathalyser Personalflotationdevice Stinger spike strip Whilst officers typically carry their personal equipment – such as their baton...
Operations Level, and must wear a properly fitted and secured personalflotationdevice (PFD). The Hot Zone refers to any and all activities taking place...
"swimming wings". Lifebuoy List of inflatable manufactured goods Personalflotationdevice Swimming float Swim ring "Water Wings: One of the safest buoyancy...
reduces exposure of high heat loss areas of the body. Wearing a personalflotationdevice allows a person to draw their knees to their chest and arms to...
provide extra power Helpers at the nest, in birds Helper, a compact personalflotationdevice for providing first aid to a swimmer in case of a drowning threat...
person in the water to provide buoyancy and prevent drowning Personalflotationdevice, a piece of equipment worn to keep the wearer afloat "Life Saver"...
toe holds. PersonalFlotationDevice – It is recommended and in many locations required that skiers and barefooters wear a flotationdevice or padded wetsuit...
States military aircraft CMU – 33A/P22P-18 - Air Force issue personalflotationdevice Distributed Common Ground System- A weapons system which delivers...
to provide the thrust to navigate in river currents, while a personalflotationdevice provides additional buoyancy. Wetsuits, booties and helmets are...
usually fatal. If the individual who falls overboard is wearing a personalflotationdevice (life jacket), the chances of their survival are significantly...
injuries to the neck and spine. A personalflotationdevice or PFD may be required if the kitesurfer is using a boat or personal water craft for support. It...
armbands Inner tube Lifebuoy List of inflatable manufactured goods Personalflotationdevice Swimming float Tubing (recreation) "US Patent for Swim ring and...