PFD

What are the major differences between a PFD and a lifejacket?

• The colours they come in!

• PFDs are less buoyant and have limited turning capability compared to lifejackets.

• Lifejackets are less buoyant and have limited turning capability compared to PFDs

• Lifejackets will not turn you over in the water

Who approves a PFD and why is it important not to alter a PFD in any way?

• PFDs are approved by Transport Canada (Department of Transportation [DOT]) or Department of Fisheries and Oceans (Canadian Coast Guard [CCG]) and it is important not to alter a PFD in any way as the approved status becomes void.

• PFDs are approved by the Canadian Armed Forces

• As long as a PFD has a Canadian Flag Stamp

• PFDs are approved by Transport Canada (Department of Transportation [DOT])

How should PFDs be cared for?

When testing a lifejacket / PFD the following steps should be followed:

• 1.) Don the lifejacket/PFD

  2.) Jump into the water off a jetty

  3.) Bend the knees and float on your back

  4.) Ensure that it keeps the chin above the water so that it is easier to breath

• 1.) Walk out into the water ( to you knees)

  2.) Don the lifejacket/ PFD

  3.) Go for a swim

• Just grab one from the pile

• 1.don the lifejacket / PFD

  2. walk into chest deep water

  3. bend the knees and float on the back

  4. ensure that it keeps the chin above the water so that it is easy to breathe

What must be considered when selecting a PFD?

Canadian-approved means approved by and clearly

labelled to that effect by

• Transport Canada (Department of Transportation

  [DOT])

• Department of Fisheries and Oceans (Canadian Coast Guard [CCG])

• Both

• None of the above