June 16, 2025 • 20 mins
Drowning claims over 400 lives yearly in US recreational boating accidents, with a shocking truth hiding behind these statistics: 87% of drowning victims owned personal flotation devices but weren't wearing them when tragedy struck. This sobering reality forms the foundation of our deep dive into water safety equipment that could literally save your life.
Drawing from years of experience teaching thousands of paddlers through the American Adventure Sports Club, I share the costly mistake I made as a new paddler – purchasing an advanced whitewater Personal Flotation Device - PFD when I needed something more appropriate for my beginner skill level. This common misstep highlights why understanding PFD selection is critical for anyone heading out on the water, whether you're motor boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, or kayak fishing.
We explore the crucial differences between life jackets and PFDs (they're not always the same thing!), break down the four main types of flotation devices, and explain performance levels from 50 to 275.
For parents, I share a powerful personal story of rescuing a four-year-old wearing an adult-sized PFD that would have offered zero protection in an emergency – a reminder that proper fit for children isn't just important, it's potentially life-saving. From the specialized Kokatat Hustle for whitewater enthusiasts to the feature-rich Leviathan for fishing adventures, you'll discover exactly which models work best for specific water activities.
Water adventures should bring joy, not tragedy. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or just starting out, this comprehensive guide will ensure you make informed choices about the most important piece of equipment you'll ever wear on the water.
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Hi friends, welcome to the new normal, Big Life Podcast! We bring you natural news and stories about nature that we hope will inspire you to get outside and adventure, along with a step-by-step plan to help you practice what you’ve learned and create your own new normal and live the biggest life you can dream. I’m your host, Antoinette Lee, the Wellness Warrior.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
New Normal Big Life Drowning claims over 400 lives
yearly in US boating accidents,with 87% of victims not wearing
a personal flotation device orPFD or life jacket despite
owning one.
As a new peddler, I learnedthis the hard way.
Buying an expensive, advancedPFD for basic whitewater
(00:25):
kayaking.
The right personal flotationdevice or PFD can save your life
, but choosing one requiresunderstanding your sport, the
body of water, your swimmingability and body weight.
Selecting a US Coast Guard orTransport Canada approved PFD
from Coquitats Hustle PFD forwhitewater to the Leviathan for
(00:46):
kayak fishing is critical.
For kids, proper fit isnon-negotiable.
In this episode, you candownload your free personal
flotation device or PFD buyingguide at nnblblog.
Don't let overconfidence sinkyour safety.
Wear your PFD every time.
Learn how to pick the perfectlife vest for paddleboarding,
(01:09):
kayaking, rafting, motorboatingor fishing, and avoid my costly
mistakes.
Your life depends on it.
Hi friends, welcome to the NewNormal Big Life podcast.
We bring you natural news andstories about nature that we
hope will inspire you to getoutside and adventure, along
with a step-by-step plan to helpyou practice what you learn and
(01:30):
create your own new normal andlive the biggest life you can
dream.
I'm your host, antoinette Lee,the wellness warrior.
Today, we're talking aboutpersonal flotation device or PFD
buying and life jacket safety.
Picture this You're on thewater loving life until someone
suddenly capsizes or falls outof a boat.
(01:51):
Will your life vest or personalflotation device PFD save you?
I learned the hard way.
The wrong PFD can cost you morethan money.
In 2023, the US Coast Guardreported 564 recreational
boating fatalities, with 75percent approximately 423 deaths
(02:12):
due to drowning.
Shockingly, 87 percent of thosewho drowned, about 368 people
weren't wearing a personalflotation device or PFD.
People weren't wearing apersonal flotation device or pfd
, despite most owning one.
Paddle sports like kayaking andpaddle boarding saw 183 deaths,
(02:33):
a rise of five percent since2022, with similar trends.
Most victims lacked a pfd.
Drowning is the leading causeof death in boating accidents,
and life jackets could preventover 80% of these tragedies.
End quote says TedSensenbrenner of the Boat US
Foundation.
Yet many boaters andriver-tubers skip them, thinking
(02:56):
I'm a strong swimmer.
But here's how to choose theright life jacket or personal
flotation device or PFD.
You can't count on thesalesperson in the sporting
goods store to know how tochoose the right personal
flotation device for you, unlessthey're a boater or have taken
specific product training.
The salesperson sold me apersonal flotation device or PFD
(03:20):
that was hugely inappropriatefor a brand new paddler.
I dropped a bunch of money onan advanced whitewater kayaking
PFD and then I had to go out andbuy another one that was more
appropriate for a newbiewhitewater kayaker, my paddle
port skill level and ragingriver or whitewater swimming
(03:41):
confidence.
To ensure you're buying theappropriate personal flotation
device or PFD, or life jacketfor yourself, your child or your
pet, you need to arm yourselfwith knowledge.
Lucky for you, I've done theresearch Since starting with
whitewater kayaking 11 years ago.
I've taught thousands of youths, adults, veterans and seniors
(04:02):
how to kayak and stand uppaddleboard or SUP Through the
nonprofit that I founded calledthe American Adventure Sports
Club.
I also taught at Team RiverRunner and Diversify Whitewater,
and I'm becoming an ACAAmerican Canoe Association
stand-up paddleboard instructor.
So I know life jackets, lifevests and personal flotation
(04:23):
devices or PFDs.
Stand-up paddleboarding isNorth America's fastest growing
paddle sport, and outdoorrecreation is the best form of
exercise in support of thebody's major systems.
However, if you're new topaddle sports, you must know how
to be safe while doingsomething good for your body.
Life jacket versus personalflotation device or PFD Not all
(04:52):
PFDs are lifejackets.
Know the difference or riskeverything.
The most critical difference islifejackets are designed to
turn you face up on the water,even if you're unconscious.
Lifejackets are also PFDs, butnot all PFDs are life jackets.
Not all PFDs will turn you faceup in the water, they will just
keep you floating.
However, people commonly usethe phrases life jacket, life
(05:16):
vest and PFD interchangeably.
Quote a life jacket is yourbest defense against cold water
shock.
End quote notes TransportCanada emphasizing their role in
preventing drowning, even forskilled swimmers.
When we come back from thisshort break, we'll talk about
the four types of personalflotation devices, or PFDs.
(05:37):
Before we cover the next topicin this episode, I want to
introduce you to the adventuresports lifestyle with what I
call a micro story about anadventure that I've had.
The adventure sports lifestyleand my deep connection to nature
is essential to my good health.
So here's the story.
Kayak fishing isn't a sport youcan decide to do on a whim.
You have to learn a series ofskills that all lead to making
(06:01):
you a competent and confidentkayak fishing angler.
Lead to making you a competentand confident kayak fishing
angler.
You'll first need to learn howto kayak, how to read the river,
how to plan for wind, waterweather and waves to keep
yourself safe while boating, howto rescue yourself and others,
and the laws around boating andfishing.
Next, you'll need to know howto research your fishing
(06:22):
location to find where thelaunch is, the public and
private property lines, anylicense and parking pass
requirements and the species offish in the body of water that
you plan to fish on, if going onmoving water, like rivers,
you'll need to know how to readthe river, scout your route and,
of course, basic to advancedkayaking skills, if kayak
(06:43):
fishing in whitewater or rapidlymoving water.
Next, you'll need to know howto fish All the skills necessary
to choose the appropriate lurefor the species of fish you hope
to attract and catch.
Finally, when getting out onthe water, you'll have to manage
your paddle, your fishing rod,your boat and any obstacles,
(07:03):
like boulders and downed trees,that you find on the river or on
the lake, not to mention otherboaters.
After nine years of boating andsix years of fishing, I have
finally become a Lake Good Riverkayak angler.
I did that.
I hope this story inspires youto get outside and adventure
alone with friends, but notalone boating or the people you
(07:25):
love the most, but don't boatalone, because it's not safe.
You never know when you'regonna need a rescue or help
getting off the river.
World events are constantlyteaching everyone some very
painful lessons.
Without warning, everything wetake for granted can suddenly
fail, and if you're not preparedin advance, you really don't
have a chance.
The fact is, the modern worldruns on a just-in-time supply
(07:48):
schedule.
Even the biggest grocery storescan carry only enough food for
a few days' worth of normalshopping.
So when disaster strikes andchaos ensues at your local
stores, the odds are simplyagainst you.
If you don't have emergencyfood and gear stockpiled in
advance, you will probablysuffer.
My partner, ready Hour, is hereto help you ahead of time.
(08:10):
Ready Hour has a long historyof providing calorie-rich,
reliable and deliciousnourishment for life's
unexpected situations andcritical emergency gear too.
They're part of a family ofcompanies that have served
millions of people like you fordecades.
My family and I use Ready Hourproducts for camping,
mountaineering and disasterpreparedness for five years now.
(08:32):
They're not just reliable,they're also your affordable
option too.
Long-term survival foodshouldn't break the bank.
That's why they have greatsales and payment options for
you.
It's your bridge to safety andsurvival when things just aren't
normal anymore.
So make your next decision yoursmartest decision.
Be ready for tomorrow, today,trust ready, hour ready to shop.
(08:57):
Use my affiliate link in theshow description.
Now back to the show where we'rediscussing the four types of
personal flotation devices orPFDs.
Personal flotation devices orPFDs come in four types.
Number one is inherent it'salways buoyant, it's always
floaty.
Number two is inflatable itcomes in adult sizes only and
(09:19):
it's not appropriate fornon-swimmers.
Number three is hybrid it hasfoam and inflation.
Number four is special purpose.
It's activity specific, likewhitewater kayaking PFDs.
For example, the US Coast Guardand Transport Canada approve
PFDs with performance levelsfrom 50 to 275, indicating
(09:42):
buoyancy in use.
Level 70, equivalent to the oldType 3 PFD, suits most
recreational boaters and offers15.5 pounds of flotation.
So always check the personalflotation device label for
approval and activityrestrictions.
You might be asking does my dogneed a life jacket or a personal
(10:04):
flotation device or PFD?
Personal flotation devices orPFDs are also available for pets
, cats and dogs alike.
Although most dogs are naturalswimmers, some become nervous
when away from shore or in coldwater.
So consider buying a PFD iftaking your pet out on the water
.
Here's what you need to knowabout life jackets and PFDs to
(10:25):
be safer on the water.
They only work if you'rewearing your life jacket or PFD.
Most communities are making it arequirement to wear a life
jacket or PFD because in anemergency, you might forget to
grab your PFD or struggle to getit on in time.
To keep you floating, your lifejacket or PFD must be the right
size for your body.
(10:46):
It shouldn't slip over yourchin or ears.
When someone pulls you out ofthe water by the life jacket or
PFD shoulder straps.
A key technique used inwhitewater rafting and motor
boating rescues Choosing theright PFD for your water sports
activity, the body of water,like lakes or white water on
rivers or oceans, and yourswimming ability and confidence.
(11:08):
Learn to read the new lifejacket labels to ensure you're
choosing the appropriate device.
Here's how life jackets andpersonal flotation devices or
PFDs work.
Life jackets, life vests,personal flotation devices or
PFDs provide buoyancy when youcan no longer keep yourself
afloat due to fatigue, injury orcold, or if you're a weak
(11:31):
swimmer or a non-swimmer.
Life jackets are available in awide variety of shapes, colors
and sizes.
Many are thin and flexible.
Some are built into fishingvests, ice fishing coats and
pants or hunting jackets.
My ice armor by clam icefishing jacket and pants have
(11:52):
built-in flotation, just in caseI fall through the ice.
Keep listening until the endfor examples of the appropriate
life vests for stand-uppaddleboarding, whitewater
kayaking and kayak fishing forbeginners to pros, as well as
what I like about each devicethat I recommend and download
your free personal flotationdevice or PFD buying guide in
(12:15):
the show description.
Remember adult-sized lifejackets may not work for
children, but you can buychild-sized life jackets.
Kids can't choose safety.
Parents must do it for them.
Here's a short story about theimportance of choosing the right
size personal flotation devicefor your child.
I was in a Colorado lake in thesummer on a stand-up paddleboard
(12:37):
and it was a very cold watertemperature day, even though the
ambient air temperature wasquite hot.
There were four children onpaddleboards.
There was one child who wasabout four years old and they
were clearly wearing anadult-sized personal flotation
device or PFT, which means ifthey fell off that paddle board,
(12:59):
they would float right out ofthat device and if they were
shocked by the cold water ordidn't know how to swim, they
would not make it back to shore.
So the wind picked up, Istarted heading back and I
noticed a group of childrenstruggling to get to shore.
All the older children made itto shore but the youngest one,
the four year old I know becauseI asked him his age when I
(13:21):
rescued him didn't have thestrength or knowledge to paddle
against the wind back to safety.
If he got pulled out into thelane where the motorboats they
wouldn't have been able to seehim and if he fell off his
paddle board he would havefloated right out of the PFT
because it was adult size so itwould not have kept him floating
(13:43):
in the water.
Luckily that day I had theskills, the physical strength
and the knowledge to rescue himand his paddleboard and get him
safely back to shore.
So proper fit is critical forchildren.
Federal law mandates that kidsunder 13 wear a US Coast Guard
approved PFD on boats.
Quote a child's PFD should fitsnugly, not slipping over the
(14:06):
chin.
End quote, says American CanoeAssociation kayaking instructor
Michaela Jones.
Always test your foam-filledlife jacket each year for
buoyancy.
Waterlogged, faded or damagedlife jackets should be thrown
away.
Inflatable life jackets shouldbe maintained according to the
manufacturer's instructions toensure they'll inflate during an
(14:28):
emergency.
Life jacket buoyancy is measuredin newtons.
Most adults only need 7 to 12pounds of buoyancy, or 31 to 53
Newtons, to keep their headabove water.
Life jackets and PFDs areseparated into four broad
categories based on weight Adultover 88 pounds.
(14:48):
Youth over 55 pounds and lessthan or equal to 88 pounds.
Child over 33 pounds and lessthan or equal to 55 pounds.
And infant less than or equalto 33 pounds.
Consider this when selecting aPFD for humans.
Based on a performance levellevel 50.
(15:11):
This is best used for competentswimmers near shore or land or
who have help nearby and a wayto be rescued is close by.
Level 70.
This is best used when help isclose by and you're near shore.
Level 100.
This is intended for use whenwaiting for a rescue.
It's not designed for use inrough waters.
(15:33):
Level 150.
This is intended for use in badweather and slightly rough
conditions.
It will turn an unconsciousperson face up.
Level 275,.
This is intended primarily foroffshore use and under extreme
conditions.
So here's Antoinette's favoritepersonal flotation devices, or
PFDs, by sport.
(15:54):
This is the Kokatat Hustle, andall of my favorite PVC free or
ozone depleting materials lifevests and PFDs, as well as the
sports they're ideal for, arecontained right here.
This information can help youmake good choices when buying or
renting a PFD.
The brand my family trusts mostis Kokatat, the Kokatat Hustle.
(16:18):
I wear my Hustle Life vest forwhitewater kayaking.
It's certified for use in theUS and Canada.
It has some great features,like this clamshell pocket with
a two-way zipper for organizingmy essentials, a side entry with
three adjustable straps,adjustable shoulder straps and a
lash tab for easy access to myrescue knife.
(16:40):
If you want to see these PFDson my body and how I use them
for different sports, check outthis video on my YouTube channel
at New Normal Big Life onYouTube.
This is the Kokutat Hustle,just in a different color.
I know I love PFD so much Ihave color options.
(17:00):
This is the Kokatat CenturionRescue PFD.
This is made for advancedwhitewater kayakers who have the
ability to rescue other people.
I am not one of these people.
This is my guy's PFD because heis one of those people capable
of rescuing others.
Next up is the Kokatat Leviathan.
(17:22):
The Kokatat Leviathan is mygo-to kayak fishing life vest.
It has an incredible 14 pocketsand multiple fixture options.
I carry lures, tools and otheressentials like lip balm, a
fishing license and snacks onthe water.
I don't carry sunscreen andI'll talk about how I use a
(17:43):
natural internal sunscreen in afuture article and podcast.
The Leviathan feels great whenI'm kayak fishing on my
Badfisher Inflatable SUP riggedfor kayak fishing.
The Leviathan feels comfortableagainst my kayaking chair.
The fleece line hand warmerpockets feel luxurious on days
(18:07):
where the water is cold, even inthe summer.
The Leviathan is certified forwear in the US and Canada.
Next is the Koketat Weekender,spelled W-K-N-D-R.
I love the Koketat Weekenderfor casually heading out on my
stand-up paddleboard on the lake.
It has a great front entry andzipper, and PVC Gaia foam and PE
(18:31):
panels that wrap around my bodyoffer a comfortable fit.
I can use an efficient paddlestroke without it pinching my
biceps or underarms.
It also has luxurious handwarmer pockets and so many
options for storing myessentials in these zip pockets.
Choose your life jacket or PFDcarefully, because your life or
(18:53):
that of someone you love dependson it.
Next I'll tell you how to keepyour lunch, electronics, camping
gear and other items dry on thewater and in the rain with a
dry bag.
Until next time, friends, I'mAntoinette Lee, your wellness
warrior here at the New NormalBig Life podcast.
I hope one day to see you onthe river, in the backcountry or
(19:13):
in the horse barn living yourbest life.
Tag new normal big life ornnblblog on social media so we
can celebrate your good healthand big life.
If you're a visual learner, youor you'd like to see me in
these various pfds doingdifferent sports, you can watch
an informative and entertainingversion of this video on youtube
(19:34):
, on the new normal big lifechannel, or listen wherever you
get your podcasts.
Share this episode with someonewho needs it, comment on your
post and drop us a message oremail nothing personal too
specific.
When you have a health oradventure sports topic you want
us to cover and support othersin this community.
Since 2012, the health rangerstore has been answering your
(19:54):
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They've got you covered, fromnutritional supplements and
superfoods to storable foods andpreparedness gear.
They offer competitive priceson top quality, lab tested items
(20:15):
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I'm excited to partner with theHealth Ranger store to bring
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Ready to shop?
Use my affiliate link to getstarted.
New Normal Big Life Drowning claims over 400 lives
yearly in US boating accidents,with 87% of victims not wearing
a personal flotation device orPFD or life jacket despite
owning one.
As a new peddler, I learnedthis the hard way.
Buying an expensive, advancedPFD for basic whitewater
(00:25):
kayaking.
The right personal flotationdevice or PFD can save your life
, but choosing one requiresunderstanding your sport, the
body of water, your swimmingability and body weight.
Selecting a US Coast Guard orTransport Canada approved PFD
from Coquitats Hustle PFD forwhitewater to the Leviathan for
(00:46):
kayak fishing is critical.
For kids, proper fit isnon-negotiable.
In this episode, you candownload your free personal
flotation device or PFD buyingguide at nnblblog.
Don't let overconfidence sinkyour safety.
Wear your PFD every time.
Learn how to pick the perfectlife vest for paddleboarding,
(01:09):
kayaking, rafting, motorboatingor fishing, and avoid my costly
mistakes.
Your life depends on it.
Hi friends, welcome to the NewNormal Big Life podcast.
We bring you natural news andstories about nature that we
hope will inspire you to getoutside and adventure, along
with a step-by-step plan to helpyou practice what you learn and
(01:30):
create your own new normal andlive the biggest life you can
dream.
I'm your host, antoinette Lee,the wellness warrior.
Today, we're talking aboutpersonal flotation device or PFD
buying and life jacket safety.
Picture this You're on thewater loving life until someone
suddenly capsizes or falls outof a boat.
(01:51):
Will your life vest or personalflotation device PFD save you?
I learned the hard way.
The wrong PFD can cost you morethan money.
In 2023, the US Coast Guardreported 564 recreational
boating fatalities, with 75percent approximately 423 deaths
(02:12):
due to drowning.
Shockingly, 87 percent of thosewho drowned, about 368 people
weren't wearing a personalflotation device or PFD.
People weren't wearing apersonal flotation device or pfd
, despite most owning one.
Paddle sports like kayaking andpaddle boarding saw 183 deaths,
(02:33):
a rise of five percent since2022, with similar trends.
Most victims lacked a pfd.
Drowning is the leading causeof death in boating accidents,
and life jackets could preventover 80% of these tragedies.
End quote says TedSensenbrenner of the Boat US
Foundation.
Yet many boaters andriver-tubers skip them, thinking
(02:56):
I'm a strong swimmer.
But here's how to choose theright life jacket or personal
flotation device or PFD.
You can't count on thesalesperson in the sporting
goods store to know how tochoose the right personal
flotation device for you, unlessthey're a boater or have taken
specific product training.
The salesperson sold me apersonal flotation device or PFD
(03:20):
that was hugely inappropriatefor a brand new paddler.
I dropped a bunch of money onan advanced whitewater kayaking
PFD and then I had to go out andbuy another one that was more
appropriate for a newbiewhitewater kayaker, my paddle
port skill level and ragingriver or whitewater swimming
(03:41):
confidence.
To ensure you're buying theappropriate personal flotation
device or PFD, or life jacketfor yourself, your child or your
pet, you need to arm yourselfwith knowledge.
Lucky for you, I've done theresearch Since starting with
whitewater kayaking 11 years ago.
I've taught thousands of youths, adults, veterans and seniors
(04:02):
how to kayak and stand uppaddleboard or SUP Through the
nonprofit that I founded calledthe American Adventure Sports
Club.
I also taught at Team RiverRunner and Diversify Whitewater,
and I'm becoming an ACAAmerican Canoe Association
stand-up paddleboard instructor.
So I know life jackets, lifevests and personal flotation
(04:23):
devices or PFDs.
Stand-up paddleboarding isNorth America's fastest growing
paddle sport, and outdoorrecreation is the best form of
exercise in support of thebody's major systems.
However, if you're new topaddle sports, you must know how
to be safe while doingsomething good for your body.
Life jacket versus personalflotation device or PFD Not all
(04:52):
PFDs are lifejackets.
Know the difference or riskeverything.
The most critical difference islifejackets are designed to
turn you face up on the water,even if you're unconscious.
Lifejackets are also PFDs, butnot all PFDs are life jackets.
Not all PFDs will turn you faceup in the water, they will just
keep you floating.
However, people commonly usethe phrases life jacket, life
(05:16):
vest and PFD interchangeably.
Quote a life jacket is yourbest defense against cold water
shock.
End quote notes TransportCanada emphasizing their role in
preventing drowning, even forskilled swimmers.
When we come back from thisshort break, we'll talk about
the four types of personalflotation devices, or PFDs.
(05:37):
Before we cover the next topicin this episode, I want to
introduce you to the adventuresports lifestyle with what I
call a micro story about anadventure that I've had.
The adventure sports lifestyleand my deep connection to nature
is essential to my good health.
So here's the story.
Kayak fishing isn't a sport youcan decide to do on a whim.
You have to learn a series ofskills that all lead to making
(06:01):
you a competent and confidentkayak fishing angler.
Lead to making you a competentand confident kayak fishing
angler.
You'll first need to learn howto kayak, how to read the river,
how to plan for wind, waterweather and waves to keep
yourself safe while boating, howto rescue yourself and others,
and the laws around boating andfishing.
Next, you'll need to know howto research your fishing
(06:22):
location to find where thelaunch is, the public and
private property lines, anylicense and parking pass
requirements and the species offish in the body of water that
you plan to fish on, if going onmoving water, like rivers,
you'll need to know how to readthe river, scout your route and,
of course, basic to advancedkayaking skills, if kayak
(06:43):
fishing in whitewater or rapidlymoving water.
Next, you'll need to know howto fish All the skills necessary
to choose the appropriate lurefor the species of fish you hope
to attract and catch.
Finally, when getting out onthe water, you'll have to manage
your paddle, your fishing rod,your boat and any obstacles,
(07:03):
like boulders and downed trees,that you find on the river or on
the lake, not to mention otherboaters.
After nine years of boating andsix years of fishing, I have
finally become a Lake Good Riverkayak angler.
I did that.
I hope this story inspires youto get outside and adventure
alone with friends, but notalone boating or the people you
(07:25):
love the most, but don't boatalone, because it's not safe.
You never know when you'regonna need a rescue or help
getting off the river.
World events are constantlyteaching everyone some very
painful lessons.
Without warning, everything wetake for granted can suddenly
fail, and if you're not preparedin advance, you really don't
have a chance.
The fact is, the modern worldruns on a just-in-time supply
(07:48):
schedule.
Even the biggest grocery storescan carry only enough food for
a few days' worth of normalshopping.
So when disaster strikes andchaos ensues at your local
stores, the odds are simplyagainst you.
If you don't have emergencyfood and gear stockpiled in
advance, you will probablysuffer.
My partner, ready Hour, is hereto help you ahead of time.
(08:10):
Ready Hour has a long historyof providing calorie-rich,
reliable and deliciousnourishment for life's
unexpected situations andcritical emergency gear too.
They're part of a family ofcompanies that have served
millions of people like you fordecades.
My family and I use Ready Hourproducts for camping,
mountaineering and disasterpreparedness for five years now.
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Now back to the show where we'rediscussing the four types of
personal flotation devices orPFDs.
Personal flotation devices orPFDs come in four types.
Number one is inherent it'salways buoyant, it's always
floaty.
Number two is inflatable itcomes in adult sizes only and
(09:19):
it's not appropriate fornon-swimmers.
Number three is hybrid it hasfoam and inflation.
Number four is special purpose.
It's activity specific, likewhitewater kayaking PFDs.
For example, the US Coast Guardand Transport Canada approve
PFDs with performance levelsfrom 50 to 275, indicating
(09:42):
buoyancy in use.
Level 70, equivalent to the oldType 3 PFD, suits most
recreational boaters and offers15.5 pounds of flotation.
So always check the personalflotation device label for
approval and activityrestrictions.
You might be asking does my dogneed a life jacket or a personal
(10:04):
flotation device or PFD?
Personal flotation devices orPFDs are also available for pets
, cats and dogs alike.
Although most dogs are naturalswimmers, some become nervous
when away from shore or in coldwater.
So consider buying a PFD iftaking your pet out on the water
.
Here's what you need to knowabout life jackets and PFDs to
(10:25):
be safer on the water.
They only work if you'rewearing your life jacket or PFD.
Most communities are making it arequirement to wear a life
jacket or PFD because in anemergency, you might forget to
grab your PFD or struggle to getit on in time.
To keep you floating, your lifejacket or PFD must be the right
size for your body.
(10:46):
It shouldn't slip over yourchin or ears.
When someone pulls you out ofthe water by the life jacket or
PFD shoulder straps.
A key technique used inwhitewater rafting and motor
boating rescues Choosing theright PFD for your water sports
activity, the body of water,like lakes or white water on
rivers or oceans, and yourswimming ability and confidence.
(11:08):
Learn to read the new lifejacket labels to ensure you're
choosing the appropriate device.
Here's how life jackets andpersonal flotation devices or
PFDs work.
Life jackets, life vests,personal flotation devices or
PFDs provide buoyancy when youcan no longer keep yourself
afloat due to fatigue, injury orcold, or if you're a weak
(11:31):
swimmer or a non-swimmer.
Life jackets are available in awide variety of shapes, colors
and sizes.
Many are thin and flexible.
Some are built into fishingvests, ice fishing coats and
pants or hunting jackets.
My ice armor by clam icefishing jacket and pants have
(11:52):
built-in flotation, just in caseI fall through the ice.
Keep listening until the endfor examples of the appropriate
life vests for stand-uppaddleboarding, whitewater
kayaking and kayak fishing forbeginners to pros, as well as
what I like about each devicethat I recommend and download
your free personal flotationdevice or PFD buying guide in
(12:15):
the show description.
Remember adult-sized lifejackets may not work for
children, but you can buychild-sized life jackets.
Kids can't choose safety.
Parents must do it for them.
Here's a short story about theimportance of choosing the right
size personal flotation devicefor your child.
I was in a Colorado lake in thesummer on a stand-up paddleboard
(12:37):
and it was a very cold watertemperature day, even though the
ambient air temperature wasquite hot.
There were four children onpaddleboards.
There was one child who wasabout four years old and they
were clearly wearing anadult-sized personal flotation
device or PFT, which means ifthey fell off that paddle board,
(12:59):
they would float right out ofthat device and if they were
shocked by the cold water ordidn't know how to swim, they
would not make it back to shore.
So the wind picked up, Istarted heading back and I
noticed a group of childrenstruggling to get to shore.
All the older children made itto shore but the youngest one,
the four year old I know becauseI asked him his age when I
(13:21):
rescued him didn't have thestrength or knowledge to paddle
against the wind back to safety.
If he got pulled out into thelane where the motorboats they
wouldn't have been able to seehim and if he fell off his
paddle board he would havefloated right out of the PFT
because it was adult size so itwould not have kept him floating
(13:43):
in the water.
Luckily that day I had theskills, the physical strength
and the knowledge to rescue himand his paddleboard and get him
safely back to shore.
So proper fit is critical forchildren.
Federal law mandates that kidsunder 13 wear a US Coast Guard
approved PFD on boats.
Quote a child's PFD should fitsnugly, not slipping over the
(14:06):
chin.
End quote, says American CanoeAssociation kayaking instructor
Michaela Jones.
Always test your foam-filledlife jacket each year for
buoyancy.
Waterlogged, faded or damagedlife jackets should be thrown
away.
Inflatable life jackets shouldbe maintained according to the
manufacturer's instructions toensure they'll inflate during an
(14:28):
emergency.
Life jacket buoyancy is measuredin newtons.
Most adults only need 7 to 12pounds of buoyancy, or 31 to 53
Newtons, to keep their headabove water.
Life jackets and PFDs areseparated into four broad
categories based on weight Adultover 88 pounds.
(14:48):
Youth over 55 pounds and lessthan or equal to 88 pounds.
Child over 33 pounds and lessthan or equal to 55 pounds.
And infant less than or equalto 33 pounds.
Consider this when selecting aPFD for humans.
Based on a performance levellevel 50.
(15:11):
This is best used for competentswimmers near shore or land or
who have help nearby and a wayto be rescued is close by.
Level 70.
This is best used when help isclose by and you're near shore.
Level 100.
This is intended for use whenwaiting for a rescue.
It's not designed for use inrough waters.
(15:33):
Level 150.
This is intended for use in badweather and slightly rough
conditions.
It will turn an unconsciousperson face up.
Level 275,.
This is intended primarily foroffshore use and under extreme
conditions.
So here's Antoinette's favoritepersonal flotation devices, or
PFDs, by sport.
(15:54):
This is the Kokatat Hustle, andall of my favorite PVC free or
ozone depleting materials lifevests and PFDs, as well as the
sports they're ideal for, arecontained right here.
This information can help youmake good choices when buying or
renting a PFD.
The brand my family trusts mostis Kokatat, the Kokatat Hustle.
(16:18):
I wear my Hustle Life vest forwhitewater kayaking.
It's certified for use in theUS and Canada.
It has some great features,like this clamshell pocket with
a two-way zipper for organizingmy essentials, a side entry with
three adjustable straps,adjustable shoulder straps and a
lash tab for easy access to myrescue knife.
(16:40):
If you want to see these PFDson my body and how I use them
for different sports, check outthis video on my YouTube channel
at New Normal Big Life onYouTube.
This is the Kokutat Hustle,just in a different color.
I know I love PFD so much Ihave color options.
(17:00):
This is the Kokatat CenturionRescue PFD.
This is made for advancedwhitewater kayakers who have the
ability to rescue other people.
I am not one of these people.
This is my guy's PFD because heis one of those people capable
of rescuing others.
Next up is the Kokatat Leviathan.
(17:22):
The Kokatat Leviathan is mygo-to kayak fishing life vest.
It has an incredible 14 pocketsand multiple fixture options.
I carry lures, tools and otheressentials like lip balm, a
fishing license and snacks onthe water.
I don't carry sunscreen andI'll talk about how I use a
(17:43):
natural internal sunscreen in afuture article and podcast.
The Leviathan feels great whenI'm kayak fishing on my
Badfisher Inflatable SUP riggedfor kayak fishing.
The Leviathan feels comfortableagainst my kayaking chair.
The fleece line hand warmerpockets feel luxurious on days
(18:07):
where the water is cold, even inthe summer.
The Leviathan is certified forwear in the US and Canada.
Next is the Koketat Weekender,spelled W-K-N-D-R.
I love the Koketat Weekenderfor casually heading out on my
stand-up paddleboard on the lake.
It has a great front entry andzipper, and PVC Gaia foam and PE
(18:31):
panels that wrap around my bodyoffer a comfortable fit.
I can use an efficient paddlestroke without it pinching my
biceps or underarms.
It also has luxurious handwarmer pockets and so many
options for storing myessentials in these zip pockets.
Choose your life jacket or PFDcarefully, because your life or
(18:53):
that of someone you love dependson it.
Next I'll tell you how to keepyour lunch, electronics, camping
gear and other items dry on thewater and in the rain with a
dry bag.
Until next time, friends, I'mAntoinette Lee, your wellness
warrior here at the New NormalBig Life podcast.
I hope one day to see you onthe river, in the backcountry or
(19:13):
in the horse barn living yourbest life.
Tag new normal big life ornnblblog on social media so we
can celebrate your good healthand big life.
If you're a visual learner, youor you'd like to see me in
these various pfds doingdifferent sports, you can watch
an informative and entertainingversion of this video on youtube
(19:34):
, on the new normal big lifechannel, or listen wherever you
get your podcasts.
Share this episode with someonewho needs it, comment on your
post and drop us a message oremail nothing personal too
specific.
When you have a health oradventure sports topic you want
us to cover and support othersin this community.
Since 2012, the health rangerstore has been answering your
(19:54):
calls for a trustworthy,responsive and affordable source
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