Consumer Beware: Improper PFD’s

The latest from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is a bit disturbing. Recently there have been more and more non-approved personal flotation devices (PFD) for sale and now they are also being sold at some larger retail stores. Customers just assume that it is an approved version, says LDWF Lt. Col. Jeff Mayne, the state’s Boating Law Administrator. But they may not be.

Not only does using an unapproved PFD put your life in danger, it will also put your pocketbook in danger. If you get checked for life jackets and don’t have U.S. Coast Guard Approved vests, you are going to get a ticket.

Choosing the correct PFD can be the difference between life and death when on the water.  There are many different PFD types and styles to choose from and each must be properly fitted to the person wearing the PFD. Another factor that must be considered is to ensure that the PFD to be used is U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved.  A USCG approved PFD will have an approval number on the label usually on the inside part of the PFD.  Any other PFD that is not U.S. Coast Guard approved is considered illegal and unsafe. Make sure your life jacket has the USCG tag and an approval number on the label.

In 2012, there were 23 boating incident fatalities in Louisiana of which 15 officially listed drowning as the cause of death. In Louisiana, a vessel must have a USCG approved PFD for each occupant.  Also, anybody under 16 years of age must wear a USCG approved PFD if on board a vessel less than 26 feet in length and while underway.

“The unapproved personal flotation devices for sale are attractive purchases because they usually cost less than the USCG approved ones,” said Lt. Col. Mayne.  “However, those unapproved personal flotation devices would not be considered legal and could potentially put somebody’s life at risk.”