Whether you are swimming in a pool, boating or enjoying some other sort of recreational activity on our nation’s rivers or oceans, it is important to know what’s what when it comes to flotation devices.

Ok so, you know those little things they call water wings that are blown up and placed on a young child’s upper arm for buoyancy? You should also know that they are certainly not the be all, end all in flotation and they should always be worn around a capable swimmer who has a keen eye on the situation at all times. 

Same goes for those fun rubber rafts that come with flamingo heads or drink holders. Their purpose is only fun and relaxation. They should never be relied upon for real water safety.

One of the best defenses against drowning is to learning how to swim, but even then dire circumstances can occur. Those are the times when a personal flotation device can make all the difference. 

The difference between life jackets and personal flotation devices (PFDs) is that PFDs are designed to turn a person face up in the water if they are unconscious. Handy, right? You bet, and there are several types – some for maximum buoyancy and others with a little less flotation for calm excursions where immediate rescue is available. PFDs should always be U. S. Coast Guard approved and correctly sized for a nice, snug fit.

There are also throwable flotation devices, such as rings which are attached to a rope so that a distressed swimmer can be pulled to safety; or cushions with handles which can be used to place the arms through so that they can be “worn” until the person in distress can be rescued.