Personal Floatation Devices are also known as Life Jackets, PFD's, Life Preservers, or Life Savers.
There are various types of PFD’s and it is very important that the PFD you choose is a Coast Guard approved Georgia life jacket and comfortable enough so that you actually wear it while on the water.
1. Type 1 – This is a very heavy PFD and is typically found out on the ocean, including cruise liners and deep sea fishing.
2. Type 2 – These are your standard life jackets that go over your shoulders and buckle around your torso. These are designed to keep your head above water (“right” you) should you be unconscious.
3. Type 3 – Ski Vests. Type 3 PFD’s will not “right” you if you are unconsicous but allows for a little more movement and freedom than a Type 2.
4. Type 4 – A Throw Device. If someone falls overboard, this would be thrown to them and is commonly referred to as a life saver.
5. Type 5 – A specialized life preserver designed for hunters, hikers, etc. in shallow water.
6. An inflatable – These are to a Type 2 and Type 3, and are low profile pieces of cloth, but when they have a reaction to the pressure of water, they expand to a flotation device. These inflatables will keep you upright if you become unconscious and are easy to wear because they are not bulky.
At A. Bishop Law, our Georgia boat injury lawyers welcome any questions about boating safety and boating law. If you, a family member or friend has been injured due to a boating accident, please Call or Email us about any questions you may have about Georgia Boating law, BUI laws and safety violations. Your initial consultation is free and confidential.
About the attorney: Anne Bishop is a Georgia Lawyer with A. Bishop Law in Gainesville, Georgia and handles various DUI / DWI, Marijuana Arrests and other Georgia Criminal Defense matters. The law office of A. Bishop Law can assist clients throughout Georgia including: Hall County (Gainesville, Oakwood, Flowery Branch), Jackson County (Jefferson, Braselton) White County (Helen, Cleveland), Lumpkin County (Dahlonega), Dawson County (Dawsonville), Habersham County (Demorest, Cornelia), and all of Northeast Georgia.
This article and/or video should not be considered nor relied upon as legal advice since it is only intended for general overview and informational purposes. Please consult with an attorney on your specific situation in order to determine an appropriate legal course of action.