PADDLERsmart! USA Knowledge Base
Module 02 - Boating Equipment
TYPE II: NEAR-SHORE BUOYANCY VEST
You should wear this type of life jacket in calm waters when you’re paddling close to shore. Type II’s have a wide size selection and inflatable life jackets of this type are actually designed to turn the unconscious wearer face-up in the water.
Advantage
- Type II life jackets are more comfortable to wear than Type I life jackets.
Disadvantage
- You should only wear a Type II life jacket in close-to-shore paddling situations where you could be rescued quickly during an emergency situation.
The Type II’s available include:
- Inherently Buoyant Type II PFDs.
- Inflatable Type II PFDs.
- Hybrid Type II PFDs.
