Floatation aids come in many sizes and styles. Throwable Device These are designed to be thrown to a person in the water. Throwable devices include boat cushions, ring buoys, and horseshoe buoys. It is important to keep these devices immediately available for emergencies, and they should not be used for small children, non-swimmers, or unconscious people. Special Use Devise Special use PFDs include work vests, deck suits, and hybrids for restricted use.
Hybrid vests contain some internal buoyancy and are inflatable to provide additional flotation.
Drowning is often silent, takes as little as five minutes and usually happens when an adult is nearby. No one can watch a child every second. I is for boating in severe conditions where rescue may be delayed. Type LV is a boat cushion or rescue ring. It does not replace a wearable PFD and should not be used by children.