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A Primer on PFDs For Surf Boat Owners

Jun. 1 2023 Health & Safety By New England Watersports

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As a surf boat operator, you need to be responsible for the safety of your passengers and riders. One key area of surf boat safety that cannot be overlooked is maintaining a stock of good-quality personal flotation devices (PFDs) for passenger use on your boat. Also known as “life jackets,” PFDs help to keep people safe and afloat when they fall into the water so that they can be rescued. Here’s what to know about PFDs for surf boats.

PFD Types

Personal flotation devices come in five different types, I through V, so you can select the right option for your specific boating needs.

  1. Type I - Buoyant and self-righting, this PFD is great for rough waters, but it tends to be bulky to wear and it is also not USCG rated, so you have to have other types of PFDs available.
  2. Type II - These models are more comfortable than type I PFDs, but they do not have a righting feature that turns the wearer to face upwards, so they aren’t good for children or anyone with disabilities.
  3. Type III - Comfortable and popular, these PFDs resemble clothes most closely, with coat, jacket, or vest styling. Useful in calm waters.
  4. Type IV - This type is a throwable life ring or cushion that must be carried on all boats, no matter what. You’ll keep these PFDs on the deck where they can be grabbed in an emergency when someone falls overboard.
  5. Type V - These PFDs are designed specifically for use by watersports participants such as wakeboarders and surfers. However, they will fall under types I, II, or III; they are just additionally constructed to be wearable during extreme sports activities.

Important Guidelines

Only purchase a PFD if it has been approved by the United States Coast Guard. Make sure that you have a PFD available for every single passenger, adult and child alike, and that the PFDs fit them well and close securely. Regular inspections of your PFDs are necessary so that you can replace any which have worn down due to overuse or sun damage. Always store your PFDs in a safe place that is easily accessible by everyone.

Stop by our dealership in Naples, ME, to view our stock of new and used surf boats for sale. Let us know if you’d like assistance with financing your surf boat purchase. New England Water Sports serves our Maine customers around Long Lake and Sebago Lake.