Lifejacket

Lifejackets provide maximum buoyancy and are intended to keep an unconscious victim's head and face out of the water, allowing them to breathe. They truly are intended as a "life-saving" device.

Standard keyhole-design lifejackets are orange, red, or yellow and come with attached whistles for signaling. They come in two sizes, for people under 40 kg (90 lbs) and over 40 kg (90 lbs). Keyhole Lifejacket (photo courtesy of Canadian Red Cross)

Personal Flotation Device (PFD)

PFDs are generally less bulky than lifejackets, come in various styles such as jackets, vests, or inflatable, and come in various colors. They are designed and intended to keep a person afloat in the water when sized and worn correctly but won't keep the head or face out of the water if the victim is unconscious.

PFD Vest

PFD Jacket

Inflatable PFD