Purchasing a PFD

Every student at the Edgewood Sailing School needs to have their own Coast Guard approved Type III personal floatation device. Students must wear PFDs on the docks and in the boats.  The Sailing School will loan a student a life-jacket for use during Sailing School classes or for use during any Sailing School activity on the water.  

Types of PFDs

A Type III PFD is designed for situations (like the sailing school) where assistance is close at hand. It is the least expensive type of wearable PFD, with prices starting around $40 - $50.

If you plan on sailing outside of the sailing school, you may prefer to invest in a Type II PFD that is designed for situations where you might have to wait for help. These PFDs are typically more expensive, but are also fine for sailing school activities.

Inflatable PFDs

Because of the additional expense, maintenance and possibility of accidental inflation, the sailing school does not recommend the use of inflatable PFDs by student sailors.

Fitting

Regardless of which type of PFD you buy, fit is important. It should be comfortable enough for you to wear for hours at a time, and snug enough that it will not slide up in use. You may have to try on several different models to find one that fits you properly.

When you are in the store purchasing a PFD, get the assistance of a friend or store clerk to help you check the fit. Put on the vest and tighten the straps so the vest is comfortable but snug. Pay special attention to the bottommost strap, which is most important to keeping the vest on you if you fall in the water. Then ask your friend to pull upward on the shoulder straps of the vest and see what happens. If the vest rises more than a couple of inches, it's not fitting well and you either need to adjust the straps or find a different vest.

Where to Buy

The Edgewood Sailing School does not recommend any particular brand or retailer for your PFD, but here is a partial list of local stores that carry them:

Full selection

Team One Newport
561 Thames Street
Newport, RI 02840

West Marine
1000 Division St
East Greenwich, RI

Type III only

Dick's Sporting Goods
1350 East Bald Hill Road
Warwick, RI 02886

Eastern Mountain Sports
176 Hillside Road
Cranston, RI 02920

REI
22 Chapel View Boulevard
Cranston, RI 02920