PFD vs Lifejacket in Canada: Labels, Sizing, Kids and Inflatables
In Canada, a lifejacket and a PFD (personal flotation device) both keep you afloat, but they are not the same thing. A lifejacket usually has more buoyancy and is designed to turn you onto your back, keeping your face out of the water even if you're unconscious. A PFD is lighter and more comfortable to wear all day but turns you less well. Either one counts for the legal "one per person" requirement on a pleasure craft, as long as it is Canadian-approved and the right size for the person using it.
This guide covers how to read the approval label, how to size an adult or child, the rules for inflatable PFDs, and how to care for and test your device. It draws on Transport Canada's guidance on choosing lifejackets and PFDs and Transport Canada's Safe Boating Guide. It is general information, not legal advice.
Lifejacket vs PFD: the key differences
| Feature | Lifejacket | PFD |
|---|---|---|
| Flotation | Usually more buoyant | Usually less buoyant than a lifejacket |
| Turning ability | Designed to turn you face-up, even if unconscious | Limited ability to turn you in the water |
| Comfort | Bulkier | Lighter and designed for constant wear |
| Colours | Red, orange or yellow | Many colours and styles |
| Thermal protection | Generally better | Generally less |
| Typical use | Put on to evacuate a vessel or when there is a clear risk of going into the water | Activity-specific designs for paddling, fishing, hunting and more |
A PFD you wear all the time is better than a lifejacket stowed under a seat. Transport Canada notes that most recreational boaters who die on the water each year in Canada are not wearing a flotation device, or are not wearing it properly. The Lifesaving Society says nine in ten boaters who drowned were not wearing a lifejacket or PFD at the time.
How to read a Canadian approval label
The Small Vessel Regulations require that a PFD or lifejacket carried to meet the rules be of an approved type and bear a mark or label showing that approval. Transport Canada's guidance says to look for a label stating approval by:
- Transport Canada,
- the Canadian Coast Guard, or
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Transport Canada also has a policy accepting devices certified to the ANSI/CAN/UL 12402 standard. These labels show a performance level (for example Level 50, 70, 100, 150 or 275) and must be in English and French. Level 50 devices are limited to strong swimmers in areas where help and rescue are readily available. Whatever the label, read its limits on weight, chest size and intended activities.
A device that has been altered in a way that weakens it, or whose markings are no longer readable, does not meet the regulations. Torn or worn-out devices shouldn't be used.
Sizing: chest, weight and a real fit test
Parachute, the Canadian injury-prevention charity, explains on its lifejackets and PFDs page that adult sizes are based on chest measurement and body weight, while children's lifejackets have weight limits. Transport Canada notes that lifejacket types are sized by body weight, with some types split above and below 32 kg or 40 kg.
How to check the fit
- Measure your chest at its widest point, over the clothing you'll wear on the water, and check your weight against the label.
- Do up every buckle, zipper and strap, then tighten from the bottom up.
- Have someone lift the device by the shoulders. It should not ride up past your chin or ears.
- Test it in shallow water or a pool with supervision. Relax, tilt your head back and see whether your mouth stays clear of the water. If not, try a different size or a more buoyant model.
Children's PFDs and lifejackets
Children slip out of loose devices easily, so fit matters even more. Transport Canada and the Lifesaving Society recommend these features:
- a large collar to support the head, ideally with a grab handle
- a crotch strap that buckles between the legs so the device can't slip over the child's head
- waist ties or elastic gathers, with adjustable straps for a snug fit
- buckles or a sturdy zipper, bright colour, reflective tape and a whistle
Fit check: if there is more than about 7.6 cm (3 in) between the child's shoulders and the device when you lift it, it is too big. Parachute says there are no Canadian-approved lifejackets for infants under 9 kg (20 lb) and suggests waiting until a child is at least that weight before taking them boating. Any device worn by someone under 16 on a pleasure craft must be inherently buoyant (foam), not inflatable.
Inflatable PFDs: the rules
Inflatable PFDs are compact and comfortable, but they come with conditions:
- Age and weight: Transport Canada says inflatables are not allowed for people under 16 or for anyone who weighs under 36.3 kg (80 lb).
- Must be worn: an inflatable only counts as your required device if you wear it. On an open boat that means wearing it at all times. On a boat that isn't open, it means whenever you're on deck or in the cockpit.
- Not for every activity: the Safe Boating Guide says inflatables are not allowed on personal watercraft or for high-impact activities like waterskiing, tubing or whitewater paddling.
- Cold weather: in temperatures near freezing they inflate more slowly and are less buoyant, so a foam PFD with thermal protection is a better choice in spring, fall and winter.
- Swimming ability: they're recommended for people who can swim, because inflating one by mouth while trying to stay afloat is hard.
Read the owner's manual, learn whether yours is manual or automatic, and check the CO2 cylinder and indicators as the manufacturer instructs.
Care, storage and testing
Required safety equipment must be in good working order and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions. Transport Canada's tips:
- Check buoyancy regularly in a pool, or by wading to waist depth and bending your knees.
- Make sure straps, buckles and zippers are clean and work, and tug on the straps to check for wear.
- Dry it in open air, away from direct heat and direct sunlight, and store it somewhere dry, well ventilated and easy to reach.
- Wash it with mild soap and running water, and never dry clean it.
- Never sit or kneel on it, or use it as a boat fender.
Add a pealess, non-metallic whistle to every PFD. On a canoe, kayak or SUP it covers the sound-signalling requirement. For the full equipment list, see our guide to canoe, kayak and SUP safety equipment in Canada. You'll find flotation and paddling accessories in our Paddling & Water Sports department, and anglers can find related gear in Fishing & Ice Fishing. Our catalogue is still being added to, and our FAQ covers shipping and returns.
Recap
- Lifejackets usually float you higher and turn you face-up. PFDs are more comfortable for constant wear.
- Look for Canadian approval (Transport Canada, Canadian Coast Guard or Fisheries and Oceans Canada) or an accepted ANSI/CAN/UL 12402 label.
- Size by chest and weight, then test the fit in shallow water.
- For children, choose foam devices with a collar and crotch strap, and do the shoulder lift test.
- No inflatables for anyone under 16 or under 36.3 kg, on personal watercraft, or in whitewater.
- Inspect, rinse, air-dry and store your PFD properly, and wear it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a PFD and a lifejacket?
A lifejacket is usually more buoyant and is designed to turn you face-up, even if unconscious. A PFD is lighter and made for constant wear but has limited ability to turn you. Both meet the legal requirement if they are Canadian-approved and the right size.
How do I know if a PFD is Canadian-approved?
Look for a label stating approval by Transport Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard or Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Transport Canada also accepts devices certified to ANSI/CAN/UL 12402 under its policy, with labels in English and French.
Can children wear inflatable PFDs in Canada?
No. Transport Canada says inflatable PFDs are not allowed for anyone under 16 or anyone who weighs under 36.3 kg (80 lb). Children need an inherently buoyant (foam) device.
How should a child's lifejacket fit?
It should be snug, with a collar for head support and a strap between the legs. If there is more than about 7.6 cm (3 in) between the child's shoulders and the device when you lift it, it is too big.
How do I care for my PFD?
Check its buoyancy in waist-deep water, inspect straps, buckles and zippers, rinse it with mild soap and water, and dry it in open air away from direct heat. Never dry clean it, sit on it or use it as a fender.