PFDs

Wear it, always

A life jacket that's in the boat is a hat. It only works on your body, zipped, snug across the chest.

What to look for

type      III or V (rescue)
fit       no ride-up at the shoulders
pockets   knife, whistle, strobe
rating    15.5 lb min flotation

The rule

Cold water, big water, easy water — it doesn't matter. The PFD goes on before the boat leaves the beach.