LJ 16 Standardize Terminology for Life Jackets and Flotation Devices
Build national consensus for consistent terminology for life jackets, personal flotation devices (PFDs), rescue, and other flotation devices while boating, swimming, or participating in other water related activities and disseminate widely.
See new publication:
U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan Coalition, Inc. (USNWSAP). National Recommendations for U.S. Coast Guard Approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and Life Jacket Use—A Working Document. 2026. (https://watersafetyplan.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/National-Recommendations-for-PFDs-and-Life-Jackets-Final-5-26.pdf)
Includes National Implications 3, 29 & 30; Specifically addresses Action Recommendation LJ 16.
Spectrum level: Changing Organizational Practices
Evidence level: Medium
Rationale:
After many years of use the term “personal flotation device” or “PFD” in safety and awareness campaigns it remains unfamiliar and confusing to the general public. The general public continues to respond and accept “life jacket” as the general term to describe all wearable types of “PFDs”. Consistent recommendations would help alleviate the confusion that the general public has regarding what type of life saving and personal protective device is needed for specific water-related activities. Consistent recommendations will help government and community organizations to develop and implement water safety campaigns that are accurate and clear.
Anticipated Impact:
After implementing this recommendation, you can expect to experience the following outcomes:
- Building national consensus for consistent terminology for life jackets, personal flotation devices (PFDs), rescue, and other flotation leads to less confusion for people regarding what type of life saving and personal protective device is needed for specific water-related activities.
- Building national consensus for consistent terminology for life jackets, personal flotation devices (PFDs), rescue, and other flotation devices helps government and community organizations to develop and implement water safety campaigns that are accurate and clear.
Evidence:
Stakeholders have identified that terms used (life jacket vs swim aid) are confusing, and that there is need for information that are more easily understood. There is also confusion about the differing messages promoted by organizations such as whether life jackets can be used for swimming verses life jackets that are needed once you know how to swim. Water safety experts agree that it is essential to have effective communication to support laws and enforcement of mandatory life jacket wear, and that terminology needs to be culturally and linguistically accessible. The National Boating Safety Advisory Council (NBSAC), under Resolution Number 2008-81-02, recommends and supports the use of the term “life jacket” in national, regional, and local boating safety marketing campaigns, education programs and initiatives in order to communicate effectively with the boating public as the term “personal flotation device” or “PFD” was an unfamiliar term to the public.
Evidence Sources:
Mangione T. (ed). (2021). Summary of suggestions for increasing life jacket use. Unpublished survey notes from online survey conducted with persons indicating interest in life jackets via https://www.watersafetyusa.org/nwsap.html
Cox K.L., Bhaumik S., Gupt, M., & Jagnoor J. (2022). Facilitators and barriers of life jacket use for drowning prevention: Qualitative evidence synthesis. Journal of Safety Research, Feb(80), 135-147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsr.2021.11.010
Giles A.R., Castleden H., & Baker A.C. (2010). We listen to our elders. You live longer that way: Examining aquatic risk communication and water safety practices in Canada's north. Health Place, 16(1),1-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2009.05.007
National Boating Safety Advisory Council. (2008) Resolution number 2008-81-02: Use of the term life jacket. https://homeport.uscg.mil/Lists/Content/Attachments/443/NSBAC%2081%20Resolution%202008-81-02%20Use%20of%20the%20Term%20Life%20Jacket.pdf
High Risk Populations Addressed:
Populations whose risk of drowning decreases the most with the implementation of this recommendation may have one or more of the following characteristics:
- Individuals who primarily speak a language other than English
- Boaters
- Recreational swimmers
- Individuals who participate in aquatic activities (stand up paddle, kite board, kayak, canoe, etc.)
Evaluation Metrics:
Indicators of long-term impact:
- Consensus and consistent messaging for life jackets and personal flotation devices (PFDs) and for instructional flotation devices and non-U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation in recreational swimming settings is built
- National consistency is obtained
- There is a greater understanding of the terms “life jacket”, “personal flotation device” or “PFD”, “rescue device”, “swim aid”, and “buoyancy device” among people nationwide
- More people are able to select the best device for their water-related activity
Indicators of intermediate impact:
- National, state, and local agencies begin to follow the National Boating Safety Advisory Committee’s and U.S. Coast Guard’s recommendation regarding the term “life jacket”
- Increased use of life jackets while swimming or playing in open water or pools
Indicators of initial impact:
- Agencies begin to review resources and materials that they develop and ensure the terms are being used correctly
- Increased number of organizations at the national, state, and local levels that have adopted the recommended definitions
Implementation:
Consider the following to ensure successful implementation:
- Create uniform recommendations and terminology for the devices mentioned in this action.
- Develop clear and consistent definitions that are not U.S. Coast Guard approved, and, or that are used as part of swimming and learn to swim programs.
- Establish relationships with influencers, agencies, and manufacturers.
- Promote visuals that model safe practice of life jacket use.
- Provide more education regarding where to find accurate information on life jackets and what the information on the new USCG and Transport Canada approved life jacket labels mean.
- Break down divisions and work towards achieving understanding and partnership in diverse communities by having a consistent messaging and definitions for PFD’s and life jackets.
Challenges to Implementation:
When implementing this recommendation, you might encounter challenges related to the following factors:
- Buy in from all stakeholders on terminology may be difficult.
- Ensuring terminology is being used correctly by everyone may be a challenge.
- The new life jacket labelling in Newtons may be extremely confusing for people.
- Finding ways to effectively massage to those with limited English proficiency may be a challenge.
- The lack of easy to understand visuals provided with floatation devices may be a challenge to overcome.
Potential Facilitators:
The following factors might facilitate the implementation of this recommendation:
- Organizational consensus will be needed for successful implementation.
- Encourage and engage with organizations that are working together to align messaging such as American Red Cross, YMCA, Safe Kids, National Safe Boating Council, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
- An analysis of where there is concurrence and where there are clear differences will help narrow the focus for consensus building.
GAP Recommendation:
More research needs to be done on effective flotation devices for swimming activities. Until research and inspection/approval process for new swimming flotation devices that are developed is complete, the recommendation should be that everyone should wear a life jacket, regardless of swim competency when swimming in uncontrolled open water such as lakes and rivers outside of a designated swim area.