Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) and Lifejackets: Types, Rules and Regulations

June 18, 2025

Updated June 2025 The purpose of lifejackets and personal flotation devices (PFDs) is to keep you afloat in the event of an incident on the water. They should be kept close by and preferably worn at all times while boating. According to the Canadian Red Cross, wearing a lifejacket could eliminate up to 90% of all drownings that occur while boating.

In order to make boating safer for all Canadians, the government now legally requires vessels to have an appropriately-sized lifejacket or PFD for each person on board. Find out which types of lifejackets and PFDs are approved in Canada and other rules and regulations governing their use in this article from the experts at Drive a Boat Canada.

Note: The terms “lifejacket” and “PFD” are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different types of safety devices.

Lifejackets

Lifejackets are designed to turn the wearer face up in the water so that they can breathe, even if they are unconscious. Most lifejackets are keyhole style, meaning that the floating parts are concentrated around the neck and chest, with only straps in the back. They are extremely buoyant and only come in red, orange and yellow for the sake of visibility.

There are three types of Canadian-approved lifejackets:

• Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) lifejackets are approved for all types of vessels. They are designed to meet very high standards of performance and are available in both foam and inflatable models.
• Standard lifejackets are approved for all vessels except SOLAS vessels (which are governed by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea).
• Small vessel lifejackets are approved for small vessels only. They are less buoyant than standard lifejackets. They are still designed to turn the wearer face up, but may do so more slowly than the types listed above. They come in both vest and keyhole styles.

PFDs

Personal flotation devices are designed for recreational rather than commercial boating and are made to keep the wearer afloat. They tend to be more comfortable and less bulky than lifejackets, but provide less buoyancy and are limited in their ability to turn the wearer face up. They are available in a wide variety of styles and colours.

There are models of PFDs that are designed for specific activities, such as fishing and paddleboarding. When buying a PFD, make sure to choose a model that is appropriate for the activity you’re planning to use it for.

Inflatable vs. foam

Some flotation devices are made of foam and are inherently buoyant. Others are inflatable—they either inflate automatically when they hit the water or can be manually or orally inflated by the wearer. Many devices are equipped with multiple inflation methods in case one ends up being faulty. Most use a carbon dioxide cartridge to inflate.

Note that inflatable flotation devices are not allowed for children under 16 years of age.

Flotation devices for children

There are lifejackets and PFDs that are designed specifically for children. The appropriate size is determined based on the child’s weight. The device should be a snug but comfortable fit. If it rides up over the child’s head, it is too big.

Children’s flotation devices should have a large collar to support their head and a safety strap that goes between their legs to prevent the device from slipping off.

Note that in Canada, there are no approved flotation devices for children under 20 pounds. Transport Canada recommends waiting until children are over 20 pounds before taking them boating.

PFDs vs life jackets: main differences

So, while often used interchangeably, PFDs and life jackets have distinct differences, primarily concerning their level of buoyancy, ability to self-right an unconscious person, and design for specific activities.

In essence:

• All life jackets are PFDs, but not all PFDs are life jackets.
• A life jacket’s primary focus is maximal safety and self-righting capability for an incapacitated person.
• A PFD prioritizes comfort and wearability for active use, assuming the wearer is conscious and able to assist themselves.

Rules and regulations

The lifejackets and PFDs used while boating in Canada must be approved by Transport Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard or Fisheries and Oceans Canada. While there is no expiry date for flotation devices, they are no longer considered approved if they are ripped, worn, repaired or altered.

Flotation devices are an integral part of the required safety equipment on a boat. There must be an appropriately-sized lifejacket or PFD for every person on board a vessel, and they must be worn or within reach at all times.

Who approves PFDs in Canada?

In Canada, Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) and life jackets are approved by:

• Transport Canada
• Canadian Coast Guard
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada

When purchasing a PFD or life jacket in Canada, always look for a label that clearly indicates the vest has been approved by one of the above authorities. Your flotation device should meet Canadian safety standards.

IMPORTANT:  Canada has recently harmonized its PFD labeling with international standards, leading to new labels that feature new icons instead of detailed text.  These symbols indicate  buoyancy, turning ability and suitability for specific activities (like waterskiing) or use with personal watercraft.

Recommendations for care and maintenance

Just like boat maintenance, it’s important to care for your lifejackets and PFDs properly in order to keep them in optimal working condition. They should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area that is readily accessible. When wet, they should be air-dried out of direct sunlight. Do not use direct heat to dry the devices, as it could damage them.

Flotation devices should never be used as knee pads, seat cushions or fenders for the boat. Devices made of foam may be compressed by this type of use, losing their buoyancy and voiding their approval status.

Always test your life jacket or PFD before using it out on the water, to make sure it works and also that it fits properly.

When must a personal flotation device (PFD) or lifejacket be replaced?

If you have any doubt about the condition of a life jacket or PFD, discard it. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

The three main things to check for are:

Visible damage

Look for tears, rips, punctures, frayed straps, or damaged/corroded buckles and zippers. Also, check for flotation foam that feels hard, lumpy, or deteriorated.

Signs of degradation

Less obvious signs of damage include fabric fading or discoloration from UV exposure, the presence of mold or mildew, a reduction in buoyancy when in the water, and any indications of chemical deterioration.

Leaks (for inflatable PFDs)

For inflatable PFDs, check for leaks in the inflation chamber, corroded or expired CO2 cartridges, malfunctioning inflation mechanisms, or any damage to the overall inflation system.

Even without visible damage, common sense shoudld prevail. Replace very old life jackets, especially if they haven’t been stored correctly. Similarly, any life jacket that has been altered or repaired should be discarded.

Learn to boat safely with Drive a Boat Canada!

By law, flotation devices are essential lifesaving equipment to have on board while boating. There are several different types of lifejackets and PFDs, so it’s important to select devices that are appropriate for the wearer’s age and size and for the type of boating activity planned.

Learn more about boating safety with Drive a Boat Canada’s online boating course. Prospective boaters are required to take a course and pass an exam in order to obtain their boating licence, which allows them to operate a boat on Canadian waters. Get your pleasure craft operator card now so that you’ll be ready to hit the water next season!