Life jacket labeling in the US went through a genuinely significant change recently — worth understanding since both the old and new systems are currently in circulation on store shelves.
The Type system is being replaced by a Level system
For decades, the US Coast Guard classified personal flotation devices (PFDs) using Type I through Type V designations. Starting January 2025, the Coast Guard moved to a new system, harmonized with Canada, labeling new PFDs by Performance Level — Level 50, 70, 100, and 150 — based on measured buoyancy rather than the older design-based Type categories. This wasn't a recall or a safety downgrade of existing jackets: PFDs already labeled with the old Type system remain fully legal and Coast Guard-compliant as long as they're in good, serviceable condition. Because both labeling systems are currently on the market during this transition, it's worth recognizing either one rather than assuming only the newer Level labels are valid.
What the new levels roughly mean
Higher Level numbers generally correspond to higher buoyancy and are associated with more demanding conditions — Level 50 devices are lower-buoyancy aids intended for specific supervised activities (and some must be worn, not just carried, to satisfy legal requirements), while Level 100 and 150 devices provide substantially more flotation, with some designs able to turn an unconscious wearer face-up in the water, generally intended for open or offshore water use. The exact buoyancy within each level can vary somewhat, so the level number is a strong general indicator, not an exact universal promise identical across every jacket at that level.
Foam vs. inflatable PFDs
Foam PFDs use built-in buoyant material, requiring no activation or maintenance and working immediately upon entering water, approved for all ages — the tradeoff is bulk, which can restrict movement and make them less comfortable to wear consistently in warm weather. Inflatable PFDs use a CO2 cartridge to inflate on water contact or manual activation, offering a much lower-profile, more comfortable wear — but they require regular inspection of the cartridge and mechanism, aren't generally approved for children, and provide no protection at all until actually inflated, which matters if someone enters the water unexpectedly or is unconscious before manual activation.
Fit is based on weight, not just size
PFDs are sized primarily by body weight (and chest size for some adult and youth models), not the same way clothing is typically sized — a PFD sized correctly for an adult's weight will not perform correctly on a child, since a too-large PFD can ride up over a child's head and face in water rather than keeping them properly positioned. Checking the specific weight range on the label against the actual wearer is the right sizing method, not estimating by general size or age alone.
The one thing people forget
Do the lift test before relying on any PFD: with the wearer's arms raised, gently lift the PFD at the shoulders — a properly fitted device won't ride up over the chin or ears. This simple check, done at the time of fitting rather than assumed from size alone, catches a genuinely common fit problem that a snug-looking strap adjustment doesn't guarantee against.