PFD Recommendations?

[Ocean Girl]

Have fun Lauren, take your time to find the right harness/PFD. Also ask your captain how he rigs his jack lines, as that might influence your tether purchase.
Cheers,
Erika

[barnakiel]

Frankly, I got so disappointed with inflatable vests that I am seriously considering going back to a fixed buoyancy one. I like many of the watersports neoprene models - way more comfortable to don, to wear, and hey I can swim in them. Try swimming in an inflatable one ...

Drift, but I hope it adds something.

b.

[Snore]

You asked about a PFD that will keep an unconscious person afloat. For that to happen the PFD will need to roll the victim unto their back and float them, not sure any inflatable can do that.

Also do some research, there have been several cases where an inflatable has not kept people afloat. The issue appears to me that inflatables can have one closure point at the belt, whereas other PFDs zip up closer to the neck. The higher the closure point the less the PFD will ride up -- victim sinks. My solution is an inflatable Mustang with an integrated harness and a crotch strap. IN THEORY this should keep me floating safely for hours.

[keepondancin]

I would try a dealer that sells mostly safety equipment. In Connecticut there is Landfall Navigation. I am sure there are dealers like that in South Florida. Also, if not needed immediately, go to one of the larger boat shows like Miami or Ft Lauderdale. There are always vendors that will have demo equipment you can try on, and also, might let you inflate it, even if done manually. If your not comfortable in it, you will be less likely to wear it.