img11230Federal Law and common sense (which is difficult to legislate) dictate that all persons in a boat either wear or have immediate access to a Personal Flotation Device. In most instances the law does not require them to be worn, and many people choose not to for a variety of reasons, the most common being that most PFDs are bulky, hot and uncomfortable.

The advent of "float coats" and inflatable PFDs has done a lot to improve the numbers of wearers. The new Stearns Inflata-belt takes the convenience of the inflatable PFD one step further as it is no more obtrusive than wearing a small "fanny pack."

When needed, the belt can be inflated from a CO2 cartridge by pulling on a lanyard. The supplied mouth tube works as backup. A 1 1/2-inch belt and torso slide strap make a comfortable fit easy to manage. When fully inflated the Inflata-belt provides 22.5 pounds of flotation, well above the minimum 15.5 required by the USCG for Type III PFDs.

Stearns has been making PFDs since the 1960s. With the passage of the Federal Boat Safety Act, private industry was allowed to manufacture new PFDs with under Coast Guard guidelines. Stearns introduced the first Type III PFD in 1973.

Type III PFDs are designed for conscious users in calm inland waters, or where there's a good chance of fast rescue.

The suggested retail price is $59.95. See our product section for ordering information.