This guide comprehensively covers life jackets (PFDs) for kayaking and canoeing, detailing various types—Type III (recreational), Type V (specialized), inflatable, youth, high-buoyancy, and low-profile—each suited to different activities and skill levels. Key safety features like buoyancy, fit, visibility, and storage are emphasized, along with crucial selection and maintenance advice. The guide stresses the importance of choosing a properly fitted, certified PFD appropriate for the specific paddling environment to ensure safety and comfort. Ultimately, it underscores the life jacket's vital role in water safety.