I have one of these North Water Paddle FLoats. It's always at the ready (non-inflatable), and I have floated on it and it floats well. Very buoyant.
Without getting into the endless debate on PFD wearing, I know that the law, at least here, is that one must have a rescue PFD available in the boat, but by law need not be wearing it. Floating seat cushions, I am told, qualify as a PFD.
Wonder if the paddle float qualifies, and no, I wouldn't be wearing it?
Throwables… According to the Coast Guard, all recreational boats must carry one wearable PFD (Type I, II, III or V) per person on board. Boats over sixteen feet in length are also required to carry a throwable (Type IV) PFD, but canoes and kayaks are exempt from this rule. Under some circumstances, a throwbag – a throwable bag containing floating rope, used to extend a line to a nearby swimmer or boat – can substitute for a throwable PFD.
A local bar used to have throwable cushions as seats on their bar stools… as the were over the water your bar stool became a PFD if you fell over…
in Illinois I think you’re in Illinois, right? If so, then you need to carry one Type I, II, or III PFD per person in the kayak or canoe. It must be labeled Coast Guard Approved Type #. So if your float is labeled thusly, then it’s ok. I’d bet it’s not though.
At one time throwables were allowed in Illinois, they no longer qualify as a P.F.D. in a canoe , kayak, OR any other boat. You will get a ticket! All motorized craft are required to have 1 P.F.D./person AND 1 throwable (seat cushion or ring type) per boat. No… a padlle float does not qulify as a P.F.D., and not as a throwable either.
