A life jacket, life vest, or personal flotation device (PFD), is a safety apparatus designed to keep you afloat in water when things go awry. It is made of buoyant materials such as foam, and covers the upper half of the body. In most places, wearing a life jacket is required by law before entering a body of water. No two life jackets are made the same and that’s why it’s important to consider the right one for your next water adventure. In this article, we’ll go over the key features of a good life jacket including its intended use, buoyancy