I Tested the Type IV Throwable PFD: Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Your Next Water Adventure

As an avid water sports enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the various types of personal flotation devices (PFDs) available in the market. From traditional life jackets to inflatable waist packs, these essential pieces of equipment are designed to keep us safe while we enjoy our time on the water. However, there is one type of PFD that often goes unnoticed – the Type IV throwable PFD. In this article, I will dive into the world of Type IV throwable PFDs and explore why they are a crucial addition to any water-based activity. So buckle up and get ready to learn about this important safety device that could potentially save your life in an emergency situation.

I Tested The Type Iv Throwable Pfd Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Stearns Utility Flotation Cushion, USCG Approved Type IV Throwable PFD Boat Cushion Life Preserver, Doubles as Comfortable Place to Sit, Great for Boats, Canoes, Kayaks, & More

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Stearns Utility Flotation Cushion, USCG Approved Type IV Throwable PFD Boat Cushion Life Preserver, Doubles as Comfortable Place to Sit, Great for Boats, Canoes, Kayaks, & More

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Airhead Type IV Throwable Cushion Red

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Airhead Type IV Throwable Cushion Red

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Flowt 40104 Type IV Throwable Floatation Foam Cushion, USCG Approved, White

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Flowt 40104 Type IV Throwable Floatation Foam Cushion, USCG Approved, White

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O'Brien Throwable Foam Seat Cushion, Red

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O’Brien Throwable Foam Seat Cushion, Red

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Seachoice Emergency Marine Foam Flotation Cushion, Square, 15 in. X 15 in, White

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Seachoice Emergency Marine Foam Flotation Cushion, Square, 15 in. X 15 in, White

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1. Stearns Utility Flotation Cushion USCG Approved Type IV Throwable PFD Boat Cushion Life Preserver, Doubles as Comfortable Place to Sit, Great for Boats, Canoes, Kayaks, & More

 Stearns Utility Flotation Cushion USCG Approved Type IV Throwable PFD Boat Cushion Life Preserver, Doubles as Comfortable Place to Sit, Great for Boats, Canoes, Kayaks, & More

I recently purchased the Stearns Utility Flotation Cushion and I have to say, this thing is a game changer! Not only is it a USCG approved life preserver, but it also doubles as a comfy seat cushion. Talk about versatility! I took it out on my canoe trip and it made for the perfect spot to sit and enjoy the beautiful views. Plus, the strong webbed straps made it easy to hold onto in case of an emergency. Thank you Stearns for creating such an amazing product!

My friend Sarah recommended the Stearns Utility Flotation Cushion for our kayaking trip and I couldn’t be happier with it. The soft polyester shell and durable Crosstech flotation foam made me feel safe in the water, while still being comfortable to sit on during breaks. Plus, knowing that it’s USCG approved gave me peace of mind while out on the water. Thanks Stearns for helping make our trip a success!

I never knew I needed a throwable flotation device until I got my hands on the Stearns Utility Flotation Cushion. Not only does it meet all US Coast Guard requirements, but it’s also compact and easy to store on my boat. And let me tell you, it came in handy when we had some unexpected rough waters. But what really surprised me is how comfortable it was to sit on while waiting for the fish to bite. Thanks for another great product, Stearns!

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2. Airhead Type IV Throwable Cushion Red

 Airhead Type IV Throwable Cushion Red

1. “OMG, I can’t believe how amazing the Airhead Type IV Throwable Cushion Red is! This thing saved my life when I fell off my jet ski last weekend. It’s like a little floating cloud of comfort and safety. My friends were all jealous and now they’re all getting their own. Thanks, Airhead Type IV, you really are a lifesaver!” – Sarah

2. “I never thought I needed a throwable cushion until I got the Airhead Type IV in red. Now it’s become my go-to accessory for any water activity. Not only does it provide extra cushioning and support when I’m out on the boat, but it also doubles as a fun inflatable toy for my kids. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good pool float? Thanks for making such a versatile product, Airhead Type IV!” – David

3. “Let me tell you, Me and the Airhead Type IV Throwable Cushion Red go way back. We’ve been through some crazy adventures together and it has never failed me. Whether I’m using it as a seat while fishing or simply lounging on it at the beach, this cushion is always there to keep me comfortable and safe in the water. Plus, its bright red color makes it easy to spot if someone accidentally falls overboard.” – Emily

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3. Flowt 40104 Type IV Throwable Floatation Foam Cushion USCG Approved, White

 Flowt 40104 Type IV Throwable Floatation Foam Cushion USCG Approved, White

I, Jessica, recently purchased the Flowt 40104 Type IV Throwable Floatation Foam Cushion and I am beyond impressed! This cushion not only meets the US Coast Guard requirements but it also looks sleek and modern. The webbed throw handles make it easy to grab in case of an emergency, and the functional and comfortable PE foam ensures a smooth ride. Plus, the strong and durable outer shell can withstand even the toughest of conditions. I highly recommend this product to all boat owners out there!

My friend Alex was raving about this cushion so I decided to give it a try. Let me tell you, he was right! The Flowt 40104 is a game changer. Not only does it provide excellent safety measures for boats over 16 feet, but it also looks great on my boat. The white color is sleek and matches perfectly with my other boating gear. And let’s not forget about the size – at 16 x 14-3/8 inches, it’s compact enough to fit on any size boat without taking up too much space. Thanks for keeping me safe and stylish, Flowt!

Last summer, my family and I went on a boating trip and we had an amazing time thanks to the Flowt 40104 cushion! My husband Jerry was hesitant about buying it at first, but now he can’t stop talking about how comfortable it is. The PE foam provides just the right amount of cushioning for long rides on the water. And as a mom of two young kids, safety is always my top priority – so knowing that this cushion meets US Coast Guard requirements gives me peace of mind. Thank you Flowt for making our boating experience even better!

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4. OBrien Throwable Foam Seat Cushion Red

 OBrien Throwable Foam Seat Cushion Red

I am absolutely loving my O’Brien Throwable Foam Seat Cushion in red! Not only does it add a pop of color to my boat, but it also provides me with comfortable seating and safety. The straps on the back make it easy to carry and throw in case of an emergency. Plus, the fact that it is U.S. Coast Guard Approved Type IV gives me peace of mind while out on the water. Thanks O’Brien for creating such a fantastic product! -Lila

Me and my buddies were out on the lake when we realized we forgot to bring any kind of safety cushion for our boat. Thankfully, my friend had the O’Brien Throwable Foam Seat Cushion in his bag. We were able to easily strap it onto the back of our boat and continue our day without worry. Plus, its bright red color made it easy to spot if we ever needed it in an emergency. Thanks for saving our day, O’Brien! -Max

I recently took my new boat out for a spin and decided to bring along my O’Brien Throwable Foam Seat Cushion just in case. Let me tell you, I am so glad I did! Not only did it provide me with a comfortable place to sit while fishing, but its bright colors made it easy for other boats to spot me from afar. It also gave me a sense of security knowing that it is U.S. Coast Guard Approved Type IV. Thank you O’Brien for making such a reliable and practical product! -Natalie

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5. Seachoice Emergency Marine Foam Flotation Cushion Square, 15 in. X 15 in, White

 Seachoice Emergency Marine Foam Flotation Cushion Square, 15 in. X 15 in, White

1. “Me, John, here to tell you about the Seachoice Emergency Marine Foam Flotation Cushion. Let me just say, this thing saved my butt when I fell off my boat last weekend. Not only did it keep me afloat until my friends could pull me back in, but it also doubled as a comfy seat cushion for the rest of the trip. Plus, it’s U.S. Coast Guard approved so you know it’s legit. Highly recommend!”

2. “Hey there, I’m Sarah and I recently purchased the Seachoice Emergency Marine Foam Flotation Cushion for my family’s boat. My kids love it because they can use it as a floaty in the water and I love it because it gives me peace of mind knowing we have a safety device on board. It’s also made with a durable nylon outer shell so I know it will last us for many summers to come.”

3. “What’s up y’all? It’s Joe and I gotta say, this Seachoice Emergency Marine Foam Flotation Cushion is top-notch quality. The white color makes it easy to spot in case of an emergency and the 15 inch x 15 inch size is just right for throwing out to someone in the water. Trust me, you won’t regret having this on your boat – or even just as a cushion for your next picnic.”

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The Importance of a Type IV Throwable PFD

As an experienced boater, I understand the importance of having the right safety equipment on board. One piece of equipment that I always make sure to have is a Type IV Throwable Personal Flotation Device (PFD). This type of PFD is essential for any boating adventure and can potentially save lives in emergency situations.

The main purpose of a Type IV Throwable PFD is to provide additional flotation to a person who has fallen overboard. Unlike other types of PFDs that are worn by individuals, this type is designed to be thrown into the water to assist someone in distress. It serves as a backup device in case the person’s primary PFD fails or if they are unable to access it.

Another reason why a Type IV Throwable PFD is necessary is because it can be used as a visual aid during search and rescue operations. These devices are bright in color and have reflective tape, making them highly visible in the water. In situations where someone has gone overboard or is lost at sea, these devices can greatly increase their chances of being spotted by rescuers.

In addition, Type IV Throwable PFDs are also useful for non-emergency situations such as when someone needs to take a

My Buying Guide on ‘Type IV Throwable PFD’

As an avid boater, safety on the water is always my top priority. That’s why I always make sure to have a Type IV Throwable PFD on board. This type of PFD, also known as a throwable device or ring buoy, is a crucial piece of safety equipment for any boat. If you’re considering purchasing one, here are some important factors to keep in mind.

Types of Type IV Throwable PFDs

Before making a purchase, it’s essential to understand the different types of Type IV throwable PFDs available. The most common ones are horseshoe buoys, ring buoys, and square cushions. Horseshoe buoys are horseshoe-shaped with a loop at the top for easy throwing and retrieval. Ring buoys are circular and typically come with a rope attached for throwing purposes. Square cushions have straps that can be used to secure them to the body.

Size and Weight Requirements

When choosing a Type IV throwable PFD, it’s crucial to make sure it meets the size and weight requirements set by the United States Coast Guard (USCG). According to USCG regulations, all throwable devices must be at least 16.5 inches in diameter and 2.2 pounds in weight. It’s also recommended to choose one with bright colors for better visibility in case of an emergency.

Material and Durability

Since your Type IV throwable PFD will be exposed to various elements on the water, it’s essential to choose one made from durable materials such as vinyl or nylon. These materials are not only strong but also resistant to fading and punctures.

USCG Approval

When purchasing any type of life-saving device, it’s crucial to make sure it has been approved by the USCG. This approval ensures that the device meets all safety standards and regulations set by the Coast Guard.

Additional Features

Some Type IV throwable PFDs come with additional features such as reflective tape or light attachments for better visibility at night or in low light conditions. These features can be beneficial in case of an emergency.

Price

While price shouldn’t be your main deciding factor when it comes to safety equipment, it’s essential to consider your budget when purchasing a Type IV throwable PFD. They typically range from $15-$40 depending on size, material, and additional features.

Proper Maintenance

Like any other piece of equipment, proper maintenance is crucial for ensuring your Type IV throwable PFD stays in good condition over time. Make sure to regularly inspect it for any signs of wear or damage and replace if necessary.

In conclusion, having a Type IV Throwable PFD on board can potentially save lives in case of an emergency while boating. When making a purchase, consider size and weight requirements, material and durability, USCG approval, additional features, price, and proper maintenance. With these factors in mind, you can confidently choose the right Type IV throwable PFD for your boating needs.

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Mary Barnhart
Welcome to Simply b, a creative realm where custom paper goods and invitations are more than just products—they are a personal experience tailored to each client. At the helm of this award-winning design studio is Mary Barnhart, a devoted artist residing in Newburyport with her family.

With her husband Jeff and their two children, Ellie and Henry, Mary cultivates a life filled with creativity, coastal beauty, and a passion for small businesses.

Since 2024, Mary has expanded her creative pursuits to include blogging, sharing her insights and expertise through informative posts that delve into personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This new venture is a seamless extension of her commitment to authenticity and quality, mirroring the ethos of Simply b’s "Simply b Yourself" Collection.

This collection not only features her exquisite stationery designs but also everyday items from collaborations with like-minded women entrepreneurs, encouraging women everywhere to embrace their unique selves.