What are Type IV PFDs designed for?

Type IV Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are specifically designed to be thrown to individuals in distress in the water, which makes them particularly useful during emergency situations. Unlike wearable flotation devices, which are meant to be worn at all times, Type IV PFDs are not intended to be worn; they are instead throwable devices, such as life rings or cushions. Their primary function is to aid in rescue efforts by providing flotation to someone who may be struggling in the water without the ability to swim or reach a PFD on their own. This capability is critical in water safety and emergency response situations, enabling rescuers to offer immediate assistance by providing a flotation aid without entering the water themselves.

Wearable flotation devices are designed to be secured on the body, and swimming vests are meant for flotation while swimming, so they do not fall under the definition of Type IV. While Type IVs might also alert others due to their presence, emergency signaling is not their primary function; their main purpose is rescue assistance.