PTC UNIVERSITY PRESENTS: Life Jackets – In‑Water Product Demonstrations

Explore the next generation of life jacket design in this hands‑on, in‑water demonstration featuring new Level 50 life jackets alongside previously USCG‑approved inherent and inflatable models. Participants will have the opportunity to see and feel how these devices perform in real conditions, compare buoyancy and mobility characteristics, and understand the functional differences between traditional approval categories and the emerging Level 50 performance classification.

The session examines how Level 50 devices perform relative to legacy approval categories, with emphasis on flotation distribution, body positioning, airway protection, and functional suitability for human‑propelled and near‑shore recreational boating activities. Instructors and safety professionals will gain direct exposure to device behavior under controlled conditions, allowing for informed discussion of selection criteria, instructional considerations, and implications for risk management and consumer guidance.

This session provides a practical look at fit, flotation behavior, turning ability, and user experience across multiple device types. Whether you are an instructor, program manager, retailer, or safety professional, this on‑water demonstration will help you better understand product performance, communicate device differences to customers or students, and make informed decisions about equipment selection for paddlesports and other recreational boating activities.

All life jacket manufacturers are welcome to provide USCG-approved devices (or devices being submitted for approval) for demonstration at this session. (Contact Pamela Dillon at pam.dillon@paddlesportstradecoalition.org for more information.

 This session is being co-facilitated by the National Safe Boating Council (invited) and other neutral-parties.