Let's Talk Life Jackets! A Push for Proper Life Jacket Wear

What's New in Life Jacket Design? What's a Level 50?

Explore the next generation of life jacket design featuring new Level 50 life jackets  and USCG-and TC-approved inherent and inflatable models. Participants will compare buoyancy and mobility characteristics, and understand the functional differences between traditional approval categories and the emerging Level 50 performance classification. his 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 presentation 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.

Presenter:  Peg Phillips, Executive Director  - National Safe Boating Council

Oregon's Fit to Float ®

As reported in Paddling Magazine, the Fit to Float® program began with a discussion about a need for broader life jacket education on the Sawyer Paddles & Oars on-water podcast. The idea materialized the dream of a statewide life jacket fitting day, in partnership with paddlesports leaders. 

Together, the Oregon State Marine Board and Sawyer Paddles and Oars forged a unique partnership and created a replicable model of a statewide Fit to Float® life jacket fitting and awareness day.  This effort was complimented by a Governor’s proclamation for “Safe Boating Week”, at the request of the Oregon State Marine Board. The pilot project launched in May 2026, in partnership with the ACA, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and Oregon paddle sports retailers and other state leaders. Any prospective paddler or family of paddlers can show up at a participating location, try on a variety of life jackets, and learn about proper fit and the importance of wearing and activity appropriate life jackets when paddling and boating. The event is for all but was particularly created with families in mind to help parents find a life jacket that their children can wear both comfortably and safely. 

Presenters: Zac Kauffman from Sawyer Paddles & Oars and Priscilla Macy-Cruser of the Oregon State Marine Board