The boating season is upon us, but safety must not be forgotten. It is crucial to know about the required safety equipment for your boat such as Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs). Buying some life preservers and a throwable horseshoe buoy may not be enough.

Foremost, even if you do not read the rest of this article, please note that in New York State children under 12 years of age on a boat less than 65 feet, unless inside an enclosed cabin, must wear a life preserver at all times. Also, anyone of any age using a Personal Water Craft (PWC or Jet Ski) and water skiers must also wear the proper PFD.

Shopping for a PFD can be tricky. They come in many forms, colors, and styles. When shopping, bear in mind what kinds of activities you may be doing. You may need more than one type of PFD. You also may need to buy one that costs more than you would like to spend, but do not forget that your life or someone else's depends on it.

There is a nice variety of PFDs sold at Oyster Bay Marine Supply on South Street. Go in and try on the correct PFD. Look for comfort and also think about whether or not the color will be visible when you are in the water. You should choose one with bright colors and/or reflective tape. Orange is actually the best color because it is not a color seen very often in nature. Bright colors are easy for rescuers to see against the dark waters that we have around Long Island.

Even if a PFD feels comfortable still read the label to see what weight, size, and type of activity it is suggested for. If a label says "Impact Class" or mentions the speed it can withstand, it means it has been tested for strength at a certain speed at impact.

PFDs are categorized by Type (e.g., Type I, II, III, IV or V). Recreational boaters typically wear Types I, II and III. Type IVs are throwable devices such as horseshoe buoys, life rings, and buoyant cushions, which should not also be used as seat cushions. They are meant to be used in an emergency as follows: Lean on the device so that it supports you and put arms through the straps for extra assurance. Type Vs are "special use devices." One such device is an inflatable PFD that is worn around the waist until needed. The user must wear the device only for activities it is recommended for in order for the Coast Guard to deem that regulations are met.

You are required to have a minimum of one Coast Guard approved Type I, II, or III PFD for everyone on the boat, and it must be the correct size. If your boat is 16 feet or longer you must also have one throwable device, which is also known as a Type IV PFD. Bear in mind that by and large the lower the number the better it performs (e.g., a Type I is better than a Type II).

For more information about local boating, environmental issues, and other water-related activities throughout the Oyster Bay area you can email the author at Jaime.VanDyke@gmail.com or reach her at 946-9464.