Why Your Life Jacket Wears Out Over Time & How to Maintain It

When you put away your life jacket last fall, everything was in good working order. But now, when you pull it out, it doesn’t look too good. Even worse, when you put it on and test it for buoyancy, it doesn’t seem to be doing its job.

What happened? And how can you prevent your PFDs and life jackets from wearing out?

Why life jackets wear out over time

Several factors contribute to life jacket wear, some preventable, others not. There are three main elements to consider:

1. Heavy use

Life jackets are meant to be used. Whether you’re boating or enjoying water activities in California, New York or Florida, you need to respect your state-specific life jacket laws and regulations. While the details may differ, life jackets are usually obligatory for children and in some cases, for adults also.

Using your PFD could save your life, so congratulate yourself if you notice these types of inevitable wear and tear due to repeated use:

• Foam can shrink and degrade with exposure to water and compression.
• Textile exteriors can be damaged by saltwater, sunlight and heat.
• Metal parts like clips and clasps can corrode from repeated exposure to salt.
• Rough treatment can lead to tears, rips and punctures.

If you notice any of the above symptoms of heavy use, discard the jacket and replace it with a USCG-approved model that is the right size and type for your chosen activity. Replacing equipment is part of being a responsible boater.

2. Time

Life jackets do not last forever, however many manufacturers suggest that they can last up to 10 years if they are properly maintained.

Usually, a vest will not completely fall apart, but some part of it will get damaged or work less efficiently, leading the entire jacket to be less effective. 

• Trigger pads and gas cylinders on inflatable PFDs can wear out over time.
• Cotton straps can rot over time, even if not used, making them unreliable in emergencies.
• CO2 cartridges on inflatable PFDs have expiration dates and should be replaced regularly, typically every three years or as recommended by the manufacturer. Inflatable PFDs require regular servicing.
• UV radiation can weaken fabric and flotation materials over time.

Even if it is not completely useless, your life jacket should be thrown out if any part has been damaged or is not working at full capacity.

3. Improper storage

Not all wear and tear is linked with use. Storing your equipment incorrectly can also cause premature damage:

• Folding life jackets or storing them underneath heavy objects that squash them flat can cause damage to the foam and other materials. It is better to hang them or pile them lightly.

• Storing life vests in sealed, unventilated containers, or in a poorly-maintained outdoor shed, can expose them to moisture. This in turn can lead to mold and mildew, which may damage the fabric and get inside the foam. Inflatable PFDs are particularly vulnerable to moisture, which can corrode CO2 cartridges and affect inflation mechanisms. Always let your life jacket air-dry completely before storing it in a cool, dry place. Do not use a heat source or dryer to dry it.
• Direct sunlight means more UV exposure, causing the materials of your vest to weaken and become brittle. Store your life jacket in the dark.
• Excessive heat can damage the foam flotation material, causing it to shrink, harden, or lose its buoyancy. Do not store your life vest near a heater.
• Not cleaning your PFD properly before storage can lead salt crystals to form (presuming you were using it in saltwater conditions). Salt is corrosive and will damage zippers, buckles, other metal components and even fabric and flotation materials over time. Rinse your life jacket in clean water before storing it.
• Contact with chemicals, such as gasoline, oil, or cleaning solvents, can weaken and damage material. Keep your life jacket clean.
• If you store your equipment in an outdoor shed or basement where there are rodents or insects, you may discover physical damage when you pull them out again.

Remember to take proper care of all your boating safety equipment, even when it is not in use. 

Tips for maintaining your life jacket

It’s really important to do regular inspections and proper maintenance of all safety equipment, including PFDs and life jackets! Taking care of your equipment will extend its lifespan and ensure it remains effective in emergencies.

Key Recommendations: 

• Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for care and maintenance.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Rinse with fresh water after exposure to saltwater.
• Never remove any part of the life jacket or rely on DIY repairs.
• If the USCG approval label is no longer legible, or missing, the life jacket should be discarded. Note that newer vests have a new labelling system in place. Older life jackets that are in good condition can still be used even if their label follows the old system. You can learn more about life jacket Types and Performance Levels in our dedicated article.

When to discard your life jacket

If you have any doubt about the condition of a life jacket, discard it. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Check for: 

Visible Damage: Tears, rips, or punctures in the fabric; frayed or broken straps; damaged or corroded buckles or zippers; hardened, lumpy, or deteriorated flotation foam.

Signs of Degradation: Fading or discoloration of the fabric due to sun damage; mold or mildew growth; a noticeable loss of buoyancy; any signs of chemical damage.

For inflatable PFDs: Leaks in the inflation chamber; corroded or expired CO2 cartridges; malfunctioning inflation mechanisms; any damage to the inflation system.

Use your common sense! If a life jacket is very old, and especially if it hasn’t been stored properly, it should be replaced. Life jackets that have been altered or repaired may not function correctly and should be thrown away.   

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