What should you do if your PFD is submerged?

When a personal flotation device (PFD) is submerged in water, its effectiveness can be compromised, especially if it is not designed for such conditions or is unable to dry properly. Therefore, replacing it with a new one is the safest option.

PFDs are critical for ensuring safety on the water, and if one has been submerged, there’s a risk that it may not perform as intended when needed. Many life jackets contain foam or other materials that can absorb water, leading to reduced buoyancy or increased weight. Using a compromised PFD could endanger life in an emergency situation.

The other options suggest trying to salvage the submerged PFD, which could potentially put you at risk if it turns out to be ineffective when called upon for buoyancy. Keeping a damaged or untrustworthy PFD for backup is also not advisable, as it might fail to support a user in distress. Therefore, immediately replacing a submerged PFD is crucial for maintaining safety while boating.