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Whether you're tubing behind the family boat, wakeboarding with friends, or teaching the kids how to water ski, safety should always come first—and that starts with the right Personal Flotation Device (PFD).
In Canada, not every lifejacket or PFD is suitable for towable sports. So how do you know what to look for? Let's break it down.
Shopping for a Towable PFD
If you're shopping for a PFD to use while being towed behind a boat, here are the key features to check for:
1. Transport Canada Approval
First and foremost, the PFD must be approved by Transport Canada. Look for a label on the inside of the vest that clearly states its certification.
2. Activity-Specific Labelling
As of recent regulatory updates, many PFDs now include performance level icons and activity labels—including icons that show when a PFD is not suitable for a particular activity, like towable uses, personal watercraft, or whitewater. This is shown by the strikethrough graphic on top of the icon.
3. Designed for Towable Sports
Towable sports involve speed and wipeouts. Look for a PFD that's:
- Secure fitting with two encircling belts and a third—buckle or zipper—closure
- Comfortable and non-restrictive to allow full range of motion
4. Proper Fit
The PFD must fit snugly and be the right size for your weight and chest circumference. A poor fit can make the vest less effective—or even dangerous—especially if you fall in the water at speed while tubing, water-skiing or from a PWC.
5. Inflatables Are a No-Go
Inflatable PFDs are great for fishing, paddling, sailing and more but they're not appropriate for towable sports. You must wear an inherently buoyant (foam) PFD or lifejacket.
What Makes a PFD Towable Approved from a Manufacturer's Perspective?
For a company to advertise or label a PFD as "approved for towable sports" in Canada, it must meet specific design, testing, and labelling standards set by Transport Canada.
Here's what that means behind the scenes:
1. Approval Under Transport Canada's Harmonized Standard
To receive Transport Canada approval, the PFD must meet a recognized standard such as UL 12402-5 (Level 70)–the current harmonized standard across Canada, the U.S., and Europe for recreational use.
The product must undergo rigorous lab testing for buoyancy, durability, and performance.
2. Performance Level and Activity Icons
Modern PFDs must display standardized icons that identify:
- The performance level (e.g., Level 70, 100, or higher)
- What the PFD is not designed for (e.g., a towable icon with a strike through it.)
To be advertised as ‘towable-approved’ the icon cannot show as restricted on the label. Consumers can double check to make certain their activities are not restricted.
3. Minimum Buoyancy and Stability
For towable sports, PFDs must offer a minimum of 70 Newtons of buoyancy and pass tests for in-water stability and support. While most don't need to be fully self-righting, they must stay secure on the body during sudden impact with water at speed.
4. Secure Construction for Dynamic Use
The design must include at least two encircling belts and a third—buckle or zipper—closure to ensure the PFD doesn't shift or come off during a fall.
Why It Matters
An approved PFD is a life-saving tool. Towable sports add speed, wake, and unpredictability to a day on the water. Choosing an appropriate PFD designed for that purpose means you're protecting yourself or others with gear built to perform when it counts.
Need help finding the right Transport Canada–approved PFD for your next tubing trip? Shop our collection here.
