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The U.S. Coast Guard rates PFDs in categories ranging from V to I. There is a more-or-less linear progression in protection from type IV to type I (type V is a limited-use style designed to be more comfortable to wear, such as an inflatable vest). A type IV PFD is a simple throw ring or boat cushion; a type I is an offshore vest with a minimum of 22 pounds of flotation, and a buoyant collar designed to turn an uncounscious swimmer face up.

Most recreational paddlers use type III PFDs, which provide at least 15.5 pounds of flotation. That might not sound like much, but the average adult human only weighs about 10 to 12 pounds in the water, so type III flotation is adequate for many uses. Type III PFDs are comfortable to wear and usually allow great freedom of movement for paddling. However, most of them have no attachment to support the head of a swimmer, unconscious or otherwise. On the other hand, those fat type-I PFDs can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time, and don't allow much movement. The middle-of-the-road approach is the type II vest, which, while it has the same minimum 15.5 pounds of flotation as the type III, also has a buoyant collar which helps to turn an unconscious victim upright.

Keep in mind that the Coast Guard ratings for each type are minimums — a manufacturer is perfectly free to put 17 or 18 pounds of flotation in a type III product, and they can also add buoyant collars if desired. So you'll find many PFDs that don't seem to fit neatly into one type or the other.

For whitewater use extra buoyancy is a good idea, since water churned through with a good percentage of air doesn't support a body as well as a nice calm lake. A collar offers added safety as well. Manufacturers sometimes refer to this as a high-float style.

There are several manufacturers of high-float PFDs. You might take a look at the Stearns model 6155, which is a good buy at around $60. Their website is www.stearnsinc.com.

Have fun, and be safe.

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