"How do I know when to replace a life jacket? What is the lifespan of a PFD?
A life jacket doesn’t exactly have an expiration date. As long as the cover is free of tears, the foam inside doesn’t feel brittle or broken up, the straps are in good working condition even after a good tug, and there’s no excess mold that can’t be cleaned off, the life vest can easily last many years. Over time, the sun may cause the color of the outer layer to fade so it may be harder to spot in case of a rescue. If the fading is too much, a replacement would be recommended."
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