I am a commercial rafting guide and a kayaker and this PFD performs excellent for both. I have swam a few rapids and have felt as comfortable as I can in this vest. The low profile makes swimming easy. The pockets provide plenty of room for storing whistle, watch, carabiners and other gear. The D-rings in the pockets are great for securing key rings, too. The adjustablility is also great whether I am wearing it against bare skin for summer rafting or over complete winter kayaking gear and it never rides up when paddling or swimming. The only problem I have found is that the vest doesn''t actually float me face up if I go limp in the water. Not a problem most the time, but a little unnerving to know just in case