Fitting Your Child for a Life Jacket

Photo Credit: BoatUS.com

Do you know how to properly fit your child for a life jacket? Unfortunately, life jackets are not one size fits all. When it comes to purchasing one for children it must fit properly. If a life jacket does not fit them properly, it can put them in harm’s way. If it’s too small, it will not be able to keep them afloat; if it’s too big, it can easily slip off. There are however steps and procedures for ensuring the right fit when choosing a life jacket for children.

First off, life jackets come in four sizes which are categorized by weight range. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s label inside the life jacket to determine the size.

• Infant – under 30 pounds
• Child – 30-50 pounds
• Youth – 50-90 pounds
• Adult – 90 pounds and over

Body proportions vary by individual so make sure you follow the next steps to help determine a proper fit.

• Make sure all zippers and buckles can be closed and fastened properly. The life jacket should be snug, but comfortable.
• Have the child hold their arms straight up overhead. Pull the life jacket upwards by the arm openings. If you can slip the fastened jacket over the body, the jacket is too big. Also, make sure there is no excess room above the openings and the life jacket does not ride up over the chin, ears or face.

Please do not be tempted to buy children a life jacket that they can grow into. Children should have the best fitting life jacket for their age. If your child happens to be in between sizes; go with the smaller size to avoid the risk of it slipping off.

What Are The Different Types of Personal Flotation Devices?

So you've decided to purchase a new personal flotation device or PFD for short. Now is the confusing part, which PFD is right for you. Well it all depends on the type of activity you plan on wearing it for. There are five categories PFD’s and we have them all listed below so you can decide which type is right for you.

Type I: Offshore Life Jackets are made for rough, open, or remote waters. They are bulky and have the most buoyancy because if you are in need of help and stuck in the above-mentioned type of waters, it may be awhile before rescue can get to you. These come in bright colors and are designed to turn most unconscious people face up in the water.

Type II: Near-Shore Vests are made for calm inland waters. These are bulky but not nearly as much as the Type I life jackets. These are designed to turn some unconscious people face up but not all because of the chance of a fast rescue.

Type III: Flotation Aids are made for most paddlers. They offer more movement and comfort because of the chance of a fast rescue. These life jackets are made so that paddlers can put themselves in a face-up position, but may have to tilt their head back to avoid being face down in the water.

Type IV: Throwable Devices are cushions or ring buoys that are made to be thrown out to someone that’s in trouble. It can also be used as a backup to a PFD. These are not designed for non-swimmers, for use in rough waters, or someone that is unconscious.

Type V: Special-Use Devices are made for specific activities. In order to be acceptable by the USCG, they must always be used for the activity specified on the label.