How To Choose The Right Life Jacket

Lifeguard | July 28, 2017

With the sun beaming down on you and the water spraying you, there will be those moments where not wearing a life jacket is tempting. Luckily, modern life jackets come in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes for you to choose the best fit. With that said, how do you choose!?

Your life jacket must be U.S. Coast Guard approved, the proper size, in good condition, and needs to be properly stowed when not being used.

Sizing
The proper size of your life jacket depends on your height and weight, check the manufacturer's label to make sure you have the correct size. Once you have done so, make sure you fastened the jacket properly. You want to be able to move freely and comfortably. To ensure you have the correct size, hold your arms above your head and ask a friend to pull up from the tops of the arm openings. If there is excess room above the openings or your jacket rides up past your chin, you have the wrong size.

Common Life Jackets
Vest Type II - These are the most common styles that are typically found on boats of all sizes. They require little maintenance, offer good flotation, and are less bulky than offshore vests. These types of vests can even turn unconscious wearers face up.

Children's Life Jackets - These are specially designed for smaller stature as well as possible immersion in mind. Similar to the original vest type, these offer very little maintenance. Depending on the brand, some of the children's life jackets offer special safety features for children.

Vest-Type Floatation Aid - As with the other vests, this vest requires little maintenance and is designed for possible immersion. This style is designed for high impact, high speed activities such as waterskiing. These type of jackets may not turn unconscious wearers face up.

If you are still having trouble which life jacket would be best for you, we would love to help you out!