I am a boat owner and also a recovery diver for the local sheriff’s office. The agency I work for received a call to assist a boat tangled in the shallow-water vegetation a few feet from shore of a 255-acre lake. We retrieved the body of a small child. The boy appeared frozen in time, as if he were in midkick of a swim when he died. Meanwhile, a bass boat was still humming a short distance away: Its trolling motor remained active, like the boat was still searching for the big catch of the day. This was, indeed, a tragedy.

Divers were ­unsuccessful in locating the adult of the boat. A fishing rod lay neatly on the foredeck, and children’s toys were strewn about. The boat’s GPS displayed its path, with a marked “event” near a finger of land. From there, the boat ran straight across a channel before reaching the far shore, where more circles and arcs appeared before the boat hung up in the weeds.

Two days later, the body of the vessel’s owner-operator surfaced. During the investigation, several major issues became apparent. Life jackets were stowed underneath the fishing platform, not within easy reach and, ­obviously, not worn. When investigators told the mother about the ­incident, she stated that she thought they had been gone longer than usual. So, apparently, no float plan was utilized. The now-widow also said that the father could not swim and the boy was still learning.

Read Next: How to Properly Read New Life-Jacket Labels

What exactly happened will remain a mystery. For the safety of all small-boat captains and crew, the necessity of wearing a life jacket cannot be stressed enough. If the captain cannot save him- or herself, how can he or she save the crew, the boat, or ask for assistance? Know how to swim, wear a life jacket, and file a float plan.

William Coleman
Parrish, Florida

[For details about float plans and who to leave them with, visit boatingmag.com/­how-to/filing-float-plan/. —Ed.]

Wanted: Your Stories
Share your boating mistakes and mishaps so that your fellow boaters might learn from your experience. Send us your first-person accounts, including what went wrong, what you’d do differently, your name and your city, to editor@boatingmag.com and use “ILAB” in the subject line. If your story is selected for publication, we’ll send you a $100 West Marine Gift Card!”

The post The Importance of Wearing a Life Jacket appeared first on Boating Mag.

Inflatable life jackets have crossed over from expensive professional gear to an affordable recreational necessity. With good reason. Not only are they cooler, lighter, and more comfortable to wear, but they are also easier to protect from deterioration and mildew and can stow in a far more compact package than inherently buoyant life jackets.

However, they do their job ­differently than old-school PFDs and require yearly maintenance, which means unpacking the inflatable bladder, removing a trigger mechanism and the C0₂ cartridge, then replacing and ­repacking the bladder. If you keep six of them on your boat, that could be an annual three-hour job, and repack kits cost around $30 each.

Be aware that inflatables are a legal replacement for ­inherently inflatable jackets, but in most states, only if worn while underway. They are also legal replacements only on people 16 years old and older. They are not legal for use on personal watercraft.

How We Tested 

We used an underwater POV cam in an 8-foot pool to record water entry to resurfacing. We started the clock when feet broke the surface and stopped when the “victim’s” head resurfaced. Faster is better, but as long as you know what to expect, we didn’t think the 2-second difference between the fast ones and slow ones mattered.

Repacking

All but one PFD we tested had a similar bobbin and cartridge trigger. Unscrew the bobbin barrel, replace the yellow bobbin—it can go into the barrel only one way and screw the bobbin barrel cap down until the charge window shows green for ready. Then replace the CO₂ cartridge. We deliberately did not clock repacking time. The procedure goes faster with practice, and we repacked them to see how ­complicated it was and how easily we could return them to original ­undeployed shape.

Mustang Survival MIT 150 A/M Convertible

$189.99; Bass Pro Shop and amazon.com

Best Application: Inshore to Nearshore 

Mustang Survival has specialized designing and producing marine safety gear for law enforcement, military, recreational boaters and more since 1967. The MIT jacket is sleek, and the bladder is integrated into the shell rather than stuffed into the shell, as with competitors. When it inflates, it unfolds and can be easily refolded and recharged. Mustang Survival’s MIT 150 offers about 38 pounds/168 newtons of buoyancy.

On-Deck Comfort: The MIT design hugs the neck more than Spinlock models, but they are so light and sleek, I often forgot to take it off when I left the boat. Its front center waist belt buckle is convenient and much appreciated. The seam around the collar was a little raspy on dry land but more comfortable in the water.

Water Comfort: The design of the MIT ensures that there is no sharp bladder edge anywhere near the neck or chest. We found this to be the only one that gave us protection from chaffing, which we think could be very important if rescue were to take more than a few minutes.

Adjustability: The waist strap remains straight as the jacket is pulled over the shoulders. Once buckled, the waist strap can be adjusted from the right side by pulling the strap through a slotted friction buckle until the back strap is snug. The excess strap is fastened in a hook-and-loop enclosure.

Bonus Points: This was by far the sleekest in our test group and very comfortable to wear. MIT’s foldable bladder is genius, easy to repack, and makes it most comfortable in the water. It is simplicity in motion.

Repacking: This is hands-down the easiest to repack thanks to the unique design of the MIT, which integrates the shell with the bladder instead of confining an accordion-folded bladder inside the shell.

Deployment Time: 4 seconds

Deployment Depth: 8 feet

Bluestorm Stratus 35

$159; bluestormgear.com $149.99; amazon.com

Best Application: Inshore to Nearshore

The Stratus 35 provides 35 pounds of buoyancy (about 155 newtons). Its design is similar to the Mustang MIT jacket in that its inflation bladder is integrated into the shell, so when repacking, all one needs to do is fold the shell in thirds and fasten with the hook-and-loop strips. It’s a good-looking jacket and comes in a variety of colors, including camo and Kryptek water camo (for a $20 upcharge).

On-Deck Comfort: This one did rest on the neck. But its breathable, moisture-wicking collar was soft and nonabrasive, mitigating the added contact. The collar is compact and styled into the webbed back yoke that spreads the load and adds comfort.

Water Comfort: This one was the second-most comfortable in the water, but we noticed a little contact with the abrasive bladder. Still, it kept our victim secure with the air passageway well above the water while awaiting rescue.

Adjustability: It buckles in the center, making it easy to put on and keep the back strap from twisting. The large 2.25-inch center buckle is easy to operate, even with gloves. The right-hand waist-strap adjustment was easy to operate as well, and it remained adjusted.

Bonus Points: Similar in design to the Mustang MIT, it repacks easily and wears comfortably. The clear inspection window on the front makes it easy to see if your jacket is ready to save our life.

Repacking: Replacing the bobbin (water-dissolving trigger) and cartridge was easy. Once that was done, the jacket folds in thirds—the outside inward, and that inside over the outside to be secured on a hook-and-loop strip. The collar didn’t return to its original position quite as easily as the yoke, but a kid could manage it.

Deployment Time: 6 seconds

Deployment Depth: 8 feet

Bluestorm Arcus 40

$199; bluestormgear.com $184.99; amazon.com

Best Application: Nearshore to Offshore

The Arcus 40 shared similarities with some Spinlock models. Its 40 designation referenced 40 beefy pounds (179 newtons) of flotation, making it suitable for nearshore and offshore use. The shell around the bladder is zippered and rounded when packed. Its webbing is a heavy-duty 2 inches, and the back yoke is foam-padded for comfort. The device is made for commercial use, but it’s compact, comfortable and economical enough for recreational use.

On-Deck Comfort: We liked this one a lot. Like the Spinlock, it is comfortable to wear, giving plenty of margin around the neck, so it doesn’t chafe. The back padding might make it a bit warm in Southern climes but will make it more comfortable in the water awaiting rescue.

Water Comfort: The zippered shell is designed to protect the neck from chaffing from the inflatable bladder, and it did to some extent, but not completely. The bladder seam inflated beyond the shell, and we felt the abrasive bladder around our jawbone more than around our neck.

Bonus Points: There is a zippered pocket in the lapel to hold a cellphone, wallet or other gear, and though it isn’t big enough for the larger new smartphones, it’s still a handy feature. The thickly padded back has bumped-out foam to add ventilation and comfort—especially in the water. It is surprising how much difference there is between 35 pounds of flotation and 40.

Repacking: The zippered shell is a little harder to arrange around the accordion-folded bladder because it takes two hands to manage the zipper and one to hold the bladder in place while zipping it. We did manage to do it single-handed by inching the zipper up while holding the bottom with one hand and using the other to simultaneously hold the bladder and pull the zipper.

Deployment Time: 6 seconds

Deployment Depth: 8 feet

Read Next: How to Properly Read New Life-Jacket Labels

Spinlock 6D Deck Vest

$419; spinlock.co.uk $389.99; Amazon

Best Application: Nearshore to Offshore 

Spinlock has been making sailing equipment since 1968 and life jackets since 2004. The life jackets come with mesh storage bags that allow them to hang while drying. The 6D includes a lift ring for man-overboard recovery. A crotch strap prevents the vest from riding up, either on deck or in the water. An integrated spray hood will prove welcome in rough conditions. It provides 38 pounds of flotation, or 170 newtons.

On-Deck Comfort: The rounded yoke feels reassuring and comfortable around the shoulders, and its design keeps it off the neck, making the vest an extra measure cooler to wear. The back of the yoke is padded for comfort. It tested as most comfortable on deck.

Water Comfort: We thought that the padding around the neck on the collar would provide comfort when deployed, but it did not. The bladder inflated beyond the neoprene collar and left the sharp edges of the bladder against our neck. While in the water, we couldn’t raise the neoprene collar above the seams. 

Adjustability: The jacket waistband opens conveniently front and center. When buckled, the back strap adjusts easily from both the left and the right with web straps just about kidney height. 

Bonus Points: We liked the clear inspection window and especially that streamlined manual-deployment handle tucked into the lapel. It’s easily accessible and unlikely to snag. Two water-activated LED rescue lights begin flashing on immersion.

Repacking: The bladder has to be folded accordion-style to fit back within the jacket shell. It takes practice to get it into shape and hold it in shape while maneuvering the zipper to pull around it. When done, it was exactly as comfortable as when new out of the package.

Deployment Time: 4 seconds

Deployment Depth: 8 feet

The post Four Top Inflatable PFDs Tested appeared first on Boating Mag.

Join Boating Magazine’s editor at large, Randy Vance, as he explores Mustang Survival’s PFDs powered by their innovative MIT technology. As the primary tool used for boating safety, selecting the correct personal flotation device for your activities on the water is key to keeping everyone aboard safe. Mustang Survival has spent decades doing just that in the recreational, military and commercial spaces. They’ve perfected Membrane Inflatable Technology to offer new and improved convertible inflation technology, additional buoyancy and easier re-arm & repack solutions. The Mustang MIT series comes in three different buoyancy level trims. The MIT 70 features 15.8 lbs of buoyancy and is ideal for inshore and inland conditions when rescue is nearby. The MIT 100 features an increased buoyancy of 28 lbs and is suitable for both inshore and offshore applications with even more airway protection. The MIT 150 provides 38 lbs of buoyancy and is ideal for conditions that require heavier protective gear offshore. Whether you’re out on the water in a kayak, a powerboat or offshore sailing, stay safe with Mustang Survival.

Learn More about Mustang Survival’s MIT inflatable PFD range: mustangsurvival.com

The post On My Dock with Randy Vance featuring Mustang Survival appeared first on Boating Mag.

Buying a life jacket? You may run across two different types of labels. The big difference? Traditional labels identified the life jacket’s type: I, II, III or V. The newer labels provide a bold number, which indicates its buoyancy in newtons (1 newton (N) equals 0.225 pounds). Newtons are used so that life-jacket buyers in Canada, Europe and the US rate life jackets the same way. Find out what other information these new labels tell boating consumers.

Graphics One

Graphic representations—aka icons—replace words on the new labels to make the labeling less reliant on language and thus more universally accessible. For instance, the new labels use a graphic of a victim in the water. The farther from shore the swimmer is shown and the more squiggly the lines, the rougher the water the life jacket is intended for. A hand indicates if help is nearby. 

Graphics Two

The new arrows also feature a curved or circular arrow graphic. This informs the buyer or wearer of the life jacket’s ability to turn an unconscious or disabled swimmer face-up. The universally ­accepted circle with a line (the “no” ­symbol) overlaying the arrow indicates it lacks turning power. The “no” symbol comes into play more on the new life-­jacket ­labels.

Graphics Three

So that consumers and wearers can determine what uses the life jacket is suitable for, icons indicate a towrope handle, a PWC, a towed tube, a whitewater canoe, etc. If there is a slashed circle over one or more of the icons, the life jacket is not suitable for participating in those activities.

Read Next: Picking the Right Type of Life Jacket

Other Changes

The third party that conducted the testing—for example, Underwriters Laboratories—is clearly noted. The US Coast Guard ­approval number will also be noted. On a separate label or a separate section of the label, buyers and wearers will also find care ­i­nstructions for the life jacket.

Label Legality

This article aims to help boat owners buy a life jacket. Will you need to replace your existing life jackets with new ones bearing the new label? No. Life ­jackets with the old or new ­labels both ­qualify with carriage ­compliance in the US and Canada. Of course, life jackets still must be in good condition and of the correct size and quantity for the crew aboard your boat.

Accessibility

We wrote this article to help boat owners buy life jackets. But many wearers are guests, charter parties or tour-boat passengers with little knowledge of boats and ­boating safety. Here and abroad, many might not read English. The new labels harmonize US labeling with those of Canada and ­Europe, using icons to make user information more universally accessible.

Children’s Life Jackets

Learn how to properly size a life jacket for a child by visiting boatingmag.com/story/gear/choosing-life-jackets-for-kids.

Buoyancy Needed

According to the US Coast Guard, most adults need 7 to 12 pounds—31 to 53 newtons—of buoyancy to stay afloat. This varies by percentage of body fat and body shape. For perspective, the Mustang MIT 70 inflatable—the life jacket worn by Boating editors while on the water—offers 15.7 pounds of buoyancy (70 N).

The post How to Properly Read New Life-Jacket Labels appeared first on Boating Mag.

Wearing a life jacket is a smart choice for any boater but mandatory for all personal watercraft riders. Coast Guard-approved Type III models work best. The vest-style design is easy to take on and off, comfortable, and available in a wide variety of colors and graphic patterns. But while a basic Type III life jacket will always do the job, the latest crop of PWC-specific models do it better, tailoring design and features to the way individual riders use their craft. Here’s how they compare.

Recreational

The ­average recreational rider will be well-served by the classic ski vest, a sleeveless, front-entry design that closes with buckled straps or a straps-and-zipper combo. A nylon or neoprene exterior typically covers flotation foam for comfort and to protect the foam from wear and sun exposure. Nylon is affordable, dries quickly, and is the cooler of the materials in the hot summer months. Because neoprene is more form-­fitting, it often has a more comfortable fit, but it’s also slightly more expensive and can feel warmer on hotter days. Lighter shades of neoprene are also more prone to staining from sunscreen. Extras? A D-ring sewn into the front bottom of the vest is a great place to attach clip-style engine-cutoff safety lanyards.

Performance

Vests designed for performance-minded riders often trade a front closure for a side-entry design that maintains uninterrupted protection across the front of the vest to protect the torso from impact, whether with the handlebars, other parts of the craft, or even the water in a high-speed fall. Closures are likewise moved to the side of the vest. Armholes are typically cut wider to allow for greater arm and shoulder flexibility. Segmented or hinged flotation blocks, thicker at the vest’s front, enhance the vest’s protection and flexibility. Straps are tucked below a layer of material across the front panel to prevent snagging on the ­handlebars or controls.

Read Next: Personal Watercraft Handling and Control Gets More Responsive

Touring and Fishing

Long-distance touring riders or those taking a PWC into remote locations don’t necessarily require a different style of life jacket as much as one that can hold more stuff. Look for numerous pockets at the front of the vest to keep items like a handheld VHF radio, whistle, your phone and other gear handy. Some models even feature mounts for a GoPro-style action camera to relive your adventures later. Look for segmented foam to conform more to your body and offer greater comfort during extended hours in the saddle. Larger armholes will likewise offer more freedom of movement and less potential for chafing. A simple loop at the back of the neck area will anchor goggles or sunglasses straps to prevent loss while underway.

Size Matters

Avoid a one-size-fits-most solution. Life jackets should be sized to the rider so that they offer the necessary buoyancy and won’t slip over the head. Close all buckles and zippers, making sure the entry point of the vest comes together without significant gaps or overlaps. Before taking to the water, perform a fit check by raising your arms overhead and having another person grasp the jacket at the shoulders and lift upward. A properly sized vest should not rise over the face or slip over your head.

The post PWC-Specific Life Jackets appeared first on Boating Mag.

Life jackets might be the most important safety gear you can have on board for you and your crew. But what type of life jacket do you need? There are three types of inherently buoyant life jackets designated by the US Coast Guard. (There’s also Type IV, which are throwable PFDs; Type V are special use.) Here’s a brief rundown of the basics of Type I, Type II and Type III life jackets.

Type III: Mustang Hydrostatic HIT Inflatable

The Float: Type III jackets meet most recreational needs. They can be foam, but our edit staff prefers Type III inflatable PFDs such as the Mustang Hydrostatic HIT. (Automatically inflatable PFDs might also rate as Type III.) They’re comfortable to wear, which we do on our boat tests, and are easily inflated should you fall into the water.

The Catch: Type III inflatables are intended for recreational use in areas where rescue efforts can come quickly, and they are not required to rotate a user from a face-down position.

Price: $249.99; amazon.com

Type II: EXXEL Outdoors Type II

The Float: Almost all of the  life jackets packed into one of those Coast Guard kits is an inexpensive Type II with a bulky collar, such as this from Exxel Outdoors. They are an easy and inexpensive way to meet Coast Guard requirements for your boat. They do not have as much buoyancy as Type I jackets and can rotate some, but not all, wearers from a face-down position.

The Catch: These basic life jackets are notoriously uncomfortable to wear and intended for use when rescue efforts can be done fairly quickly.

Price: $9.99;  westmarine.com

Read Next: Wear Your Lifejacket

Type I: Kent Type I Foam

The Float: According to the Coast Guard, Type I life jackets, such as this one from Kent, have the greatest required inherent buoyancy and should work to rotate an unconscious person out of a face-down position in the water. These are preferred for offshore situations where rescue efforts might take considerable time because they’re designed to keep people afloat and able to breathe for long periods in the water.

The Catch: Type I life jackets are known to be bulky and can be uncomfortable to wear for long stretches of time on deck.

Price: $59.99; amazon.com

Beyond the Basics

While any life jacket is better than no life jacket, some styles work better than others, depending on the task at hand. Watersports enthusiasts benefit from snug, secure protection. Recreational boaters may prefer a less-restrictive feel. And then there are those who need flotation and protection from the elements. Here’s a comparison of three choices tailored to specific needs.

Recreational: Mustang MIT 100 Automatic Inflatable PFD

Why Get: A minimalist suspender design and lightweight, pliable air bladder combine for one of the most comfortable, unobtrusive PFDs on the market. Adjust the waist buckle to accommodate additional layers (or that beer belly). Verify the CO2 cartridge is armed via a clear inspection window. Automatic inflation upon water immersion guarantees the jacket will activate, even if the wearer is freaked out or unconscious. Buoyancy is 28 pounds.

All Wet: Unlike foam-filled PFDs, the jacket must be rearmed with a fresh CO2 cylinder before next use once inflated.

Price: $169.99; amazon.com

PWC/Watersports: Mustang Livery Foam Vest

Why Get: With a flexible foam core and durable 300D polyester shell, the Livery provides flotation and impact protection for activities like PWC riding, wakeboarding and water-skiing. Large armholes allow for flexibility, while the front-entry design makes for easy donning and removal. A trio of buckled web straps secures the vest and fine-tunes the fit; a contrasting middle strap avoids inevitable mix-ups when strapping in. Buoyancy is 22.5 pounds.

All Wet: Aggressive types may prefer additional length in the torso and a more body-hugging fit.

Price: $49.99; amazon.com

OffSeason: Mustang Catalyst Flotation Jacket

Why Get: Mustang’s Catalyst manages a trifecta, combining closed-cell foam flotation with the warmth and protection of a foul-weather jacket. The breathable, laminate outer shell is waterproof to almost 11 yards. Zippered underarm vents provide additional airflow. Reflective accents on the body and integrated hood keep the wearer visible. Stow gear in a choice of a zippered chest pocket and two front cargo pockets. Buoyancy is a minimum of 15.7 pounds.

All Wet: Best when paired with matching flotation bibs, making for a slightly pricey combo.

Price: $368.13; amazon.com

The post Picking the Right Life Jacket appeared first on Boating Mag.

Read Next: Choosing Life Jackets for Kids

O’Brien Hydroslide Flotation Belt

Why: Some old-school water-skiers still prefer the foam flotation belts because they are the least restrictive to wear on the slalom course and, of course, old habits die hard. They’re easy to put on and take off, and give the rider some buoyancy on a deepwater start without being too restrictive.

Why Not: These are not Coast Guard-approved, and if you get injured or knocked out, you will float butt up. The Hydroslide’s suggested use is for water exercises, snorkeling, or taking a relaxing float in a lake or pool.

Price: $19.99; obrien.com

Hyperlite Domain

Why: Approved as a Type III life jacket, the Domain can be worn for watersports, and also for protection while on the boat or riding on a personal watercraft. This lightweight PFD features a neoprene skin to repel water from the Coast Guard-approved flotation inside and provides excellent range of motion for the wearer.

Why Not: There is no reason not to choose the Domain unless you’re a high-level or professional rider looking to use a vest during competition.

Price: $99.99; hyperlite.com

Hyperlite Riot

Why: Designed for professional and competitive boarders and skiers, these vests are lighter and more flexible than US Coast Guard-approved life jackets, allowing for more freedom of movement in competition. The Riot’s slim-fit diamond-pattern design lets the user flex and turn, and move his or her arms in a more natural way, which is why it’s preferred for high-level competition.

Why Not: These are not approved for use in place of true life jackets, with the exception of during sanctioned and competitive events that include trained safety personnel on hand.

Price: $159.99; hyperlite.com

The post Three Types of Watersports Flotation appeared first on Boating Mag.

If you follow us on YouTube or visit our website and other social channels, as well as enjoy reading our print magazine, then you know we produce a ton of videos each year. These number about 150 annually. I could cite the number of views, minutes viewed and other metrics, but suffice to say, we continue to reach more and more boaters via our digital platforms, and especially with video.

We hope to leverage that success and visibility for the greater good. Moving forward, you’ll see Boating editors wearing life jackets when aboard boats underway. Why? Simply stated, because wearing life jackets saves lives. Wearing a life jacket is the No. 1 thing we boaters can do to prevent fatalities on the water. The data proves it. Review it for yourself: uscgboating.org/statistics/accident_statistics.php.

Meantime, here’s a key takeaway: Where cause of death was known, 79 percent of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those accidents that contain reported life-jacket usage, 86 percent of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket.

The 2020 Annual Boating Statistics report comes out in April, so I haven’t compiled the 2020 figures as of this writing. But according to the 2019 report, 613 recreational boaters died on US waters that year. Do the math regarding life-jacket wear and that’s some 430 families missing a loved one.

Yeah.

So, while we hope more boaters will come to the same conclusion we have and choose to wear life jackets as a matter of course, this editorial is the heaviest statement you’ll hear from us. We won’t be finger-pointing, berating, or smugly sniffing or blowing our own horn. We just hope our action will speak louder than words.

Read Next: Inspect Life Jackets Regularly

To make this initiative happen, we partnered with Mustang Survival, outfitter to the US Coast Guard, law enforcement and other maritime professionals, and procured two types of life jackets for our team. The first, the M.I.T. 100, is an auto-inflatable that’s streamlined, features big armhole cutouts, and can be set to deploy manually. It delivers 22 pounds of buoyancy, with USCG Recreational Type III approval and performance when worn. We’ll wear these mostly.

The second life jacket is the Khimera dual-flotation model. The Khimera is a thin foam vest that provides 7.5 pounds of inherent buoyancy, enough to make most adults neutrally buoyant. With its large armholes, the Khimera serves as a flotation aid for active water activities, such as stand-up paddleboarding or riding a PWC. Inflate it manually, if needed, and it goes to 20 pounds of buoyancy. It carries the new Harmonized Level 70 rating—good in both Canada and the US—and is equivalent to a Type III life jacket.

Statement from Mustang

“Bringing people safely home from a day out on the water is of paramount importance to Mustang Survival – we see our life vests and inflatable PFDs as your trusted sidekick. We focus on designing and engineering our PFDs to be lightweight, comfortable and easy to wear all day, so your focus can be having fun on the water. But should the worst case ever arise, you can trust we have your back. Working with Boating, we hope we can spread the message to always wear your PFD on your boat – no excuses. The only PFD that can bring you home to your loved ones is a PFD that is being worn. #wearit”

Jason Leggatt – President, Mustang Survival

The post Why We Wear Lifejackets appeared first on Boating Mag.

By now, most boaters should be familiar with the statistics. Life jackets save lives, but only if you wear them. Fortunately, today’s offerings are more comfortable than ever. While most adults can easily find a life jacket that does the job, selecting a kid’s jacket requires a little more thought. Growing kids don’t always fit the size guidelines as clearly. Younger children especially need additional features to keep jackets secure. Here’s what to look for in life jackets for kids.

Type

Most kids in a ­supervised, recreational boating situation will be best served by a US Coast Guard-­approved Type III life jacket. Featuring the classic ski-vest design, Type III jackets are easy to put on, comfortable and, when properly sized, will keep a conscious child afloat with their head above the water until a parent or other rescuer can quickly swoop in. Inflatable jackets of any type are not approved for kids ­under the age of 16 and are not recommended for nonswimmers.

Size

Kids’ sizes are based on weight, with typical designations being infant (8 to 30 pounds), child (30 to 50 pounds) and youth (50 to 90 pounds). Avoid the temptation to give a child growing room by purchasing a jacket that is too large. A struggling child may sink out of it when in the water. Keep in mind that the Coast Guard does not recommend taking an infant out on a boat until they weigh at least 18 pounds (typically about seven months for boys and nine months for girls).

Features

Type III life jackets typically feature a nylon or neoprene exterior. Nylon is often cooler, but may not be as comfortable on a child’s skin. Neoprene can be hot in warm weather but is more form-fitting. Life jackets for children under 50 pounds have additional features, including a crotch strap to keep the jacket from riding up, head support, and a grab strap to hoist the child out of the water.

Fit

Fit should be snug but comfortable. Overlapping closures, drooping shoulders or loose armpits indicate a jacket is too large. Buckles or zippers that can’t close, straps extended full-length, or front torso panels that don’t come together show a jacket is too small. With closures secured, have the child raise their arms overhead while an adult grasps the vest at the shoulders and lifts upward. The vest should not rise over the child’s cheeks or slip off. Likewise, have the child float in shallow water, noting if their head dips below the surface (the vest is too small) or the vest slips overhead (it is too large).

Read Next: Boating With Kids

Style

Kids, especially young ones, often fuss when secured into a life jacket. Get them used to the jacket before you head out on the boat by having them swim or float while supervised at the beach, pool or dock. Also, involve kids in the purchase. Whether it’s choosing a favorite color, character or graphic, if kids think the jacket looks cool, they will want to wear it.

Mustang Lil Legends Youth Vest

With kids, comfort is key. Mustang’s Lil Legends Youth Vest features an ultra-soft fabric against the skin, vented mesh back, and contoured foam to make the vest feel more comfortable and less bulky. The three-piece collar also better cradles the head and prevents the child from rolling. $59.99; mustangsurvival.com

The post Choosing Life Jackets for Kids appeared first on Boating Mag.

The good news is, according to data reported by the US Coast Guard from information collected by the observers from the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, life jacket wear is up by over 6-percent. But that’s not enough.

By participating in Wear Your Lifejacket To Work Day, Friday, May 17, 2019. you can help, “normalize,” the wearing of a lifejacket, plus have fun at your workplace and receive national attention on social media ( managers and supervisors: consider this a team-building opportunity!)

Details from the Safe Boating Council

Wear your life jacket, snap a picture while at work and share on social media with the hashtags #lifejacket2work and #safeboating Please tag the Safe Boating Campaign when sharing photos ( Facebook @safeboatcampaign, Twitter @boatingcampaign, Instagram @boatingcampaign ). Photos may also be shared by email directly to outreach@safeboatingcouncil.org. Hosted by the National Safe Boating Council, this annual event is a fun, educational way to heighten life jacket awareness and highlight the various styles just prior to National Safe Boating Week (May 18-24, 2019). Gather some co-workers, put on life jackets, and share with others that the best boating experience is a safe boating experience.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter throughout National Safe Boating Week and share the daily #safeboating reminder. Remember, any time you’re boating, set an example for others and always wear a life jacket and boat responsibly. Download resources, including helpful fact sheets to use as talking points, infographics for social media posts, and more.

Examples From Our Staff

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