How to Choose a Life Jacket for a Boat
Life jackets are, by definition, fairly simple things. But shop around for one, and you’ll quickly be overwhelmed by the choice on offer.
So, when browsing for a PFD, consider the specific use, the environment in which you’ll be boating, and who will be wearing it.
Life jackets come in various designs, each tailored to different body types and boating activities. But the most effective life jacket is the one you wear!
A comfortable life jacket that fits well is more likely to be worn consistently, offering you constant protection.
The editorial team here at Sailing Savvy collectively has nearly 50 years of ocean-going experience. Here is our guide on how to choose a life jacket for a boat.
Understanding Life Jacket Classifications
The term “life jacket” is often used as the generic term for various pieces of safety equipment, including flotation devices, PFDs, and life vests. The difference between life jackets and buoyancy aids is an important distinction to be aware of.
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has reworked the lifejacket classifications three times this century to ensure which ones are deemed to be Coast Guard-approved.
| Life Jacket Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Type I | Highest buoyancy. Automatically lifts an unconscious person’s face up to keep airways above water. |
| Type II | Positions the wearer face-up, ensuring airways stay clear of water, differing from Type I’s alignment. |
| Type III | Elevates the person’s head above water in a vertical position without turning the wearer over. |
| Type IV | Approved solely for limited use in activities such as boardsailing or commercial white-water rafting. |
In 2019, they changed the classification again and adopted the British (RNLI) numbered level system.
Understanding the various performance levels can help you make an informed decision whether you’re near shore or miles out at sea.
| Life Jacket Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Level 50 | Intended for skilled swimmers in calm, inland waters, these are typically known as personal flotation devices (PFDs). |
| Level 70 | Ideal for calm water, these PFDs are low-bulk and not for prolonged flotation. |
| Level 100 | More buoyant than earlier models, suitable for sheltered, not open waters. |
| Level 150 | Ideal for open-water sailors, designed to keep the wearer afloat even in wet, heavy foul weather gear. |
| Level 275 | Optimized for extreme conditions like oil rigs, supporting wearers with heavy tools and equipment. |
Size and Fit for Optimal Safety
You can worry about size and fit only once you have determined the right type or performance level you require.
A properly fitted PFD should be comfortable, not impede your movement, and offer the necessary buoyancy to keep you afloat.
Measuring for Correct Sizing
To find your correct life jacket size, you must measure your chest size just under your arms and across the broadest part of your chest.
Life jackets come in various sizes, so use a tape measure and consult the manufacturer’s sizing chart to match your measurements to the appropriate size.
Securing the Jacket for a Proper Fit
After selecting the life jacket in the correct size, ensure it offers a snug fit without excessive tightness.
All straps and zippers should be buckled and fastened, including the waistband, zipper, and any suspenders or additional straps. There should be no openings through which you could slip out of the jacket.
Life Jackets for Children and Infants
For children and infants, proper fit is essential for optimal performance and safety.
Their life jackets should have a crotch strap to prevent the jacket from rising over their head, and it should be snug enough to prevent slipping off without causing discomfort.
Always choose a PFD that is specifically designed for a child’s size and weight.
Materials and Comfort Features
When choosing a life jacket for boating, the materials used in its construction and the design features that promote comfort during extended wear are critically important.
Ensuring that your life jacket is effective in keeping you safe and comfortable enough to wear for the duration of your boating activities.
Materials Used in Life Jacket Construction
Life jackets are designed with safety and long-term durability in mind, utilizing various materials that contribute to their performance.
Inherently buoyant life jackets typically preferred for constant wear, are made with foam materials such as polyethylene, PVC, or vinyl-covered foam. These materials provide buoyancy and are reliable in all conditions.
In contrast, inflatable life jackets are made with high-quality nylon or polyester fabrics that house carbon dioxide cartridges. They can be manually or automatically inflated, saving space and offering more mobility until they are deployed.
| Inherently Buoyant Life Jackets | Inflatable Life Jackets |
|---|---|
| PVC Foam | Nylon Fabric |
| Polyethylene Foam | Polyester Fabric |
| Vinyl (covering) | CO2 Cartridges |
Comfort Design for Extended Wear
For extended wear, comfort design takes precedence. Modern sailing life jackets are not the bulky, awkward gear of the past.
Vest-style wearable PFDs feature a tailored cut that conforms to your body, with adjustable straps to fine-tune the fit. Look for features like breathable mesh for ventilation and pockets for convenient storage.
🛟 Dual Flotation System blends the security of foam flotation with the convenience of an inflatable, offering a slim, comfortable profile. 🌊 Its versatility is for ideal for kayaking, fishing, and inshore sailing, providing safety without hindering your enjoyment or performance.
Some inflatable PFDs are even designed with features that prevent chafing and provide a more natural range of motion so you can move freely while engaging in boating activities.
Vest-style PFDs:
âś…Adjustable straps for a snug fit
âś…Tailored cut for reduced bulk
âś…Mesh panels for breathability
âś…Pockets for gear
Remember, the right materials and a comfort-driven design can significantly enhance your boating experience, keeping you safe and comfortable throughout the day.
Additional Life Jacket Features
When selecting a life jacket for boating beyond fit and buoyancy, consider the extra features that enhance functionality and safety. These additions can be pivotal for convenience and visibility on the water.
Pockets and Attachments for Gear
Life jackets designed for active water sports or prolonged use often include pockets and attachments for carrying gear.
Look for designs with multiple pockets to secure essentials like a whistle, small tools, or personal items.
Some jackets feature D-rings or attachments where you can secure additional equipment like a knife or safety light.
⚠️ Important: Ensure that these additions don’t impede your movement or comfort, especially around the arms.
Visibility and Color Considerations
For safety, high-visibility colors are crucial, especially if you’re using a personal watercraft or boating in busy areas.
Bright colors like oranges and yellows make it easier for others to see you. Some life jackets also include reflective strips or icons, which are essential for low-light conditions. Additionally, consider jackets with UV-resistant fabric to maintain visibility and color integrity over time.
The Importance of Boating Safety
By integrating these critical aspects of boating safety, you are taking proactive steps to ensure enjoyable and safer experiences on the water.
United States Coast Guard Approval
The US Coast Guard says that the law requires all occupants of cars to wear seatbelts, and people who jump out of planes always wear parachutes, so it should be just as important for people involved in water sports to wear life jackets.
The label “U.S. Coast Guard approved” on life jackets and personal flotation devices (PFDs) is not just a tag—it’s your assurance of safety.
A Coast Guard-approved life jacket meets stringent requirements for buoyancy and performance.
SOLAS Approval for International Waters
SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) is a treaty prepared by the IMO (International Maritime Organization), an arm of the United Nations to which most countries are signatories.
The SOLAS treaty governs the safety requirements of all ocean-going vessels that fall within its mandate (it excludes military vessels).
Part of the SOLAS mandate was to prepare a minimum specification for lifesaving devices, which include life jackets.
The specifications of life jackets under the SOLAS definition are as follows:
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Comfort | Life jackets must be comfortable to ensure they are not removed. |
| Weight | Life jackets must have a maximum weight, ensuring they are light and easy to wear. |
| Movement Ability | Must allow a person to jump at least 4.5 meters from the boat without restriction. |
| Durability upon Impact | Must remain intact and undamaged when jumping off a high hull and landing in water. |
| Buoyancy after 24 Hours in Water | Life jackets must lose no less than 5% buoyancy after 24 hours of immersion. |
| Mandatory Accessory | All SOLAS life jackets must have a securely attached whistle that remains accessible to the wearer. |
Education and Safety Precautions While Boating
🦺 Wear It! Always wear your life jacket while on the water. Emergencies can happen quickly and without warning, making it risky to grab a PFD at the last minute.
🎓 Learn How: Educate yourself on how to properly fit and fasten your life jacket—it should feel snug yet comfortable and not ride up above your ears.
Boating safety courses are vital. These education sessions cover essential topics like how to respond during boating emergencies, the significance of life vests, and navigation rules.
Life Jackets for Recreational Activities
Fishing
For offshore fishing, you should look for a life jacket with features that cater to this activity. Type I life jackets are designed for open or rough waters where rescue may be delayed.
They are very buoyant and can turn an unconscious person face up in the water. However, Type II or Type III life jackets might be more appropriate for fishing on calm waters, including from fishing boats.
These are designed for calmer inland waters and provide a good balance of comfort and safety.
- For more rugged fishing experiences, ensure your life jacket has strong, durable fabric.
- Look for life jackets with multiple pockets for storing your essential fishing gear.
- Comfort is crucial, especially for long days out on the water, so choose a jacket that doesn’t restrict your movements.
Water Sports
When it comes to water sports such as skiing or paddling, you need a life jacket that allows free movement and is comfortable.
Type III life jackets and ski vests are typically used for water sports due to their snug fit and greater range of motion.
- For activities like paddling or kayaking, select a PFD that provides easy arm movement.
- Choose a life jacket that won’t ride up or chafe when you’re active in and out of the water.
- Fast-drying materials and breathable panels can add to your comfort during vigorous activities.
Always ensure your life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard approved and appropriate for your size and weight.
Special Considerations
There are specific aspects that require careful attention. Personal safety is paramount, and the right choices in sizing, materials, and maintenance can directly impact the performance level of your life jacket.
Life Jackets for Pets and Unusual Sizes
Safety on the water extends to your pets as well. Ensure your pet’s life jacket fits properly—too loose and they could slip out, too tight and it could be uncomfortable or restrict movement.
Look for life jackets with adjustable straps and a lifting handle for easy retrieval from the water.
If you or your loved ones have an unusual size, seek out specialty sizing options to match personal watercraft needs.
Many manufacturers offer a wide range of sizes, ensuring all boaters can find a life jacket that fits securely for optimal safety.
Caring for and Maintaining Your Life Jacket
To ensure that your life jacket performs when needed, regular maintenance is critical:
- Inspect for rips, tears, and holes before each use.
- Clean according to manufacturer advice, typically with mild soap and fresh water.
- Dry life jackets completely before storage to prevent mildew.
- Store PFDs in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight which can degrade the materials.
- Test your life jacket’s buoyancy periodically by wearing it in shallow water.
Regular care maintains the integrity of the materials and the electronics embedded in some of the best marine electronics for life jackets, such as lights and strobes, which enhance safety in low-visibility conditions.
