Child and Youth Vest

Wearable personal flotation devices (PFDs), also known as life jackets, life preservers, or buoyancy aids, are the most essential piece of individual safety equipment on a boat. These come in a wide range of configurations and styles, making it crucial to wade through the options and select the right ones for your needs. To assist you in this process, we have prepared this comprehensive PFD buying guide.

Sizing is a critical factor when choosing a PFD. By federal law, recreational boats must have one wearable PFD correctly sized for each person onboard. We offer a variety of sizes, including infant, child, youth, and adult, based on weight and/or chest circumference. It is vital to ensure a proper fit, as a loose or ill-fitting PFD may not perform as expected or may not be worn at all. To test the fit, grasp the wearer's PFD at the shoulders and pull upward. If it rises above the wearer's chin or ears, it is too loose or too big, and you should either tighten the straps or go down one size.

PFDs for recreational boating can be divided into two categories: general boating, worn when the wearer does not expect to get wet, and water sports, worn when contact with the water is likely to occur. Inflatable PFDs, which inflate automatically when submerged, belong to the first category, as do most inherently buoyant PFDs (vests filled with buoyant foam panels). Multi-sport and ski PFDs feature several adjustment points for a snug fit that won't shift or ride up in the event of high-speed impact with the water.

It is crucial to remember that an unworn PFD will be useless in an emergency. Half of all boating fatalities due to drowning occur close to shore in calm waters, and in most cases, the life jackets were stowed, not worn. Therefore, it is essential to wear your PFD at all times while on the water.

To help you find the right PFD for your needs, we have provided a detailed sizing chart. This chart includes information on infant, child, youth, adult universal, XL/XXL, and 3XL/4XL sizes, along with their corresponding weight and chest circumference ranges.

In addition to the sizing chart, we offer a variety of PFD types, including General Purpose, Keyhole Inflatables, Multi-Sport, Ski, and Commercial models. Each type has its own unique features and performance levels, catering to different boating activities and environments.

By considering the essential factors of sizing, activity, and wearability, you can make an informed decision and select the PFDs that will provide the best protection and safety for you and your crew while on the water. Remember, an unworn PFD is as good as no PFD at all, so be sure to strap in and stay safe on your next boating adventure.

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