Wearing a life jacket on the water is essential, but for it to work effectively, it must fit properly and be comfortable enough to wear consistently. According to the USCG’s 2023 report, 75% of fatalities in recreational boating incidents were due to drowning, and in 87% of those cases, the victims were not wearing life jackets. This guide will walk you through selecting and fitting the right life jacket, so you and your crew stay safe while enjoying great times on the water.
- USCG Life Jacket Type Classifications
- Adult Life Jacket Sizing
- Inflatable Life Jacket Sizing
- Children’s Life Jacket Sizing
- Features to Look for in Kids' Life Jackets
- Step-By-Step Guide to the Best Fit
- Movement and Comfort Checks
- Fitting Life Jackets for Kids: The Lift Test
- Conclusion
- Shop Our Life Jacket Selection
- Were Here to Help
- Related Articles
USCG Life Jacket Type Classifications
Before we jump into finding the best-fitting life jacket, let's review the U.S. Coast Guard’s (USCG) life jacket "type" classifications. The table below summarizes their differences in terms of buoyancy, relative comfort and best use. While there are multiple types available, Type III (also known as Level 70) life jackets are the go-to choice for recreational boaters, offering exceptional comfort, versatility, and freedom of movement for active boating activities like paddling, fishing, and water sports. Editor's note: Labeling for Type III PFDs is gradually being replaced with icon-based labels that denote "Level 70 performance". For more about this change, see Harmonized Life Jacket Approvals, kindly supplied to West Marine by the Kent Sporting Goods Company.
| USCG Type | Buoyancy | Best Use | Relative Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type I | 22 lb. | Offshore, rough waters | Low |
| Type II | 15.5 lb. | Calm, inland waters | Low |
| Type III (Level 70) | 15.5 lb. | Paddling, fishing, water sports, general recreation | Good to excellent |
| Type V | Varies | Special activities | Good to excellent |
Type I Life Jackets: The most buoyant and stable, these life jackets are designed to turn an unconscious person face up, even in rough offshore waters. While they offer the highest level of performance, they’re bulky and impractical for recreational boating.
Type II Life Jackets: An example of Type II flotation is our Near Shore Buoyant Vests. While these life jackets are the least expensive way to meet Coast Guard requirements, their boxy, restrictive design makes them uncomfortable to wear and impractical for enjoying boating activities.
Type III/Level 70 Life Jackets: These life jackets offer the greatest amount of comfort and are offered in a wide variety of models to accomodate paddling, fishing, water sports, dinghy sailing and other boating activities. They are by far the most popular type of life jackets that we offer. Choices include inherently buoyant (foam) and inflatable models.
Type V Life Jackets: These are special purpose devices that include flotation work suits, white water rafting PFDs, immersion suits, Lifeslings and other flotation that does not fit into the above categories. Offshore inflatable life jackets that include a harness are another example of a Type V device.
Adult Life Jacket Sizing
For adults, inherently buoyant (foam) life jackets come in a range of chest sizes. Use a flexible measuring tape to measure the fullest part of your chest for an accurate fit.
| X-Small | Small | Medium | Large | X-Large | XX-Large | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest Size | 30"–32" | 32"–34" | 36"–38" | 40"–42" | 44"–46" | 48"–50" |
Inflatable Life Jacket Sizing
Inflatable life jackets are usually one-size-fits-all, adjustable to fit chest sizes from 30 to 52 inches. The U.S. Coast Guard requires that a person must be at least 16 years old to legally wear an inflatable life jacket. Inflatable life jackets are not approved for children under this age due to their design, which may not properly fit younger or lighter individuals.
Children’s Life Jacket Sizing
Children’s life jackets are sized by weight, not by chest measurement, to ensure a secure fit. Never buy a PFD that’s too large for a child to “grow into,” as a poor fit can compromise safety.
| Infant | Child | Youth | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Under 30 lb. | 30–50 lb. | 50–90 lb. |
Features to Look for in Kids' Life Jackets
To further protect children, look for specific safety features:
- Head Support Collar: Essential for infants and young children, these collars help keep their heads above water.
- Crotch Strap: Crotch straps prevent a child's PFD from riding up.
- Bright Colors: High-visibility colors help keep kids easily visible in and around the water.
- Grab Handles for Quick Rescue: Convenient handles allow you to lift the child quickly from the water.
Step-By-Step Guide to the Best Fit
Properly fitting a life jacket is just as important as choosing the right one. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you secure the best fit:
- Measure First: Take an accurate chest measurement for adults or confirm weight for children.
- Loosen Straps: Fully loosen all straps before putting the life jacket on.
- Position and Fasten: Position the jacket evenly and fasten all buckles, starting from the waist and working upward.
- Tighten Bottom-Up: Begin tightening the straps at the waist, working up to ensure a snug, secure fit.
- Check the Shoulders: Adjust the shoulder straps to prevent the jacket from riding up.
- Perform a "Lift Test": Once fitted, pull up on the shoulder straps. If the jacket lifts above the nose or ears, it’s too loose. Adjust the straps or choose a smaller size if necessary.
Movement and Comfort Checks
Ensure your life jacket allows you to move freely and comfortably, especially for active water activities:
- Deep Breaths: Ensure the jacket doesn’t restrict your chest or breathing.
- Arm Movement: Raise your arms and turn your head to confirm there’s no interference with mobility.
- Activity Simulation: Mimic the movements of your activity, like paddling or casting, to ensure the jacket stays securely in place.
For high-speed activities like jet skiing, prioritize a more secure fit to minimize shifting. For kayaking, a snug but flexible fit is key to maintain comfort and movement.
Fitting Life Jackets for Kids:
The Lift Test
To ensure a child’s life jacket fits properly, try the shoulder lift test. Lift the child by the shoulders of the life jacket; if it slips above the chin, tighten the straps or try a smaller size. Practicing wearing the life jacket in shallow water can help kids get comfortable and familiar with its feel and function.
Conclusion
Choosing comfortable, well-fitting life jackets is essential for ensuring safety on the water. Among the various options available, Type III life jackets stand out as the preferred choice for most recreational boaters due to their comfort and versatility. With the right life jackets in place, you and your crew can enjoy your waterborne adventures with confidence and peace of mind.
Shop Our Life Jacket Selection
With a wide variety of choices for adults, children and yes, even for pets, at West Marine boaters find the life jackets they need for every on-the-water adventure. Browse the links below:
- Day Sailing Life Jackets
- Offshore Inflatable Life Jackets
- Paddlesports Life Jackets
- Recreational Inflatable Life Jackets
- Recreational Life Jackets
- Water Sports Life Jackets
- Life Jackets for Children
- Dog Life Jackets
We're Here to Help!
Online and in over 230 stores, boaters find more of what they need for great times on the water. For additional help with selecting a PFD, check out our West Advisor article about the Top 9 PFDs Our Customers Love; which is one of the hundreds of West Advisor articles available online to you. To find a West Marine store near you, click on our store locator.
