Kids Life Jackets: Ensuring Safety in and Around Water

Summer is all about having fun in the water, whether at the pool, the beach or by the lake. However, staying safe is just as important as having a good time.

Life jackets are one of the best ways to ensure your family's safety. If you're wondering, however, which life jackets are best for kids, we spoke to experts to bring you everything you need to know, from essential features to common myths about life jackets.

What are life jackets for kids?

You will likely notice life jackets and swimming vests as you search for the best life jackets for kids. So, are they the same? Not exactly.

Dr. Brittany Steindl, an aquatic therapist with BLS Physical Therapy, explains that life jackets are made to keep children afloat and their heads above water, even if they are unconscious. "These life jackets typically use high-buoyancy materials like foam or inflatable bladders," she explains.

On the other hand, swimming vests are less buoyant and designed to aid swimming. "These help kids stay afloat and develop swimming skills but are not intended for life-saving purposes," Steindl says.

The scenarios in which you would use these items also vary. Steindl states, "Life jackets are necessary for open water, boating and any activities that involve the risk of falling into deep water. In contrast, swimming vests are ideal for pools and supervised swim lessons, providing buoyancy and aiding in developing swimming skills."

Why are life jackets essential for kids?

"Overall, water safety is incredibly important for all children, regardless of swim skill level," says Chris DeJong, founder and president at Big Blue Swim School. "Unfortunately, drowning remains a leading cause of death for children under 14, and the CDC recently completed a study that indicated that drowning rates are on the rise, despite decades of decline."

DeJong explains that children should always wear a life jacket on a boat regardless of age or swim skills. "And you will always want to be sure you have a life jacket for each person on a boat, out of the packaging and ready for use," he adds.

How to choose the best life jacket for kids?

When choosing the perfect life jacket for kids, it's crucial to consider factors like size, fit, weight capacity, the type of water activity, US Coast Guard approval, comfort and design. Here's why these factors matter:

Size, weight capacity and fit

"Parents should note the size and weight requirements or limits for any flotation device," says DeJong. "Each manufacturer has different guidelines, so be sure to review the device's weight limits – both minimums and maximums – and follow the manufacturer's instructions for adjusting for proper fit."

Ensuring proper fit is essential. DeJong adds. "For children, a life vest should stay under their chin when they lift their hands above their head."

Type of water activity and Coast Guard approval 

Selecting the right life jacket for kids involves considering the type of water activity and ensuring it's US Coast Guard-approved.

DeJong notes, "For any open water activity, US Coast Guard-approved life vests are a must. There are two types to consider: Type I and Type II. Type I vests are designed for rougher waters and greater distances from shore, whereas Type II vests offer additional neck and head support to keep a child's head above water in an emergency."

Comfort and design

Comfort and design are other key factors to keep in mind. "As long as you follow the manufacturer's fitting instructions, a life jacket shouldn't be uncomfortable," explains DeJong. "While it might limit your ability to swim for fun, remember that its primary purpose is for rescue, not for swim training."

Types of life jackets for kids

Type I: Offshore life jackets

"Offshore life jackets are Type I U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vests," says DeJong. "These are required for rougher conditions when you will be further from shore."

Type II: Near-shore buoyant vests

DeJong says near-shore buoyant vests are Type II U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation devices (PFDs).  

"Offshore life jackets offer high buoyancy and are designed for rough or remote waters where rescue may be delayed, turning most unconscious wearers face-up; however, they can be bulky and uncomfortable for long-term wear," he says.

Type III: Flotation aids

Flotation aids (Type III) are for calm waters, suggests DeJong. "These wouldn't turn an unconscious person face-up, so they should only be used in a situation where a rescue would be quick," he says.

Special Use Devices (Type V)

"Special use devices are designed for specific sports such as kayaking, wakeboarding, or windsurfing," adds DeJong. "Flotation aids, such as noodles, kickboards, flotation belts, and arm floaties, are designed for conscious users in supervised settings like swimming pools or near-shore activities, providing comfort."

Top features to look for in kids' life jackets

Adjustable straps, crotch strap and head support

Steindl recommends that when selecting a life jacket for kids, you should look for features such as adjustable straps to ensure a secure fit, a crotch strap to prevent the jacket from riding up, and head support to keep the child's head above water.

Bright colours, reflective materials and whistle accessories

"Bright colours and reflective materials enhance visibility, while a whistle or other safety accessories allow the child to signal for help in an emergency," says Steindl.

Non-slip inner surfaces and dual air chambers

As DeJong explains, it's important to look for non-slip inner surfaces because they help keep the floaties securely on your child's arms and stop them from slipping. "Floaties with dual air chambers also provide extra security if one chamber deflates," he adds.

Safety valves

When choosing between life jackets, select ones with built-in safety valves. DeJong explains that these valves are crucial because they prevent accidental deflation and keep the life jackets properly inflated while in use.

How to properly use and maintain kids' life jackets

Wearing a life jacket

Dr. Ankur Shah, MD, PhD, a pediatrician with Clackamas & Oregon Pediatrics, recommends these clear steps to help you correctly put a life jacket on your child and ensure their safety.

1. Check the label to ensure proper size and weight guidelines for that particular life jacket.
2. Put the life jacket on and buckle/strap all straps. If the buckles or straps do not close, the life jacket is too small and needs to be sized up.
3. Gently pull from the top of the life jacket to ensure the shoulders do not go above the chin or ears. If this does happen, go down to the next size.
4. Test in the water to ensure that the child is properly buoyant and to reassure them that they are safe when the life jacket is worn correctly.

Maintaining a life jacket

To keep life jackets in good condition, Steindl suggests cleaning them with fresh water to remove salt or chlorine, air drying them to prevent mould or mildew, and storing them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Since each life jacket is unique, DeJong emphasizes the importance of strictly adhering to the manufacturer's guidelines.

"Always follow a manufacturer's instructions for putting on a life jacket correctly and for proper care and maintenance," advises DeJong. "Each one is unique, so the manufacturer provides instructions to ensure each device is used and cared for correctly.

Replacing a life jacket

Many life jackets are designed to be durable. However, Steindl says you should replace them if they become damaged or worn out or your child outgrows them.

Common misconceptions about kids' life jackets

Myth: Life jackets mean no supervision is needed

Shah stresses that life jackets can't take the place of adult supervision for swimming safety.

He recommends, "Nobody should swim alone, even if they're good swimmers. For kids, it's essential to have an adult specifically watching them, known as a Water Watcher. This adult should switch every 30 minutes to stay alert and avoid getting tired or distracted."

Myth: Life jackets are only useful in rough waters

Life jackets are very important, no matter what the water is like. According to Shah, "Even calm waters can be dangerous for children. They might accidentally fall in, and if they don't know how to swim well or if they have a medical issue — like a seizure or a head injury — it can lead to drowning."

Myth: Water wings and floaties can replace life jackets

"Floaties and water wings only help keep the arms up and don't offer the same safety as life jackets," says Shah. "They aren't designed to keep the entire body afloat."

Additional water safety tips for parents

Swim with a buddy

Safety should always be a top priority, whether you're soaking up the sun at the beach or enjoying a family outing at the lake. DeJong emphasizes the importance of buddy swimming and designating a Water Watcher.

He suggests, "Pick a grown-up from your group to be the dedicated lifeguard. Have them focus solely on watching the swimmers, and switch this job every 30 minutes. This helps everyone stay alert and keeps the fun going safely."

Acquire CPR and first aid training

DeJong points out that having the right skills can enable parents and caregivers to respond promptly and effectively in critical moments. He advises them to turn to well-known groups such as the American Red Cross, which offers training to help them act with assurance during emergencies.

Reduce water hazards

To enhance safety around your pool, DeJong suggests putting up fencing, installing locks and setting up alarms. He also advises against leaving toys (or other enticing items) near the water and emphasizes the importance of properly fitting life jackets for aquatic activities.

Enroll in swim lessons

If you want to help your kids become better swimmers, DeJong advises enrolling them in swimming classes. "The CDC notes that formal swim lessons reduce drowning by 88%," he says. "This makes year-round formal swim lessons the best way to help a child be ready around the water."

Call 911 for emergencies

"A drowning incident isn't always obvious, making closer supervision essential for any water activity," DeJong explains. "Always ensure that your designated water watcher can respond quickly and dial 911 in case of emergency."

Whether swimming, kayaking or just relaxing by the shore, keeping life jackets on hand is essential for water safety. As Shah points out, they help keep kids and adults afloat during emergencies and significantly reduce the risk of drowning by keeping the head above water.

Even if children don't grasp why using a life jacket while swimming is essential, Shah suggests that parents should still encourage their kids to wear them correctly.

"Parents should wear life jackets themselves, praise their children when they do the same, ensure the life jacket fits properly and is comfortable and make it a rule that life jackets are worn whenever children are in or near water," he says. "By following these tips, parents can help instill safe water habits in their children."

Experts

• Chris DeJong, Founder & President at Big Blue Swim School
• Dr. Ankur Shah, MD, PhD, a pediatrician with Clackamas & Oregon Pediatrics
• Dr. Brittany Steindl, an aquatic therapist with BLS Physical Therapy