{"id":933,"date":"2015-05-04T12:10:02","date_gmt":"2015-05-04T16:10:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/?post_type=article&#038;p=403"},"modified":"2020-03-25T19:43:19","modified_gmt":"2020-03-25T19:43:19","slug":"usa-life-jacket-sizing-and-testing","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/knowledge-base\/article\/usa-life-jacket-sizing-and-testing\/","title":{"rendered":"Life Jacket Sizing and Testing"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Life Jackets: Laws for Children<\/h2>\n<p>The laws regarding children wearing life jackets vary by state. However, federal law requires any child 12 years of age or younger to wear a Coast Guard- approved Type I, Type II or Type III life jacket while they\u2019re underway on any kind of boat. The only time a child is not required to wear a life jacket is when the boat is not underway (i.e. when it\u2019s anchored or moored) or if the child is inside the boat\u2019s enclosed cabin. However, the life jacket must still be readily accessible at all times.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fast.wistia.net\/embed\/iframe\/gdgg6gu4kd?dnt=1&#038;popover=true\" class=\"wistia-popover[height=393,playerColor=7b796a,width=699]\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-original=\"https:\/\/embed-ssl.wistia.com\/deliveries\/947d9617daa2c4407025ff0b0ab05dd987b49ff8.jpg?image_play_button=true&#038;image_play_button_color=7b796ae0&#038;image_crop_resized=600x338\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><script charset=\"ISO-8859-1\" src=\"\/\/fast.wistia.com\/assets\/external\/popover-v1.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Children tend to panic in emergency situations and they could easily drown if struggling in the water without a life jacket to keep them afloat and face-up. Make sure you show kids how to properly secure their life jackets and recommend that they wear them at all times when they\u2019re on a boat or near the water.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2015\/04\/LifeJAcketLawsFrChildren1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-404\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2015\/04\/LifeJAcketLawsFrChildren1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Lifejacket sizing for children\" width=\"700\" height=\"394\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>A child\u2019s life jacket should have the following features:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A label indicating that it\u2019s been Coast Guard-approved.<\/li>\n<li>An extra-large collar to support the child\u2019s head.<\/li>\n<li>A safety strap between the legs to prevent the jacket from slipping up over the child\u2019s head.<\/li>\n<li>A grab strap located on the collar.<\/li>\n<li>Reflective material.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Children\u2019s Life Jacket Sizing<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fast.wistia.net\/embed\/iframe\/912zt0pel0?dnt=1&#038;popover=true\" class=\"wistia-popover[height=393,playerColor=7b796a,width=699]\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/embed-ssl.wistia.com\/deliveries\/2d4a1aeae962557b257d8939dbeef9eb3644ccd0.jpg?image_play_button=true&#038;image_play_button_color=7b796ae0&#038;image_crop_resized=600x338\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><script charset=\"ISO-8859-1\" src=\"\/\/fast.wistia.com\/assets\/external\/popover-v1.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><strong>Tips for buying a child\u2019s life jacket:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Always check the sizing while in the store.<\/li>\n<li>While the child is wearing the life jacket, pull it up at their shoulders\u2014if the vest touches the child\u2019s ears, it\u2019s too big for them.<\/li>\n<li>Make sure the child is comfortable in the vest\u2014or they won\u2019t want to wear it!<\/li>\n<li>Never buy a size larger than you need hoping the child will \u2018grow into it\u2019.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>To match a child\u2019s weight to the right life jacket, check the \u2018User Weight\u2019 on the label or the approval statement that will identify the weight category of the vest.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2015\/04\/Scene4LifeJacketsinStore-011.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-405\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2015\/04\/Scene4LifeJacketsinStore-011-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Choosing a lifejacket for your child\" width=\"700\" height=\"394\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>The weight categories for children\u2019s life jackets are:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Less than 30 lbs.<\/li>\n<li>30 to 50 lbs.<\/li>\n<li>50 to 90 lbs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Safe Boating Tip:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Inflatable toys should never be used in place of life jackets. Additionally, be sure to tuck in any loose life jacket straps to prevent the child\u2019s vest from getting tangled on the boat, dock or caught on an underwater object.<\/p>\n<h2>Testing Your Life Jackets<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fast.wistia.net\/embed\/iframe\/q81lgio42p?dnt=1&#038;popover=true\" class=\"wistia-popover[height=393,playerColor=7b796a,width=699]\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/embed-ssl.wistia.com\/deliveries\/b488a1f08434162de355d3e2fa858221dae86cc9.jpg?image_play_button=true&#038;image_play_button_color=7b796ae0&#038;image_crop_resized=600x338\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><script charset=\"ISO-8859-1\" src=\"\/\/fast.wistia.com\/assets\/external\/popover-v1.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Life jackets should be tested for buoyancy at the start of each season and regularly throughout the season. Even if they are new!<\/p>\n<p>Children\u2019s life jackets should also be tested to ensure proper fit and buoyancy. Have your child follow the same procedure in a controlled environment under parental supervision.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2015\/04\/TestingyrLfjckt1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-406\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2015\/04\/TestingyrLfjckt1-1024x480.jpg\" alt=\"Testing your lifejacket\" width=\"700\" height=\"328\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2>How to Test Your Life Jackets:<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Step 1)<\/strong> Put on and properly secure the life jacket.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 2)<\/strong> Wade into chest-deep water.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 3)<\/strong> Bend your knees and float onto your back.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 4)<\/strong> Ensure the life jacket keeps your chin above the water and allows you to breathe comfortably.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 5)<\/strong> Stand up and reach above your head\u2014if the vest hits your nose, it may be too big.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2015\/04\/TestingyrLfjckt21.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-407\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2015\/04\/TestingyrLfjckt21-1024x480.jpg\" alt=\"Testing your lifejacket\" width=\"700\" height=\"328\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Adjusting Your Life Jackets<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>To be a perfect fit, life jackets should have a bit of room to allow water under the front of the vest. This means that you should choose a vest that you will be comfortable in while moving your arms. You should also have the space you need to take a deep breath. All zippers, fasteners, buckles and straps should be adjusted to ensure a proper fit.<\/p>\n<h2>The Risks of Not Wearing a Flotation Device<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fast.wistia.net\/embed\/iframe\/k5f92xhbgw?dnt=1&#038;popover=true\" class=\"wistia-popover[height=393,playerColor=7b796a,width=699]\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/embed-ssl.wistia.com\/deliveries\/18784e776de6bd3cdb674990ef8ab1f4419a91d2.jpg?image_play_button=true&#038;image_play_button_color=7b796ae0&#038;image_crop_resized=600x338\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><script charset=\"ISO-8859-1\" src=\"\/\/fast.wistia.com\/assets\/external\/popover-v1.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>There is a frightening fact that every boater should know: 9\/10 drowning deaths occur close to shore and most within only a few feet of safety. Nearly all of these victims had life jackets in their boat, but they weren\u2019t wearing them at the time of their emergency.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2015\/04\/risks_not_wearing_Lifejckt1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-408\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2015\/04\/risks_not_wearing_Lifejckt1.jpg\" alt=\"9\/10 drowning deaths occur close to shore and most within only a few feet of safety\" width=\"700\" height=\"392\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>You should always be wearing your life jacket\u2014however, at MINIMUM, you should be wearing your life jacket during any of the following conditions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>When approaching stormy weather.<\/li>\n<li>When operating near local hazards (i.e. rocks, dams or sea creatures).<\/li>\n<li>When operating at night or during limited visibility.<\/li>\n<li>When operating in heavy boat traffic zones.<\/li>\n<li>When you\u2019re boating alone.<\/li>\n<li>When you\u2019re boating far from shore.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Keep in mind that the weather and water conditions can change <em>rapidly<\/em>. The best way to prepare for a boating emergency is to wear your life jacket at all times while you\u2019re on board a boat.<\/p>\n<h2>How to Put on a Wearable Flotation Device in the Water<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fast.wistia.net\/embed\/iframe\/olq1b19b21?dnt=1&#038;popover=true\" class=\"wistia-popover[height=393,playerColor=7b796a,width=699]\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/embed-ssl.wistia.com\/deliveries\/c8b5ffbc430287b5337628086a11de1fe18b5321.jpg?image_play_button=true&#038;image_play_button_color=7b796ae0&#038;image_crop_resized=600x338\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><script charset=\"ISO-8859-1\" src=\"\/\/fast.wistia.com\/assets\/external\/popover-v1.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>This procedure is more difficult than it may seem! Practice in a supervised area:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 1)<\/strong> Spread the flotation device open with the inside facing up and out of the water and the neck facing toward you.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 2) <\/strong>Extend your arms through the arm openings.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 3)<\/strong> Lift your arms above your head, lie backwards and then pull the life jacket around your upper body.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Step 4<\/strong>) Fasten the zippers, straps, buckles and\/or ties to ensure a snug fit.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","format":"standard","article-category":[8],"article-tag":[83,112,126,194,247],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v14.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Life Jackets: Sizing, Testing and Requirements for Children<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Everything you need to know about sizing a life jacket for a child, includes step-by-step instructions on testing life jackets in a controlled area.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow\" \/>\n<meta name=\"googlebot\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta name=\"bingbot\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/knowledge-base\/article\/usa-life-jacket-sizing-and-testing\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Life Jackets: Sizing, Testing and Requirements for Children\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Everything you need to know about sizing a life jacket for a child, includes step-by-step instructions on testing life jackets in a controlled area.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/knowledge-base\/article\/usa-life-jacket-sizing-and-testing\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"BOATsmart! 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