Most people don’t think about life jackets until they are in a situation where they need one. Whether you are boating, fishing, or enjoying another water-based activity, having a life jacket on hand can be the difference between life and death. In this article, we will discuss the different types of boat life jackets and how to choose the right one for your needs.
There are three main types of boat life jackets: type I, II, and III. Type I life jackets are considered off-shore life jackets and are designed for use in rough water where rescue may be delayed. They are typically more bulky than other types of life jackets but offer the most protection. Type II life jackets are considered near-shore buoyant vests and provide good flotation but aren’t as bulky as type I jackets. They’re ideal for use in calm water or when quick rescue is available. Type III life jackets are also known as flotation aids and offer the least amount of flotation but are more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. They’re ideal for use in calm water or when swimming is part of the activity.
When choosing a boat life jacket, it’s important to consider the type of activities you’ll be participating in as well as the conditions you’ll be using them in. For example, if you plan on spending time in rough waters, a type I jacket is likely your best option. If you just need something to keep you afloat while swimming or participating in a water-based activity in calm waters, a type III jacket will suffice. It’s also important to choose a jacket that fits properly – one that is too big can come off during an emergency while one that is too small can restrict your movement and make it difficult to breathe properly.
No matter what type of boat life jacket you choose, wearing it while participating in any water-based activities is always better than not wearing one at all. Make sure to take the time to find the right jacket for your needs so you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you have some protection against potential dangers while out on the water!
Boat Life Jackets # 1) Stohlquist Fit Adult PFD Life Vest | Pack of 4 | Coast Guard Approved, Adjustable Size, Unisex, Lightweight, High Mobility, PVC Free Life Jacket – Value Pack
Product Summary: The Stohlquist Fit Adult PFD Life Vest is a great value pack of 4 life vests that are perfect for boating, fishing, or any other water activities. They are Coast Guard approved, adjustable in size, and made from a lightweight, high mobility PVC-free material. These life vests are comfortable and provide great freedom of movement, while still keeping you safe and protected in the water.
A 5-Star Review: Lo fundamental en ellos es su función. Aunque aún no lo hemos probado y ojalá nunca tengamos que usarlo, porque significaría que se ha producido un accidente.
Gracias por la calidad y tiempo de entrega.
A Critical Review: Size & comfort could be greatly improved
Boat Life Jackets # 2) STEARNS Youth Boating Vest (50-90 lbs.)
Product Summary: The Stearns Youth Classic Series Life Vest is designed to keep children safe and comfortable while on the water. This youth life jacket has an open-sided design for extra breathability and more freedom while swimming and playing, and it comes with 3 adjustable 1-inch buckle straps for a secure fit. Featuring durable nylon construction and PE flotation foam, this life jacket is designed to stand up to steady use while boating, tubing, and swimming. This youth life jacket is US Coast Guard-approved and specially fitted for kids weighing between 50 and 90 pounds.
A 5-Star Review: It works well and fits perfectly as expected. Life jackets are supposed to be firm and tight on the chest and should not go above the child’s ears because if the child is drowning, a loosely fitted life jacket that goes above their ears can keep their head underwater. My son has room to move with this vest and it fits him and keeps him afloat. The price was good with prime compared to the other options.
A Critical Review: Of the Sterns Classic Series vests, I would only recommend the Adult versions to fit correctly. I got two of these Youth Classic vests for my kids (7y and 5y – 50+/-5 lbs). The vests fit very snugly around the chest, especially for the bigger of two kids. However, the most uncomfortable part was how the vest were around the kids necks. The V-line near the neck area is just too small and with the vest properly tightened around their bodies, it was touching their necks and was very uncomfortable. I understand that safety is not always around comfort, but these vests just did not feel right.
I returned these and got Sterns Antimicrobial Nylon Youth vests. Those vests fit the kids very nice and had some room for the kids to grow as well. We went out kayaking and kids did not complain about the vests at all.
Boat Life Jackets # 3) Bafeil Kids Swim Vest,Float Swimsuit for Toddlers,Kids Swimming Jacket with Adjustable Safety Strap，Summer Water Sport Swimming Training Surfing Assistance
Product Summary: Made of 100% cotton Velcro closure One size fits most. Your little one will enjoy the water with this Bafeil Kids Swim Vest. It is ideal for toddlers and provides a safe and comfortable fit with its adjustable safety strap. The float swimsuit is perfect for summer water sports and swimming training. It is also great for surfing assistance.
A 5-Star Review: Perfect for what we needed it for! With room to grow! We had to tighten up the straps as far as they would go but that’s okay because we can use it again next year!
A Critical Review: Does not fit according to size and when on my daughter, it kept pushing her forwards where her face was in the water. Even when she was steady the life jacket just leaned her forward. Will not wear again
Boat Life Jackets # 4) Airhead Infant’s General Purpose Life Jacket, Coast Guard Approved, Blue
Product Summary: The Airhead Infant‘s General Purpose Life Jacket is a Coast Guard approved life jacket that is great for infants. It is made of durable materials and is comfortable to wear. It is great for use in the pool, at the beach, or on a boat.
A 5-Star Review: We went on vacation to Kalahari Resorts and life jackets are required for the little ones. We bought this for our son who is 13 months old and recently started walking consistently. He doesn’t like to float on his back yet, but this jacket was great for what we needed. It specifies that this is best for an infant/child who has been comfortable with or taught to float on their back due to the risk of their head going under forward, but we were always close enough this wouldn’t have been an issue. I have no complaints!
A Critical Review: We got this for our 6 month old son to go to a water park where he had to have a coast guard approved life vest. The size was good but the top wanted to squeeze his head the whole time.. He wasn’t comfortable.
Boat Life Jackets # 5) Kids Swim Vest, Floaties for Toddlers, Child Swim Vest with Adjustable Safety Strap for Boys Girls Age:1-6 Years
Product Summary: Old This product is a kids swim vest with adjustable safety strap for boys and girls aged 1-6 years old. It is designed to provide buoyancy and support for your child while swimming. The vest is made of durable, comfortable material and is available in a variety of colors.
A 5-Star Review: Great
A Critical Review: My daughter is 25lbs so we went with a small (22-33lbs) and even with the bottom strap tightened it floats up in the back and is to big so she just flops forward
Boat Life Jackets # 6) ONYX General Purpose Boating Life Jacket, Adult Oversize Size (40″-60″), Blue
Product Summary: The Onyx General Purpose vest features classic open sided styling at an affordable price. Quick release buckles and 1″ belts provide a secure fit. These vests are U.S. Coast Guard approved. Available in infant, child, youth, adult universal and adult oversize to outfit the entire family, and bright colors to add visibility on the water. The Adult Universal vest fits chest sizes of 30″ – 52″, and over 90 lbs and Oversize vest fits chest sizes of 40″ – 60″, and over 90 lbs.
A 5-Star Review: Oversized as described. Good value for the cost
A Critical Review: Quality is reasonable for a life vest. I got one for me and one for my wife. I got the XXL and she got the regular adult size. The sizes are WAY TOO SMALL. The big size (actually labeled L/3XL, seriously? How can something be both “L” and “3XL”?) “fit” me with about a 10″ gap in the front. Basically, they took the size that an average adult male would wear and added an extra foot of nylon tape for the big guys. I am 6’2″ and weigh about 315lbs. All of my shirts are 2XL, but I wear them snug, and could probably buy 3XL. The smaller adult size fit my wife, kinda. It was mostly closed in the front with only a few inch gap. The one that was meant for me fit her comfortably. She is 5’10” and wears a size12, so she’s definitely smaller than an average sized man. These aren’t terrible if you’re looking to spend to have a legally compliant life vest in your boat, but if you have any interest in actually wearing them while doing anything active, definitely look else ware. And if you do buy these, definitely size up.
Boat Life Jackets # 7) JKSPORTS Fly FishingVest Fishing Safety Life Jacket for Swimming Sailing Boating Kayak Floating Multifunction Breathable Backpack for Men and Women KayakVest (Without Foam)
Product Summary: This fishing jacket looks more like an outdoor vest with total 11 zippered pockets and multi attachment Ladders and accessory loops on its front and wide reflectors on the back and shoulder. Underneath the exterior it’s a fully functional flotation device which is detachable for functioning as a shear fishing gear carrier. And this vest will fit almost any person due to webbed adjustable buckle straps. If your main priority is gear storage, this fishing vest is one of a kind. It’s great for fly fishing, kayak fishing, canoe fishing (pretty much any type of fishing).
A 5-Star Review: Fits well. So many pockets I forget where stuff is at. Comfortable. NO USCG approval stamp for use as a floatation device.
A Critical Review: It would be ok if it were USCG approved, which it is NOT and therefore not legal in Maine and probably not in other states.
Boat Life Jackets # 8) Rrtizan Swim Vest for Adults, Buoyancy Aid Swim Jackets – Portable Inflatable Snorkel Vest for Swimming, Snorkeling, Kayaking, Paddle Boating and Other Low Impact Water Sports Safety
Product Summary: The Rrtizan Swim Vest for Adults is a buoyancy aid swim jacket that is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boating and other low impact water sports. The vest is made from durable PVC material and features two adjustable straps for a comfortable and secure fit. The vest also has a built-in inflatable pillow for added support and comfort while swimming. The Rrtizan Swim Vest is a great choice for anyone looking for a safe and stylish way to enjoy the water.
A 5-Star Review: Good but dont tighten leg straps too tight. They will break.
A Critical Review: Its ok for a quick fix for the requirement to have a life vest. It stopped holding air after a few inflations. It worker for what I needed it for at the time. Not a long term solution
Boat Life Jackets # 9) Zeraty Toddler Swim Vest, Float Jacket for Kids Swimsuit Swimwear with Adjustable Safety Strap for 28-50 lbs Girls
Product Summary:, Boys If you’re looking for a swim vest to help your toddler stay safe in the water, look no further than the Zeraty Toddler Swim Vest! This float jacket is perfect for kids aged 2-4 years old, and features an adjustable safety strap to keep them secure. The bright and colorful design is sure to stand out, and the mesh fabric ensures they stay cool and comfortable while they’re swimming. Whether you’re headed to the pool or the beach, the Zeraty Toddler Swim Vest is a must-have for any little one.
A 5-Star Review: I have two girls age 5 and 4 and bought them each 1 for the lake. They had speedo brand before this 1 and I must say that this 1 was way better. Especially the wider strap for in-between the legs. It is way more comfortable.
A Critical Review: It’s good quality and fits great but 1st time out my child got little to deep and it made her go face down in the water. Always be right there with your little ones
Boat Life Jackets # 10) Stearns Child Watersport Classic Series Vest
Product Summary: The Stearns Child Watersport Classic Series Vest is a great choice for kids who love spending time in the water. This vest is designed to provide a comfortable and secure fit, while also giving kids the freedom to move and play. The bright colors and fun design are sure to please, while the durable construction will stand up to plenty of use. This vest is perfect for kids who love to swim, boat, or just play in the water.
A 5-Star Review: We had to return this and didn’t get to use it. My son is 46 pounds, 3.5′ tall at 4 years old. We thought we’d use it on vacation and didn’t. When I tried it on him, it seemed snug but he said it was fine. All the cinches were at their maximum length to accommodate his size. I’m not a life jacket expert but this seemed to maybe run small. My son is a bigger guy for his age though.
A Critical Review: I ordered two of these jackets for size 30 to 50 pounds. My grandchildren weigh 30 pounds and 42 pounds. On the 30 pound child the jacket was very tight. And the 42 pound child it did not fit at all! Beware these jackets run very small.
Boat Life Jackets # 11) Full Throttle Child Rapid Dry Neoprene Life Jacket, Purple
Product Summary: The Full Throttle Child Rapid Dry Neoprene Life Jacket is a great choice for kids who love spending time in the water. This life jacket is made from durable neoprene material and features a rapid dry design that helps keep kids comfortable and dry. The Full Throttle Child Rapid Dry Neoprene Life Jacket also includes a safety strap that helps keep kids secure while they’re enjoying the water.
Conclusion:
A boat life jacket is an important piece of safety equipment that every boater should have. Wearing a life jacket can help save your life in the event of an accident. There are many different types and sizes of life jackets available to choose from. Make sure to select a life jacket that fits you properly and is comfortable to wear.
If you need help finding the best life jackets to enjoy your favorite water activities, we have a few suggestions of our own. You can read all about them here>>