Most 50- to 90-pound children are strong swimmers, but they still need a life jacket when boating. A well-fitted life jacket will help keep their head above water if they fall in and can’t swim to the side of the boat or to shore. There are many different types and sizes of life jackets available. The most important thing is to find one that fits your child properly. A loose life jacket can come off in the water, and a too-tight one can be uncomfortable and restrictive.
To find the right size, have your child try on different jackets and have them move around in them. The jacket should be snug but not too tight, and it should not impede their movement. If you’re unsure about which size to get, err on the side of a larger jacket—it’s better for a jacket to be too big than too small. Once you’ve found a life jacket that fits well, make sure it has U.S. Coast Guard approval labels visible on it. These labels indicate that the jacket has been tested and meets safety standards set by the Coast Guard.
Youth Life Jackets 50-90 Pounds # 1) Stearns Kids Life Vest | Youth Hydroprene Life Jacket | 50 to 90 Pounds
Product Summary: The Stearns Kids Life Vest is perfect for kids who love spending time in the water. The hydroprene life jacket is comfortable and lightweight, making it easy for kids to move around in. The life jacket is also great for kids who are 50 to 90 pounds.
A 5-Star Review: This fits my tall 5 year old pretty well – 53 pounds, size US 7 clothes. The arm holes are a little larger than I’m comfortable with for a smaller kid but it has been suitable for 3 weeks of all day wear boating and at camp on the seashore.
A Critical Review: Pretty nice vest but don’t recommend for the 50 pounders. May be ok for higher weights. Also although we never actually used it in the water it looks like it would ride up around the face since it doesn’t have the strap that goes between the legs.
Youth Life Jackets 50-90 Pounds # 2) Airhead Wicked Kwik-Dry NeoLite Flex Life Jacket Youth and Women’s Sizes Available
Product Summary: The Airhead Wicked Kwik-Dry NeoLite Flex Life Jacket is a super-light, ultra-buoyant life jacket that’s comfortable to wear and easy to move in. It’s perfect for all kinds of water activities, from swimming and paddling to fishing and sailing. The Kwik-Dry neoprene material keeps you cool and comfortable in the heat, and the adjustable straps ensure a snug, comfortable fit. The bright colors and reflective tape make you easy to spot in the water, and the integrated whistle ensures you can always be heard. The Airhead Wicked Kwik-Dry NeoLite Flex Life Jacket is the perfect choice for a safe and fun day on the water.
A 5-Star Review: Very good quality material and I think it’s quite comfortable for our little one to wear. It runs small though. Our family is long and lean and this just fits the length of her torso. The jacket has tummy room to expand but as I said just fits her torso. I’m a bit bummed honestly with what we paid for this given it barely fits but if it were a good fit I’d recommend. It’s very good quality, I can’t stress that enough. I think their next size up is a women’s and I was a bit leery of going up to that size as our child is only a petite 8 yr old. I’d definitely buy the brand again though, it’s a nice jacket.
Please like if my review was helpful.
A Critical Review: I bought two of these for my 5 and 8 year old daughters. My daughters are big for their age, my 5yo is tall and 54lbs and wears a kids 6x/7 the vest fits her great. My 8 yo daughter however the vest was too small. She is 53″ 80lbs and wears a size 10 we could zip the vest but barely and she said it was too tight. We ended up getting an adult xsmall vest which looks like the next biggest size and it fits her well.
Youth Life Jackets 50-90 Pounds # 3) STEARNS Nylon Youth Vest
Product Summary: The Stearns Nylon Youth Vest is a great choice for kids who love spending time in the water. It’s made with durable nylon and has a comfortable fit that helps them move and play freely. The vest also comes with a zip closure and two adjustable straps for a secure fit.
A 5-Star Review: Great for my boys for paddle boarding! Love the man-down loop on the back to pull them up when they jump off the board.
Youth Life Jackets 50-90 Pounds # 4) O’Neill Youth SuperLite USCG Life Vest
Product Summary: This is an important message to send to your children. It is important that they have the same high quality of gear as you do in order to stay safe. This means that they should have the proper clothing, gear, and accessories to stay safe while outdoors.
A 5-Star Review: We go out every year on the boat with our family and this life jacket was absolutely perfect. Our son had just outgrown his smaller one and found this one to be so comfortable. Did not ride up at all and he had a blast in the water!
A Critical Review: Small and short wasted for compared to other brands with the same weight
Youth Life Jackets 50-90 Pounds # 5) Stohlquist Fit Youth Life Jacket – Coast Guard Approved, High Mobility PFD, Lightweight Buoyancy Foam, Fully Adjustable for Children
Product Summary: The Fit Youth PFD is a high mobility vest for paddling, general boating, and personal watercraft use. The sculpted front and back foam panels create a more appropriate fit for paddle sports, while still providing the ability to be used in other boating activities.
A 5-Star Review: I bought this life vest for an 8 year old boy who is 75lbs. It fits as expected and can be easily adjusted. The life vest is made of a better quality material than I was expecting since it was not that expensive. It actually looks, feels, and fits better than ones we tried on in stores such as Dicks and Academy. When buying a life vest, especially for a child, it is important to know what type to buy. I took a picture of some of the pages of the pamphlet that was attached to this life vest to help explain the different types and sizes of life vests. I hope it helps! I chose a Type III vest because we will be in calm, mainly shallow waters, and my child knows how to swim.
A Critical Review: Busy mom of three kids here and I needed a life vest for my 7 year old autistic son. My son is a big boy for his age and wears 10/12 in clothes…I was hopeful about this life vest but it didn’t mean minimal expectations. The top buckle only has just a bit of slack to use to tighten the strap (for a more snug fit). Then the jacket would slide up, near his ears, when he was swimming. It happened every time he swam wearing it, to the point I was afraid he may slip out under neath it. Wasn’t going to take a chance on that so we opted to buy another jacket elsewhere.
Youth Life Jackets 50-90 Pounds # 6) Hardcore Water Sports Life Jacket Vests for The Entire Family | USCG Approved | Child | Youth | Adult
Product Summary: Looking for a USCG approved life jacket vest for the entire family? Look no further than the Hardcore Water Sports Life Jacket Vest! This life jacket vest is perfect for children, youth, and adults, and is perfect for all kinds of water sports. The Hardcore Water Sports Life Jacket Vest is comfortable and stylish, and will keep you safe while you enjoy your time on the water.
A 5-Star Review: I purchased this life jacket for my daughter because she had one that had a zipper in it and it rubbed her chin while swimming so I purchased this one in hopes it would be more comfortable for her and it worked wonderful I was pleasantly surprised how well it worked.
A Critical Review: Bulky
Youth Life Jackets 50-90 Pounds # 7) Oceans7 US Coast Guard-Approved Youth Life Jacket 50-90 lbs -Type III PFD Flexible-Fit Open-Sided Design Personal Flotation Device – Pink/Berry
Product Summary: If you’re looking for a US Coast Guard-Approved life jacket for your little one, this is the perfect option! The Oceans7 Youth Life Jacket is designed for kids 50-90 lbs, and features a flexible-fit open-sided design. The personal flotation device is available in pink/berry, and is perfect for keeping your little one safe while out on the water.
A 5-Star Review: I was on the fence about purchasing because my daughter is just at 50 lbs. I was afraid it would be too big, but it was perfect. Fit snugly when the fasteners were tightened and kept her from sinking. Nice color too.
A Critical Review: Easy to use but hard to get a good fit. Had to go to adult size for better fit.
Youth Life Jackets 50-90 Pounds # 8) Leader Accessories Youth USCG Approved Life Jacket Vest Boating Vest
Product Summary: Swim Vest The Leader Accessories Youth USCG Approved Life Jacket Vest Boating Vest Swim Vest is a great way to keep your little ones safe while out on the water. This life jacket is designed for kids ages 8-15 and is approved by the US Coast Guard. It features a comfortable, lightweight design that won’t weigh them down, and has adjustable straps for a snug, secure fit. The bright orange color is easy to spot, and the vest has multiple reflective strips for added safety. There are also two large front pockets, perfect for holding snacks, sunscreen, or other small items.
A 5-Star Review: I wanted a basic and inexpensive life jacket for my son to have on our boat and this fits the bill. It’s not designed for heavy duty or serious use but more so just to fill the legal requirement of him having a jacket onboard. He’s 4’6” and 59 pounds and the fit is good. Take note that there isn’t a strap that goes through the legs to secure the jacket.
Youth Life Jackets 50-90 Pounds # 9) Connelly Youth Nylon Life Jacket
Product Summary: The Connelly Youth Nylon Life Jacket is a great choice for your little ones when they are out on the water. This life jacket is made with a durable nylon material that will last for many years to come. It also features a comfortable fit that will keep your child safe and secure while they are enjoying the water.
A 5-Star Review: My 8 year old son is right at 50 pounds and this works great. It’s a LITTLE big on him, but the smaller size would have been too small, so this is great for him to be able to use now and still grown in. This is a great jacket that has vibrant colors.
A Critical Review: It’s not for young people. I need for young people of 13 and 16 years old. Please
Youth Life Jackets 50-90 Pounds # 10) SportsStuff Stars and Stripes Life Jacket | Child, Youth and Adult
Product Summary: Sizes This life jacket provides ultimate freedom of movement and safety on the water. It is Coast Guard approved and features a durable outer shell with a soft, comfortable flotation foam interior. The life jacket also has a large front zipper for easy on and off, and two adjustable belts for a secure, comfortable fit. It is available in child, youth and adult sizes.
A 5-Star Review: Great vest for the money. Fits him well, not too thick and he’s comfortable in it. No crotch strap but he doesn’t need it. He has used it at the lake twice now and color hasn’t bled. He is 7 years old, 4′ 1″ tall and about 52 lbs.
A Critical Review: 😡MAD. I purchased two vests for my (12 yro/112 lbs) son—Adult Large and I (5’9/180 lbs)— ADULT XXL, to go to the beach on Memorial Day weekend.
I literally received the vests like 10 minutes ago. I opened the box and one is adult size small and one is adult size XXL. THEY ARE LITERALLY THE SAME SIZE! I tried both on although obviously they by appearance look the exact same size. What the heck? I’m keeping both because I don’t feel like sending it back — BUT BUYER BEWARE! 🤔 (PS. Yes, I referred to the sizing reference chart.)
Youth Life Jackets 50-90 Pounds # 11) STEARNS Puddle Jumper Youth Hydroprene Life Jacket, Blue
Product Summary: This product is designed for kids who love spending time in the water. The Puddle Jumper youth hydroprene life jacket is made with a comfortable, lightweight material that is perfect for water activities. This product also includes a safety strap that helps keep kids secure while they are enjoying the water.
A 5-Star Review: Great quality, but size runs small. Barely fits my son who is 53lbs.
A Critical Review: This item is supposed to be for a child 50 to 90 lbs I bought it for my grandson who weighs 65 lbs and is very slim and it does not even zip up. Disappointed and returning. It is a very nice color and smart-looking but useless for us.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, it is clear that youth life jackets 50-90 pounds are essential for safety while enjoying water sports and activities. They provide buoyancy and support in the event of a fall or accident, and can help prevent drowning. While many life jackets are designed for adults, it is important to choose one that fits your child properly. With so many choices on the market, take the time to find one that meets your child’s specific needs.
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>>