Most Important Life Jacket Tip, According To The Coast Guard

School is out, summer is here, and the kids are ready for the water! But do you have a life jacket for your child? If you do, is it the correct type? And does it fit them correctly? These are questions you need to ask yourself, since drowning is the leading cause of death for children between 1 and 4 years old in the U.S., according to the CDC.

Let’s break down the best type of life jacket you should buy for your child based on activity. Before you dive in, know that life jackets should be Coast Guard-approved, must fit your child properly, and be in good condition in order to work.

(MORE: 13 Pool Safety Products To Protect Your Kids And Pets)

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Boating

Federal Law requires children under 13 to wear life jackets when the boat is moving (not anchored), except if within an enclosed cabin. Keep in mind that state laws can have additional requirements, so be sure to check with your local boating authority before heading out on the water.

Important: The Coast Guard does not recommend taking infants onboard a recreational boat. The PFDs (personal flotation devices) currently available for newborns up to 18 pounds may not provide a proper fit to perform as expected, per the USCG website.

Type I and Type II PFDs, otherwise known as life jackets, should be worn while on a boat. Both are similar; Type I is a bit more uncomfortable but has a better chance of turning an unconscious person face up. According to the Coast Guard, Type I (offshore life jackets) are best for rough seas or remote situations where a rescue may be delayed. Type II (near-shore life jackets) are for calm, inland waters where a quick rescue is more likely. Type II life jackets may turn an unconscious person face up, but also might not.

Water Activities

U.S. Coast Guard Commander Dan DeAngelo says, “You have your Type III, those are your flotation aids, more of your sporty style on your personal water craft. Designed for more comfort, but may not turn an unconscious person face up.”

These PFDs are popular while participating in one of these activities: water skiing, fishing, hunting, canoeing and kayaking. They are designed to support a conscious person in an upright position.

Beach Or Lake

It’s best to opt for Types I, II and III, depending on your child’s swimming ability. Remember, Type I is the least comfortable and Type III is the most comfortable for life jacket wearers. Type II life jackets typically have a head-up neck float designed for face-up flotation as seen below:

Swimming Pool

The Coast Guard only tests and approves PFDs for use on boats. Therefore, they do not have a type that is recommended for pools, according to the National Drowning Prevention Alliance.

The best way to keep your children safe when in and around a swimming pool is to get them swimming lessons. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children start them as early as age 1.

The popular puddle jumper is approved by the Coast Guard, but there is also a lot of controversy surrounding this type of swim aid.

Yes, the puddle jumper allows your child to float, but it can also give them a false sense of security in the water. Plus, it already puts them in a vertical position, which is known as the drowning position. Children need to learn how to float horizontally, which is a lifesaving position.

Several of my children’s swim instructors told me that once my child starts lessons, I should avoid putting them back into a puddle jumper since that would erase everything they have learned.

Avoid using water wings or floaties altogether, as these are not considered personal flotation devices by the Coast Guard.

Before putting your life jacket to use, be sure to test it out and do a fit check. A properly fitted life jacket is just as important as the type.

How to perform a fit check on your child, according to the Coast Guard:

• Pick up your child by the shoulder part of the life jacket.
• If it fits correctly, your child’s chin and ears will not slip through.
• Remember, life jackets are not babysitters, and children should never be left unsupervised when in or near water.

Happy, safe swimming!