How to fit a Life Jacket correctly

How to Properly Fit Your Life Jacket: A Guide for Safety and Comfort

Wearing a life jacket is one of the most important safety precautions when engaging in water sports or boating. However, a life jacket that doesn't fit properly can be more harmful than helpful. In this guide, we’ll cover how to ensure your life jacket fits correctly, and why a snug fit is crucial for safety and buoyancy in the water.

Why Fit Matters

A loosely fitted life jacket won't float you properly, which can be dangerous in an emergency situation. If the jacket is too loose, it might ride up or even slip off when you're in the water, reducing its effectiveness. Getting the right fit means your life jacket will stay in place and support your body, keeping you safe.

Neoprene Life Jackets: The Importance of Snugness

Most modern life jackets are made from neoprene, a material that stretches when it gets wet. In fact, a neoprene life jacket can stretch by about 5 to 10% once it's in the water. That’s why it's important to make sure the jacket fits snugly when you try it on dry, much like a wetsuit.

Here’s how to check the fit of your life jacket:

• When you zip up the life jacket, there should be a gap of about 5 to 10 cm between the zipper and the edges of the jacket.
• The jacket should stretch slightly to close, ensuring a snug fit once you're in the water.

This tight fit may feel restrictive at first, but it’s essential to ensure the jacket provides proper buoyancy and stays in place while you're in the water.

Size Guides: Every Brand is Different

It’s important to note that not all life jacket brands fit the same way. Each brand may have its own sizing guidelines, so always refer to the size chart provided by the manufacturer. We also also offer fit guide videos that demonstrate how a properly fitted life jacket should look and feel. Taking a few moments to check the size guide can make a significant difference in how well the jacket performs when you need it most.

Fitting Life Jackets for Kids

Ensuring a proper fit for children is even more important. Kids need life jackets that are not only buoyant enough for their weight but also snug around their waist and shoulders to keep them secure. When shopping for a child's life jacket, make sure to select a size based on their weight, as this ensures there is enough flotation to keep them safe in the water.

One common mistake is using adult-sized life jackets for children. While it might seem convenient, an adult life jacket is too loose to keep a child safe, even if it appears to fit. Always choose a life jacket designed for children to ensure it fits snugly and performs effectively.

Conclusion

When it comes to safety on the water, having the right fit for your life jacket is essential. Whether for adults or kids, ensure the jacket is snug when dry to allow for stretch in the water, and always follow brand-specific size guides. Properly fitted life jackets give you the confidence to enjoy your time on the water, knowing you’re well-protected in case of an emergency.

For more tips on fitting your life jacket and other water safety essentials, check out our fit guide videos and product pages. Stay safe, and enjoy the water!