Life Jackets for Children: Facts to Know

First posted on 08-19-2008

PIEDMONT, Mo. – State law requires boats to carry a Coast Guard approved life jacket for each passenger on board and that children under 7 years old wear theirs. Since life jackets only work when they are worn, we recommend older children and adults wear theirs too. Because there are so many types and sizes to choose from, here are some facts to help in your selection.

Personal Flotation Devices, which includes life jackets and “throwable” flotation devices, are rated Type I through Type V. The life jackets most helpful for near-shore recreational boating such as that experienced at Clearwater Lake are Types II and III.

Type II is good for calm, inland water where there is a good chance of fast rescue. Smaller-sized Type II life jackets often have high collars to help keep a child’s face out of the water. Type III life jackets provide similar flotation and offer the most comfort and freedom of movement. They come in a variety of styles and sizes, from small child through adult. They also are best used in calm water where there’s a good chance of fast rescue.

Type I is for boating in severe conditions where rescue may be delayed. Type IV is a boat cushion or rescue ring that is “throwable.” It does not replace a wearable life jacket and should not be used by children. Type V life jackets are designed to be worn for specific uses. Make sure the uses listed on Type V life jackets fit the activity in which you or your child will be involved.

When buying a life jacket, check for a Coast Guard-approved label. Some children’s swim suits have flotation sewn into them, but they may or may not be approved as life jackets. New products are being developed all the time, and life jackets that are worn like a swim suit are available for children. Just be sure that they are labeled as Coast Guard approved life jackets.
A snug fit is very important when choosing a life jacket. Check weight and size on the label and try it on your child. Pick up your child by the shoulders of the life jacket. The child’s chin and ears won’t slip through one that fits properly.

Also important to look for when choosing a life jacket for your younger child is proper head support. A well-designed life jacket will support the child’s head in the water. Some smaller life jackets may be equipped with a strap between the legs. This is a good feature because it helps prevent the vest from coming off.

Have your child practice wearing a life jacket in the water. A child who panics and thrashes about may roll face down even though a life jacket with a collar is designed to keep the child turned with face out of the water. Practice will help prevent panic and rolling over.

For teens, who are less likely to wear a life jacket, give consideration to comfort and appearance. Chances are if it looks good, a teen will be more willing to wear it. Wear your own life jacket to set the example and to be better able to help your child if an emergency occurs.
Every time you prepare for an outing, check the life jacket for fit as well as wear and tear. Throw it away if you find air leakage, mildew, rot or rust. Never alter a life jacket because it could lose its effectiveness.

Your safety in and around the water is our number one concern. For more information about recreational opportunities at Clearwater Lake, contact the Corps at RR 3 Box 3559D, Piedmont, MO 63957, or call the Clearwater Project Office at (573) 223-7777.

For future lake levels and river conditions check the Lower Mississippi River Forecast Center at http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lmrfc/forecast/tributaries/black_white.shtml and the Corps of Engineers Water Control Data System at http://www.swl-wc.usace.army.mil/.