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Lifejackets and Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

• Lifejackets/PFDs
• Types of Flotation Devices
• A Standard Lifejacket
• A Small Vessel Lifejacket
• A Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
• Children's PFDs
• Choosing a PFD
• Types of PFDs – Inherantly Buoyant
• Types of PFDs – Inflatable
• Care
• Lifejacket comparison chart

Children's PFDs

A child’s PFD or lifejacket is not a substitute for adult supervision.

	Child/Infant PFD.

Children’s PFDs should be comfortable yet snug. Never buy a large PFD for the child to grow into. Loose, ill-fitting PFDs are dangerous.

PFDs for children can have special safety features. You may want to look for the following additional features when selecting a PFD for your child:

• Large collar for head support,
• Sturdy, rust-proof zipper,
• Draw string,
• Waist ties or elastic gathers in front and back,
• Safety strap that goes between the legs to prevent the PFD from slipping over the child’s head,
• Buckle on safety straps and reflective tape, Attach a sound-signaling device (whistle) to your child’s PFD zipper for added safety.

PFD Sizing Chart for kids

Size	Infant Less than 30 lbs	Child small 30 – 50 lbs	Child Medium 30 – 50 lbs	Youth 50 – 90 lbs
Age	Newborn to 2 years old	2 to 5 years old	4 to 8 years old	6 to 12 years old
Chest	16 – 20” circumference	20- 23” to 23-25” circumference	21-25” circumference	26-29” circumference
Features of child or infant	rounded body large head short limbs	short torso protruding tummy stocky shape	larger torso than toddler no waistline slimmer than toddler	beginning waistline slim/chunky short to average height

Infant devices are newborns to two year olds weighting less than 30 lbs.

Child small or Toddlers devices are for ages two through five, although Child Medium is more appropriate for children between the ages of four and eight. These devices span the range from 30-50lbs.

A youth device is defined as 50-90 lbs and usually fits a child between six and 12 years old.

Tips for selecting a PFD for kids

1. Consider the child’s swimming ability. A type II Child vest may be more suitable for children who are non-swimmers due to grater buoyancy.
2. Age and experience with Lifejackets – children should learn how to relax and gain control of their bodies with supplemental buoyancy. Adult supervision and support is critical
3. Choose the right jacket for the activity.
4. And check the sizing

Before you go to the store have:

• child’s chest measurement underneath arms
• child’s weight
• apparel sizing

At the store:

Try the jacket on – it should fit snuggly, make sure that it does not slip over chin and ears. If there are more than 3 inches between the child’s shoulders and the PFD, it is TOO big.