There’s an overwhelming choice of life jackets for kids. Whilst budget is a consideration, safety must be the priority. A life jacket that doesn’t fit or isn’t fit for purpose is pointless. A life jacket can only save lives if it’s responsibly purchased, maintained and worn.
Difference between a kids’ life jacket and buoyancy aid
A PFD (personal floatation device) is a generic term for life jackets and buoyancy aids.
A life jacket has a collar to support the head and will turn the wearer the right way up with head out of the water. This is crucial for non-swimmers, obviously, but also anyone injured, panicking or unconscious.
A buoyancy aid is a flotation device made primarily from lightweight foam, intended to provide support and help keep a person afloat while treading water or swimming. Buoyancy aids do not automatically turn an unconscious wearer face up in the water, so they are best suited for confident swimmers in situations where help is nearby or when mobility is needed, e.g. when kayaking, paddleboarding, water assault courses and when a life jacket would be too bulky. They have a lower buoyancy of around 50N (Newtons).
Types of children’s life jacket
| Best for young children or non-swimmers | Foam-filled e.g. Baltic Baby Life Jacket |
| Best for risky environments | Automatic e.g. Seago Waveguard Junior Life Jacket |
| Best for older, competent children (where accidental inflation is problematic) | Manual e.g. Seago Seaguard 165N |
Best for young children or non-swimmers
Foam-filled: always buoyant, no inflation needed so therefore on the bulkier side. Suitable for very young children. View our selection of foam-filled children's life jackets.
Best for safety-first / risky environments
Fully automatic: inflated by immersion in water and have a manual lanyard as well. Better for unexpected situations but can be triggered by spray or big waves or if stored in a damp place. Gas cannister needs maintaining periodically. View our selection of automatic life jackets.
Best for older, competent children (situations where accidental inflation is problematic)
Manual CO2: requires wearer to inflate by pulling lanyard (which is not easy if unconscious!) Youth gas-operated life jackets usually require a body weight of at least 25kgs. Gas cannister needs maintaining periodically. View our selection of manual life jackets.
Fitting a child’s life jacket
Life jackets (and buoyancy aids) are not age sensitive: knowing the child’s weight is essential. Please don’t think he/she will grow into it! The extra buoyancy can be very harmful, tipping them towards the water or too far below the water or hampering visibility and breathing. Remember, extra room reduces safety.
Signs that a child’s life jacket is too big
- Rides up over the chin or ears
- Shoulder gaps
- Loose chest fit
- Child can pull knees through bottom opening
- Excess movement when lifted gently by shoulders/grab handle
Personal flotation devices (life jackets) for babies
Babies from 3kg can wear a foam filled life jacket. Look for soft, comfortable foam, a bright colour or pattern for visibility and aesthetic, reflective patches, a large loop (grab handle), collar and a crotch strap or beaver tail crotch strap. Buy from a reputable retailer as there are frequently product recalls with 'serious' risk level from cheap online retailers.
Buying and using children's life jackets: checklist and tips
- Buy according to the child's weight, not age
- Don’t ever buy second hand and don't be tempted to borrow - do you know the history and weight suitability?
- Check (annually) gas cylinder for corrosion, firing mechanism use by date, straps, fabric condition. We recommend servicing every two years
- Choose a buoyancy aid for sheltered water, active watersports, competent swimmer, constant supervision
- Choose a life jacket for boating, open water, younger child, non-swimmer, safety priority over mobility
- Check there is a crotch strap, grab handle, snug fit, supportive collar, CE/UKCA approved
- If manually inflated, is the child independent, capable and aware of what to do?
- Prioritise safety over cost
Glossary
PFD Personal flotation device
A device counts as a PFD in the UK if it provides certified buoyancy (typically 50N, 100N, 150N, or 275N depending on type) and meets ISO 12402 or equivalent UK recognised standards.
Life jacket
A sleeveless, buoyant or inflatable jacket designed to keep a person afloat and, crucially, to turn an unconscious wearer face up so they can breathe.
Buoyancy aid
A buoyancy aid is a sleeveless vest made of inherently buoyant foam, providing at least 50N of buoyancy, intended for competent swimmers in sheltered waters.
Automatic life jacket
A life jacket that inflates by itself on water immersion, without the wearer needing to pull a cord.
Manual life jacket
A type of certified lifejacket that only inflates when the wearer pulls the manual activation cord. It provides the same buoyancy and face up rotation as an automatic life jacket, but does not inflate on its own when it enters the water.
Newtons (N)
Newtons (N) measure buoyancy - essentially how much floating force the jacket provides in water. Higher Newtons = more flotation support.
Crutch strap
A safety strap that runs between the legs and attaches to the lower part of a life jacket or harness to stop the life jacket from riding up.
Gas cannister
A small metal cartridge filled with compressed carbon dioxide. Also called a CO₂ cylinder, to rapidly fill the bladder with gas when activated.
Grab handle
A reinforced loop or strap fitted to the back or top of a life jacket, buoyancy aid, or rescue harness to pull a person out of the water quickly and safely.
We sell a range of life jackets and buoyancy aids including life jackets designed for women and children from reputable marine brands Seago, Baltic and Lalizas. For quick advice, call us (01932 247 427) or email.
