Children's lifejackets

All children should wear a lifejacket, when they are in any open area of a vessel. During an incident you may not have the opportunity to help children.

It should not be worn when a child is within a deck-house, cabin or secure enclosed space as it could stop them making a safe exit.

A lifejacket must be securely zipped and clipped at all times to be effective. If not appropriately fitted, a child may slip out of the lifejacket when in the water, or maybe forced into a dangerous face-down position when in the water.

Choosing a child's lifejacket

• If you’re not sure which lifejacket level your child needs, answer some quick questions to know before you go.
• Do not compromise on quality.
• It should be appropriate for your child's weight, fit them securely and not move around in any way that may impair its performance.
• A crotch strap fitting will prevent the jacket bunching up around the child's neck and will prevent your child falling out of the bottom.
• Choose a lifejacket level 100 or above that complies with the requirements for all waters and will support your child in a face-up position if in the water in calm water conditions.
• Children less than 12 years of age or who weigh less that 40 kg can now wear automatically inflatable lifejackets that are clearly labelled to inflate automatically (e.g. - after coming into contact with water). Although they inflate automatically they will also have a pull cord. These lifejackets must be serviced regularly in line with manufacturer’s instructions – generally once a year.
• Remember that a lifejacket level 50 or 50S may not roll your child into a face-up position in calm water conditions should they be unconscious.
• Match the weight range of the lifejacket with the weight of your child.
• Check that it complies with the appropriate standard for the type of lifejacket being used - see Adult lifejackets for more information.

It is extremely important that a lifejacket is fitted correctly, as per the examples provided below.