Life jacket guide: sizes by weight, the fit test, kids and inflatables
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- Coast Guard approved adult life vest. Best for: Recreational boating. See options on Amazon
- Coast Guard approved child life jacket. Best for: Children 33 to 55 lbs. See options on Amazon
- Coast Guard approved infant life jacket. Best for: Babies 33 lbs or less. See options on Amazon
- Auto-inflatable life jacket. Best for: Adult swimmers who want a slim jacket. See options on Amazon
Life jacket sizes by weight
| Size | User weight | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | 33 lbs or less | Try it in shallow, supervised water |
| Child | Over 33 lbs, up to 55 lbs | Adult jackets will not work for children |
| Youth | Over 55 lbs, up to 88 lbs | Check the label for weight and chest size |
| Adult | Over 88 lbs | Inflatables are adult sizes only |
From the U.S. Coast Guard's Life Jacket Wear page. Always check the label for the user weight and chest size it is approved for.
The Coast Guard fit test
The Coast Guard's How to Choose the Right Life Jacket brochure gives five steps:
- Check the maker's label to make sure the life jacket fits your size and weight.
- Fasten it properly.
- Hold your arms straight up over your head.
- Have a friend grasp the tops of the arm openings and gently pull up.
- Make sure there is no excess room above the openings and that it does not ride up over your chin or face.
Too big, and it rides up around your face; too small, and it cannot keep your body afloat. For the best fit, try it in shallow water under safe, supervised conditions so you can confirm your airway stays clear.
Life jackets for kids
- Size matters most. The Coast Guard says life jackets designed for adults will not work for children; use one sized for the child's weight.
- Fit. A foam life jacket worn correctly fits snugly and does not rise above the wearer's chin or ears.
- The law. Federal law requires children under 13 to wear an approved life jacket on a vessel that is underway, except below deck or in an enclosed cabin. State laws may vary, so check with your state boating officials.
- No inflatables for kids. The brochure marks inflatable styles as not for children under 16 or non-swimmers. Children's hybrid jackets combine foam with an inflatable chamber.
Practice in a pool or shallow water so your child knows how the jacket feels before a trip.
Foam, inflatable or hybrid
The Coast Guard describes three main build styles:
- Inherent (foam): always buoyant; adult, youth, child and infant sizes; for swimmers and non-swimmers.
- Inflatable: compact and comfortable; adult sizes only; not recommended for weak or non-swimmers; often approved only when worn. It must have a full cylinder and all status indicators green, or it is not serviceable.
- Hybrid: foam plus inflation; adult, youth and child sizes; for swimmers and non-swimmers.
Most adults need only 7 to 12 pounds of buoyancy to keep their heads above water, the Coast Guard says. Newer labels use performance levels such as Level 70, where the number is the minimum buoyancy in Newtons.
Types and levels on the label
- Type I: greatest required buoyancy; turns most unconscious people face up.
- Type II: intended to turn some unconscious people to a position where breathing is not blocked.
- Type III: supports a conscious person upright; not required to turn an unconscious person.
- Type V: approved for restricted uses; read the label.
- Level 50 to 70: for use near shore or with help close at hand.
- Level 100: for sheltered water where you may wait for rescue.
- Level 150: general use; turns an unconscious person into a safe position.
For water skiing or personal watercraft, use a device marked for that activity.
Wearing, storing and care
The Coast Guard recommends wearing, not just carrying, a life jacket while the boat is underway; the best one is the one you will wear. Do not stow life jackets in plastic bags, locked compartments or under other gear. Test foam life jackets for wear and buoyancy at least once a year, and throw out waterlogged, faded or damaged ones. Maintain inflatables per the maker's instructions.
For swim gear, see our swim goggles guide and swimmer's ear drops guide.
What to look for when you buy
Coast Guard approved adult life vest
Best for: Recreational boating
The Coast Guard requires an approved wearable life jacket for each person aboard.
Watch out: Check the label's user weight and chest size.
See options on AmazonCoast Guard approved child life jacket
Best for: Children 33 to 55 lbs
The Coast Guard says adult life jackets will not work for children.
Watch out: Confirm the weight range on the label matches your child.
See options on AmazonCoast Guard approved infant life jacket
Best for: Babies 33 lbs or less
The Coast Guard's infant size covers users 33 lbs or less.
Watch out: Try it in shallow, supervised water first.
See options on AmazonAuto-inflatable life jacket
Best for: Adult swimmers who want a slim jacket
The Coast Guard brochure lists automatic inflation on immersion; comfortable and cool.
Watch out: Not for children under 16 or non-swimmers; needs regular maintenance.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What size life jacket does my child need?
- Go by weight: infant 33 lbs or less, child over 33 to 55 lbs, youth over 55 to 88 lbs.
- Do kids have to wear life jackets on a boat?
- Federal law requires children under 13 to wear one while underway, except below deck or in an enclosed cabin; states may differ.
- How should a life jacket fit?
- Snug; with arms raised and someone pulling up on the openings, it should not ride over your chin or face.
- Are inflatable life jackets OK for kids?
- No. The Coast Guard brochure says inflatables are not for children under 16 or non-swimmers.
- How often should I check a life jacket?
- Test foam jackets at least once a year; discard waterlogged, faded or damaged ones.
Sources
- Life Jacket Wear / Wearing Your Life Jacket (uscgboating.org), U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division
- How to Choose the Right Life Jacket (brochure) (uscgboating.org), U.S. Coast Guard