Kids on boats- proper life vest?

Question

Our friends have invited us to go out on their boat next weekend (on a lake). We're excited but a little nervous about having our 4 yr old daughter on a boat.

I'm going shopping for a life vest but am not 100% on the type I should be getting her.

This is what I was thinking of:

http://www.target.com/Learn-To-Swim-Freestyle-Training-Vest/dp/B0007PCASI/sr=1-2/qid=1210620020/ref=sr_1_2/601-5931911-0121726?ie=UTF8&index=target&rh=k%3Apfd&page=1

but I'm not sure if its boat appropriate and I should shopping for something else.

She's 4 and petite- 30 pounds and has limited experience in the water.

Also any advice from anyone who has experience with kids on boats would be helpful.

Answer 1

The vest for your  child must bear a label USCG APPROVED FLOATATION DEVICE  ands it  must be sized properly based on the child's weight.  All children must wear their vests while in the boat.  You want to select a vest that has more floatation on the chest and neck areas to ensure that the child will float upright with their head and face out of the water if they are rendered unconscious and can't help themselves.

I have attached a link to a sample vest that would work  well for your child.  If your child is 30 lbs, I would suggest the 25 to 50 lb size rather than the 0 to 30.

http://www.boatersworld.com/product/3972...

Answer 2

Please make sure your daughter has a USCG approved life vest! Check for any holes in the jacket if used. Since she is 4 yrs old, go with the head floatation with the back strap that keeps her in the flotation device. Just make sure to tell her it is important and don't take it off.

Answer 3

From the picture and description I am uncertain if the life vest are what you will want.  (They appear to be more of the type for swimming in a pool.)  The follwoing is a helpful link that we used to verify the life vest for our kids.  

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/education_s...

Please refer to the section labeled: when buying a child's life vest, check for:

Answer 4

Children need a special life jacket that has a pillow behind the head to keep the head above water. It also needs a crotch strap. It needs to fit her. Take her shopping and get an adjustable one that will adjust to fit her.

I am glad that you are asking and are going to get her one and have her wear it.