Back to listing
  • Parenting
  • Safety

How to fit your child's life jacket

Posted
Man and two young boys in kayak

All water-related recreational vehicles need to have life jackets aboard. When a boat is moving, Florida law requires children younger than 6 years old to wear a life jacket.

Life jackets designed for adults don't work for children. If a jacket is too big, it will ride up around the face. If too small, it won't keep the person afloat.

FOLLOW THESE STEPS FOR THE RIGHT FIT:

  1. Check the manufacturer’s label to ensure the jacket is designed for your child’s height and weight.
  2. Fasten the jacket. This may seem obvious, but just slinging it over a shoulder and not fastening it won't help in an emergency.
  3. Ask your child hold his/her arms straight up. Grasp the top of the arm openings and pull up. Ensure there is no excess space in the openings.
  4. Try the jacket out in shallow waters. 
For more water safety/boating safety information, contact:
Drowning Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County
Safe Kids Palm Beach County

SOURCE:

• U.S. Coast Guard

You May Also Like

    • Behavior
    • Parenting
    • Safety

    Now's the perfect time to teach your child to swim — at low cost

    Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death for children between 1 and 4 years old. Sadly, Florida traditionally leads the country in drowning deaths for that age group. …

    Read More
    • Parenting
    • Safety
    • Things to do

    Open water and boating pose different dangers than pools

    From oceans to man-made lakes, open water is everywhere in South Florida. Here are some tips to prevent your child from drowning. …

    Read More
    • Parenting
    • Safety
    • Things to do

    BLOG: County parks and beaches make big splash with families

    One of the best parts of living in Palm Beach County is enjoying all the glorious water around us, especially when it's sweltering! Palm Beach County’s Parks & Recreation Departmen …

    Read More

Related resources

    • Health
    • Things to do

    Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation Department

    Manages 104 park properties spanning more than 8,500 acres, including 85 developed regional, district, community, beach and neighborhood parks

    561-966-6600 Website
    • Parenting
    • Safety

    Drowning Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County

    Education, information and swim lesson vouchers for eligible families

    561-616-7068 Website
    • Parenting
    • Safety

    Safe Kids Palm Beach County

    Local child safety information and assistance, including car seat installation, bike helmet fitting, poisoning prevention, TV tip-over prevention and more

    561-841-3500 ext. 4011 Website
    • Parenting
    • Safety

    Safe Kids Worldwide

    National resources to protect children from preventable injuries

    202-662-0600 Website