Life jacket

[Falcoron]

Can you reccomend life jackets ( auto type for wife nd i and also best ones for 7 year old and 4 year old please, something that is not too cumbersome for the kids would be good, but safety first of course. Link to best place to buy too if you dont mind

Thanks

 

[lionelz]

I think give and take they all do the same. Personally I would go into a chandlery and try them on you will soon find one that you like

 

[Promarine11]

http://www.rya.org.uk/infoadvice/safetyinfo/Personalsafetyequipment/Pages/buoyancy.aspx A good number of companies and marine agents (google search closest to you) provide a good range of Life jackets and Buoyancy aids (ensure you are made aware of the difference). There are a number of very compact BS3595 approved jackets depending on your requirements and use. http://www.marinescene.co.uk/category/508/spinlock-lifejackets . I have used these and they were money very well spent. They are also very compact. It is essential the jackets fit each person correctly. "Only a little larger" could as we have recently read with an ill fitting jacket so do take professional guidance when purchasing. If you have any concerns contact the RYA for more detailed guidance. Good Luck and safe boating.

 

[Nick_H]

A number of articles have highlighted the importance of having a crutch strap. I think all kids jackets will have them anyway, but many adult ones don't. Other than that, I think lionelz's advice is best, as we're all different shapes so best to be able to try some out.

edit: having said the above, our kids have found the Baltic 1256 to be very comfy. The buoyancy foam is built up in layers, rather than being solid lumps, which makes the jacket more flexible. It comes in two sizes.

http://www.safety-marine.co.uk/life...ildrens-100n-foam-lifejacket-with-harness.htm

 

[prv]

Just another vote to try them in person, especially for the kids. I went to Force 4 convinced I was going to buy a Spinlock Deckvest, but in fact it never really felt comfortable on me and I came away with a Kru Sport Pro instead (which I'm very happy with).

Pete

 

[jlandells]

Just another vote to try them in person, especially for the kids. I went to Force 4 convinced I was going to buy a Spinlock Deckvest, but in fact it never really felt comfortable on me and I came away with a Kru Sport Pro instead (which I'm very happy with).

Pete

I bought the Deckvest, and whilst I don't find it too uncomfortable to wear, when I used it on my Sea Survival course, it felt like it was so tight around my neck, that it was restricting blood flow! ��
Sure, I was able to let a little air out, but that's not what you want from a life jacket.

 

[prv]

I bought the Deckvest, and whilst I don't find it too uncomfortable to wear, when I used it on my Sea Survival course, it felt like it was so tight around my neck, that it was restricting blood flow! ��
Sure, I was able to let a little air out, but that's not what you want from a life jacket.

I've tried my Kru inflated on land, where it's fairly comfortable and not tight around the neck. I keep meaning to try it in the water, but so far not got round to it...

Pete