Urgent: buying kids lifejacket in W Sussex -and general advice on kids jackets please

N

NAJ

Member
Joined
19 Mar 2013
Messages
26
Visit site
Hi. As discussed on my other thread, we are off to the Ionian on Tues for a learn to sail holiday. We have just realised that they are unlikely to be able to provide kids' lifejackets, so now need to try to buy some locally, as we are too late for Internet shopping!

I'm guessing Chichester or Brighton Marina would be our best bet 'locally' for sailing shops but I don't want to have a wasted journey, so wondered if anyone can recommend a decent shop.

We do actually have an old lifejacket (foam, Crewsaver) bought at a car boot sale ages ago ( why ??) that fits my 8 year old but it has no crotch strap ( but it does have little d rings so maybe one could be added separately). Does this sound ok or are the straps essential?

My eldest is 11 yo and 38 kg so also would appreciate any suggestions about inexpensive options for her.

Many thanks for any advice :)
 
Force 4 on the way to Chichester Marina will be a better bet than the chandlers in the marina itself.

By 11 / 38kgs it may well be that an adult lifejacket is fine. A foam "lifejacket" for an 8yo will almost certainly not be a lifejacket but a buoyancy aid.

For the 8yo if you want a new LJ you will probably be looking at a small inflatable one, I am not sure that they make any permanent buoyancy LJs at that age, those are a bit expensive. Also beware that carrying CO2 inflatable LJs on airplanes can cause problems - don't try it without checking with the airline first.

Given you are going to the Ionian I would say that crotch straps are not essential, and you would probably be okay to rely on your existing aid.
 
NAJ said:
Ok thanks again.

It says on label it's a 100n lifejacket but thanks for making me check :)
Click to expand...
Yes - technically to be a lifejacket it has to be 150N, 100N would class as a buoyancy aid. However what you are planning to do I would be happy with that - particularly if he can swim.

Also note that when it says 100N it means "Adult Equivalent" so a 100N child's jacket is only going to be about 50N
 
Agree. If you are chartering from a reputable company childs jackets will be provided. It is a requirement for coding for charter. My coded boat carried 2 as standard and extras were available if more children in crew. However, they will, like the adults not be inflatable lifejackets.

Check with your operator before you go to unnecessary expense.
 
Ex-SolentBoy said:
And how are you going to convince the airline to carry these for you?
Click to expand...

Hold baggage. Never had a problem, last time was last summer, Bodrum - Istanbul- Gatwick- Gib.

Anyway, as Tranona points out, if its MCA coded, 'A sufficient number of lifejackets for children should be provided' . Its normal for charter companies to stay at the front on this, customer service.
 
Obvious, but why don't you just call them. I know from experence that if you want something from force4 and they have it in another fairly store, they often have staff who will collect and deliver between them overnight.

Fir example there is a guy at Decans site who lives near Chichester.
 
Ok, it looks like the problem is now resolved. It states clearly in their 'what to take' section of website that we need to bring kids' lifejacket. I too was very surprised at this!

In a separate part of the website ( which I noticed after starting this thread) they also say that they have a small number of kids' lifejackets that they can lend, but this needed to be arranged in advance. I then emailed but wasn't expecting a reply over the bank holiday. Anyway, they have replied that they have some we can use.

Thanks so much or the advice, it's good to know there are helpful people out there :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top