Children life jackets
Children and young people who take part in water sports must wear a lifejacket. Regardless of whether children are sailing, fishing or rowing themselves or are taken along under supervision. Children must wear a lifejacket on every boat in all weathers. This applies just as much on an opti-sailor as on board a large yacht that is seaworthy. Parents, supervisors and instructors are responsible for the safety of children. This includes equipping children with functional life jackets. Automatic children's life jackets must also be regularly serviced and have an official test mark. If you want to buy a children's lifejacket, you can choose between an automatic lifejacket specially designed for children and young people and conventional solid-fibre lifejackets. Automatic life jackets are not recommended for children under the age of 3 who have not yet learnt to swim.
Body weight influences the choice of the right life jacket for children
Children's life jackets must be suitable for the child's body weight and height. It can be dangerous not to purchase a lifejacket that is suitable for the child's body because of their rapid growth. Waistcoats that the child has already outgrown have too little buoyancy, and waistcoats that are too large do not offer a firm and secure fit. Slipping out of a waistcoat that is too large can have a dangerous effect on the safety of passing out and the distribution of buoyancy.
Maximum safety for toddlers and children
As a reliable lifejacket, a high-quality children's lifejacket must be elaborately designed to ensure maximum safety in all conditions. In any case, they should comply with the current CE standards and be tested. The buoyancy chamber is designed to fit the child's body and is divided. PE foam with closed cells ensures buoyancy even if the shell is damaged. A large collar with reinforced buoyancy provides protection against fainting. The head must not fall under water, especially in the case of small children. This also prevents a helpless and immobile child from drowning. A secure fit with freedom of movement is particularly important for children. The waist belt or chest strap must be easy and quick to adjust and the fastening must be secure to prevent unintentional opening. An elasticated waistband ensures a secure fit and an adjustable crotch strap prevents the waistcoat from riding up. A rescue loop and grab handle in the back are essential features, not just for picking up the safety line on deck. In an emergency, a sturdily integrated rescue loop is the best way to pull a person safely out of the water. Like automatic lifejackets for children, solid-fuel lifejackets can also be fitted with a whistle and distress light.