Everyone knows that a life jacket is an essential tool when it comes to any activities in a body of water, but many don’t know that if you have an ill-fitting life jacket this precautionary measure may lead to more harm than good.
A common misconception is that life jackets work on a one-size-fits-all basis. This information is incorrect. Life jackets are fitted to the person based on the chest size of the individual wearing it.
Each jacket has information that will tell you what the measurement requirement is, allowing you to buy the correct size. To get your correct sizing, a measurement of the broadest point of the chest is needed. This measurement is slightly different from your clothing measurement and should be re-taken before making any purchases. It is a good precaution for all swimmers regardless of age and capability to wear life jackets, exhaustion when swimming is extremely common, and by wearing a life jacket you will be able to better protect yourself.
Children’s jackets are made on a different scale and are made according to the weight of the child. The jacket should fit snugly and should not ride up over the neck and ears of the child. There should be no more than three inches of space between the top of the shoulder of the lifejacket and the shoulder of the child, if so, the child may be wearing the wrong size.
Remember most drowning accidents take place less than 15 meters from the shore, wearing a proper fitting jacket could save your life, especially when participating in boating activities!
Stay safe and we hope your summer goes swimmingly!
