Putting on a lifejacket

What this water safety skill is

A lifejacket is a vest that keeps a person afloat with their head up. One that is too big can ride up over the face, and one that is too small may not hold your child up well. This skill is about getting the fit right on dry land, before anyone goes near the water.

With an adult, your child checks the label for size and weight range, puts the jacket on and does up every buckle and strap. Then comes a simple fit check with the instructor. Moving in the water while wearing it comes next.

Why it matters

Fit is what makes it work.

A well-fitted lifejacket helps keep the head up. A loose one can ride up and get in the way of breathing.

Toys aren't lifejackets.

Arm bands, rings and noodles are fun, but they can slip off or tip over. Your child learns to tell them apart.

Children grow.

A jacket that fitted last summer may not fit now. Checking the label and the fit each season keeps it working.

It gets them ready for boats and docks.

Lifejackets matter most on boats, docks and open water. Children who know how to fit one are ready for those days.

What this water safety skill is

Why it matters

Fit is what makes it work.

A well-fitted lifejacket helps keep the head up. A loose one can ride up and get in the way of breathing.

Toys aren't lifejackets.

Arm bands, rings and noodles are fun, but they can slip off or tip over. Your child learns to tell them apart.

Children grow.

A jacket that fitted last summer may not fit now. Checking the label and the fit each season keeps it working.

It gets them ready for boats and docks.

Lifejackets matter most on boats, docks and open water. Children who know how to fit one are ready for those days.

On the pool deck

The goal

On the pool deck, your child helps choose a lifejacket that matches their size, puts it on and does up every strap. When the jacket is lifted at the shoulders, it stays snug instead of sliding up.

Why it matters

A few minutes on dry land makes sure the jacket will do its job if it is ever needed.

What happens in lessons

Reading the label together.
Your instructor shows your child the label, with the size, weight range and approval, and checks it matches them.
Putting it on like a coat.
Your child puts the jacket on and does up every buckle, zip and strap, including any strap between the legs.
Making it snug.
The straps are tightened until the jacket is snug but still comfortable to breathe in. Your child learns what snug feels like.
The lift test.
The instructor gently lifts the jacket by the shoulders. If it rides up past the chin or ears, they tighten it or try a smaller size.
Your child leads the check.
As they get more confident, your child runs the checks and the instructor confirms. An adult always does the final check for a child.

How you can help between lessons

Try your child's lifejacket on at home, on dry land, and do the lift test together.
Read the label as a family and check the weight range still matches your child.
Let your child practise doing up and undoing the buckles so their fingers learn how.
If you try it in the pool, check the fit again first and stay within arm's reach of a young child.

What's normal along the way

Wanting a bigger size to grow into.: It is tempting, but a jacket that is too big can ride up in the water. Your instructor helps you choose the size that fits now.
Loose or undone straps.: Loose feels comfier on land. Your instructor explains that snug is what keeps the jacket in place, and checks every strap.
Mixing up toys and lifejackets.: Arm bands and rings can look similar to children. Your instructor shows the difference, and the label that tells them apart.
An inflatable jacket for a child.: Inflatable lifejackets are meant for older teens and adults, not young children. Children wear foam jackets, which float without them doing anything.

Signs of progress

Your child can find the size on the label, put the jacket on, fasten every strap and stand still for the lift test.

Safety note

A lifejacket never replaces supervision. Children in lifejackets still need an adult watching them, within arm's reach for young children.

Milestones

Chooses the right size with an adult helping
You'll notice: Your child reads the label with you and helps pick the jacket that matches their size.
KidsTeensAdultsSeniors
Does up the straps and checks the fit with the instructor
You'll notice: Your child does up every strap and stands still while the instructor lifts the jacket to check the fit.
KidsTeensAdultsSeniors

What this water safety skill is

See it in action

Why it matters

Putting on a lifejacket

What this water safety skill is

See it in action

Why it matters

Who it is for

On the pool deck

The goal

Why it matters

What happens in lessons

How you can help between lessons

What's normal along the way

Milestones

Common questions

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