Our Top 5 Life Jacket Picks for Kids

For families, enjoying the water with children is a big part of the boating experience. Recognizing this, West Marine offers a great selection of life jackets for infants, children and youth. 

Here are our 5 top picks to help keep children safe:

• For a Budget-Friendly Family Option: West Marine Runabout Life Jackets
• For Exceptional In-Water Performance: Mustang Survival Lil' Legends Life Jakets
• For the Best Watersports PFD: West Marine Neoprene Flex Back Rapid-Dry Vest for Youth
• Our Top Pick to Keep Toddlers Safe: West Marine Flex Back Rapid-Dry Vest for Infants
• For a Race Winning Sailing Vest: Zhik Juniors USCG Approved Life Jacket

Top Recreational PFD for Families

West Marine Runabout Life Jackets 

An affordable yet high-quality option for family boating.

Top features: Offered in Infant, Child, Youth and Adult sizes, our Runabout Life Jackets are an affordable, high-quality option for the entire family. Constructed of durable, lightweight polyethylene foam, they offer excellent buoyancy and a secure fit without restricting movement. The rugged 210 denier nylon shell dries quickly, while adjustable, bright straps ensure increased visibility and a personalized fit. With large armholes and a non-restrictive neckline, this PFD provides excellent range of motion for various water activities.

What we really like: These PFDs offer great comfort and satisfy USCG recreational use requirements at an affordable price.

What people say about it: "I commend West Marine for offering an affordable quality kids life jacket. It helps to get the kids out on the water. They are a comfortable life jacket so the kids don't mind keeping it on. Thanks West Marine!" -Patrick, West Marine customer.

Best Life Jacket Ensemble for Kids

Mustang Survival Lil' Legends Life Jackets 

A great choice for infants, young children and youth.

Top features: Mustang’s Lil' Legends PFDs are designed for all-day comfortable wear. Features include ultra-soft, stain-resistant outer fabric, ventilated mesh back, and moisture-wicking liner for non-stop comfort. A zipper and buckle closure and a crotch strap (Infant and Child models) provide a secure fit while reflective accents enhance visibility. All models boast a large three-piece collar with grab loop for quick child recoveries, extra buoyancy and improved in-water support. Ohhh-so-soft, PVC-free Gaia foam provides buoyancy® foam. Infant, Child and Youth sizes. Available in Red or Blue.

What we really like: All models include a three-piece head pillow designed to keep a child’s head out of the water and their airway clear.

What people say about them: "Versatile sizing, quality materials and durability. An excellent brand carried by West Marine. Worth the couple extra $$$ compared to the lower quality alternatives. Our toddler loves it." -Derrick, West Marine customer.

Best Watersports PFD

Neoprene Flex Back Rapid-Dry Vest for Youth

Young watersports enthusiasts enjoy comfort and security with this PFD.

Top features: Whether careening across the water on an inflatable tube or popping off a wake, this comfortable PFD helps to keep young shredders safe.  Features include a front zipper closure with and two wide, adjustable belts boasting sturdy acetal buckles for a secure fit. Large armholes maximize range of motion with mobility further enhanced by multiple flex points and “Rapid Dry” fabric with four-way stretch. Buoyancy is supplied by pliant neoprene foam.

What we really like: Sturdy construction and a comfortable design makes this PFD a great choice for youth.

What people say about them: "We use this product for our WaveRunner. It's very light and comfortable. When I need another life jacket, I will buy the same one." -William, West Marine Customer.

Best Life Jacket for Infants

Neoprene Flex Back Rapid-Dry Vest for Infants

Sculpted foam and stretchy fabric provide infants with a comfortable fit.

Top features: Designed to keep toddlers 30 pounds or less comfortable and safe, this life jacket boasts a comfortable, sculpted design with full front zipper closure complemented by adjustable straps with quick-release buckles for a secure, custom-like fit. Comfort is further enhanced by the stretchy Flex-Back panel, pliable PVC foam flotation and large armholes for unrestricted range of motion. “Rapid Dry” technology ensures that budding boaters never get bogged down by a waterlogged vest. Details also include a crotch strap to prevent this PFD from riding up, a pop-up, buoyant pillow for head support and a grab strap at the back for when you need to take charge.

What we really like: Designed for comfort, these are PFDs that kids want to wear.

What people say about them: "My daughter loves it and it's more comfortable than her previous life vest. She wears this one for hours at a time with no complaints." -Ryan, West Marine customer.

Best Competitive Sailing Life Jacket

ZHIK Juniors USCG Approved Life Jacket

This USCG approved PFD is designed with high performance sailing in mind.

Top features: Sized for Youth, this excellent choice for Junior class dinghy and small boat racers features a sleek racing cut with stretch shoulder panels, large, sculpted neck opening and oversize arm holes that maximize freedom of movement. Smart features also include non-slip grip on the inside and built-in crotch straps that prevent it from riding up. Starting with the prior design, Zhik removed all unnecessary straps and buckles resulting in clean lines and a close fit. A simple side entry makes donning easy while the large front pocket adds to the utility of this no-nonsense PFD.

What we really like: This PFD provides the freedom of movement that racers need with a straightforward, sleek design.

What people say about them: There are currently no reviews.

Conclusion

From budget-friendly options like our Runabout Life Jackets to high-performance vests such as the Zhik Juniors USCG Approved Life Jacket, there's a perfect fit for every need. For outstanding in-water performance, Mustang Survival’s Lil' Legends Life Jackets are a great choice, while our Neoprene Flex Back Rapid-Dry Vest is perfect for youth watersports. Prioritize safety, comfort, and durability with these top-rated life jackets, and ensure your children stay secure on the water.

Kids Life Jacket FAQ

1. Are children required to wear a life jacket?

Answer: Per USGC regulations when a vessel is underway, children under 13 years of age must wear a lifejacket. The exception to this regulation is that children that are below deck or within an enclosed cabin are not required to wear PDF’s.

2. What size PFD should I get for my child?

Answer: The size of a PFD for a child should be based on their weight and chest size. Most PFDs for kids come in size ranges that correspond to their weight (Infant, Child, Youth). The weight of the child for which a life jacket is designed will be indicated on its label.

3. How do I know if a PFD fits properly?

Answer: A properly fitting PFD should be snug but not too tight. It should allow the child to move freely without being loose. When fastened, the PFD’s neckline should not rise above the child’s chin. You can check this by pulling up on the life jacket’s shoulder straps. If the life jacket rises above your child’s chin, either the straps need to be readjusted or it is too big.

4. What are the key features to look for in a kids' PFD?

Answer: Key features to look for include:

• Buoyancy: Sufficient to keep the child afloat.
• Fit: Adjustable straps for a snug fit.
• Comfort: Soft material and adequate padding.
• Visibility: Bright colors and reflective strips.
• Safety Features: A grab handle, whistle, and a collar or head support for infants.
• USCG Approval: The PFD you select should be USCG approved. To verify that a life jacket is USCG approved, look for USCG approval on the life jacket’s label. 

5. How often should PFDs be replaced?

Answer: PFDs should be replaced if they become damaged, are outgrown by the child, or after about 5 years of regular use. Even if a PFD looks fine, the buoyant materials can degrade over time.

6. Can kids wear adult PFDs?

Answer: In certain cases yes. It is legally permissible and acceptable for a child who is too large for standard child-sized PFDs to wear an adult-sized PFD, as long as it fits properly.

7. How should PFDs be cared for and stored?

Answer: Rinse PFDs with fresh water after use, especially if used in saltwater, and let them air dry completely before storing. Store PFDs in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and chemicals.

8. What about inflatable PFDs? Are they ok for use by children?

Answer: Inflatable PFDs are not approved by the USCG for use by children under 16 years old.

Need More Help?

To learn more about life jackets and for additional help with making the best choice for you and your kids, check out our West Advisor articles How to Select a Life Vest, Overview of USCG Requirements for PFDs, and Top 9 PFDs Our Customers Love. Of course, friendly and knowledgable West Marine crew members are alway ready to help in over 230 West Marine stores. Click on our store finder for the location of a West marine store near you.