Life jackets, rules and tips - child safety on the boat
- Redaktion
- Mar 10
- 8 min read
Introduction: My personal experience with child safety on board
As an avid sailor and parent, I know how important safety is on the water - especially for our children. There is hardly anything better than being at sea with the family, watching dolphins or enjoying the freedom of the open sea. But the joy can quickly turn to rubble if safety is not your top priority.
I remember a situation a few years ago: strong wind, high waves, and suddenly spray flew across the deck. At that moment I realized that swimming in a pool is not comparable to the challenges of the open sea. Since then, I have set clear rules for my children: in certain areas and situations, wearing life jackets is compulsory. These rules not only protect, but also help to sensitize children to their own safety.
One issue that I keep having is the comfort of life jackets. My children often complain that they are uncomfortable or that they rub under their armpits. So I looked for alternatives and learned what types of life jackets are suitable for different situations and needs. I want to share these findings in this article to help other families ensure the safety and comfort of their children on the water.
Table of contents
Child-friendly safety zones on board
Below Deck – The Safest Area
Below deck is where children are least at risk. It is the zone where life jackets are not required - unless there is an emergency situation. This area offers protection from waves, wind and unforeseen maneuvers.
On deck in calm seas
In calm weather and shallow seas, children are allowed to move around on deck without a life jacket. However, this only applies if the yacht is not in a critical maneuver such as leaving port or anchoring.
Safety when leaving the cockpit
As soon as children leave the cockpit, for example to watch dolphins, they are required to wear a life jacket. I introduced this rule to ensure that no one falls overboard, even in the event of unexpected movements of the ship or gusts of wind.
Obligation to use life jackets
When Children Should Wear Life Jackets
There are clear rules about when life jackets must be worn on board. While wearing them below deck is not required, it does apply in the following situations:
When leaving port and anchoring
Outside the cockpit
In bad weather or rough seas
Promoting children's own responsibility
Children need to know the rules and follow them. Ideally, they should be able to put on their life jackets themselves. This promotes a sense of responsibility and makes them feel safer.
Comfort and children's feedback on life jackets
Children often give feedback that life jackets are uncomfortable. Chafing under the armpits in particular is a recurring problem. One solution can be high-quality solid life jackets that have been specially developed for children. These are robust and comfortable enough to be worn even on longer sailing courses.
Different types of life jackets
solid life jackets
Material: Mostly made of foam or other buoyant materials.
How it works: Provides instant buoyancy as the foam does not require inflation.
Advantages:
Simple and robust
maintenance-free
Cheap to buy
Suitable for children or inexperienced swimmers
Allows you to jump into the water during breaks
Disadvantages:
Can be bulky and restrict freedom of movement
Usually less comfortable than automatic vests
My tip is this vest: Solid life jacket for children and adults | Solid vest | 100 N, CE ISO 12402-4 Although we have not yet bought the model directly, the design speaks for itself and leaves a very positive impression.
automatic life jackets
Material: Outer shell made of robust nylon or polyester with an inflatable chamber.
How it works:
Inflation mechanism is triggered by water or a manual pull cord.
Automatically triggered models use a CO₂ cartridge that is activated when immersed in water.
Advantages:
Light and comfortable to wear
Hardly any restriction on freedom of movement
High buoyancy when needed
Disadvantages:
Regular maintenance required (e.g. checking the trigger unit and the CO₂ cartridge)
More expensive than solid vests
Mechanical parts may fail if handled improperly
Requires practice in handling
If water enters the boat, there is a chance that the automatic life jacket will activate. This may be impractical in some situations as it could create additional challenges.
My tip is this vest: Spinlock Deckvest. It has carried me through many storms and offers unbeatable comfort.
Hybrid life jackets
Material: Combination of solid elements and inflatable chambers.
How it works: Provides basic protection through the solid material, with additional buoyancy through manual or automatic inflation.
Advantages:
combination of immediate protection and comfort
Greater security through dual functionality
Disadvantages:
Higher price
Slightly heavier than pure automatic vests
How do I recognize a high-quality life jacket?
High-quality life jackets are characterized by compliance with certain norms and standards. These help to ensure that the jackets offer optimal protection and meet the respective requirements. Additional features such as buoyancy class, distress light, spray cap and inspection window can also indicate the quality and suitability of a life jacket.
Important standards: Look for life jackets that meet international standards, such as ISO 12402 for life jackets. These standards guarantee that the life jackets have been tested and will perform in realistic situations.
Materials: High-quality models are made of robust and durable materials such as foam or inflatable components that offer comfort and safety at the same time.
Adjustment options: Make sure that the life jacket fits well and can be adjusted individually. This increases comfort, especially for children.
Additional features: Models with an integrated safety belt, spray hood or emergency light offer additional protection and are particularly advantageous in rough conditions.
Buoyancy classes indicate how much buoyancy a life jacket provides and are usually expressed in Newtons (N). They help determine the suitability of the jacket for specific waters and situations:
50 N: Suitable for sheltered waters and good swimmers. This class provides basic buoyancy but is not suitable for rough conditions.
100 N: Ideal for inland waters and occasional use. These vests keep your head above water, but are only suitable to a limited extent in rough seas.
150 N: For open waters and more demanding conditions. This class turns unconscious people onto their backs and offers a high level of safety.
275 N: Specifically designed for extreme conditions and offshore use. These vests guarantee maximum buoyancy and are suitable for people wearing heavy protective clothing.
For further information on applicable standards and tests, please visit trusted websites or specialist retailers.
Tips for choosing and caring for life jackets
fit and size
The right fit is crucial to the safety and comfort of a life jacket. Make sure the jacket is neither too loose nor too tight. A well-fitting life jacket should be comfortable, but still tight enough to not slip off. Try the jacket on before buying or let your children test it to make sure they feel safe and comfortable. For children in particular, care should be taken to ensure that life jackets do not cause friction under the armpits. Many models can chafe in these areas, causing pain with prolonged use. Choose jackets with soft materials or special padding to avoid this problem.
Maintenance of automatic vests
Automatic life jackets require regular maintenance to ensure they work properly. Check the CO₂ cartridge and the release mechanism before every trip. Replace expired components in good time to ensure that the life jacket works reliably in an emergency. Store life jackets in a dry place and protected from direct sunlight.
How children can put on life jackets independently
Encourage your children's independence by showing them how to put on their life jackets themselves. Practice putting them on correctly regularly so that they can intuitively master the fasteners and adjustments. This not only creates safety, but also strengthens the children's sense of responsibility.
Summary and final recommendations
Child safety on the boat starts with clear rules, the right equipment and awareness of potential dangers. Life jackets play a central role in minimizing the risk of accidents and increasing the chances of survival in emergencies.
When choosing a life jacket, make sure it complies with international standards, fits correctly and has practical additional features such as spray hoods or emergency lights. Regular maintenance, especially for automatic life jackets, is essential to ensure functionality. At the same time, children should learn to take responsibility for their own safety by practicing putting on life jackets independently and observing safety rules on board.
With the right preparation, you and your family can enjoy your time on the water without worry and ensure that every trip remains a positive experience.
FAQs Child Safety on the Boat
What is the difference between solid and automatic life jackets?
Solid vests provide instant buoyancy through foam, are maintenance-free and robust, but are often bulkier. Automatic vests are lighter and offer more freedom of movement, but require regular maintenance and work through a CO₂ release mechanism.
At what age can children use automatic life jackets?
Automatic life jackets are generally suitable for older children from around 8 years of age, depending on the model and body weight. It is important that the child understands how it works and can use the life jacket safely.
How do I know the right size for my child?
The size depends on the weight and height of the child. Make sure that the vest fits tightly enough to not slip over the head, but at the same time allows freedom of movement.
Are there life jackets with spray hoods for children?
Currently, there are only a few models with spray hoods specifically for children. However, this feature can significantly increase protection in rough conditions. Ask specialist suppliers.
Which life jackets are ideal for long sailing trips?
For long sailing trips, automatic or hybrid life jackets are recommended as they offer a high level of comfort and have additional safety features such as emergency lights or harnesses. In coastal areas, solid life jackets are often sufficient. They provide basic buoyancy, are robust and maintenance-free and are often provided by charter companies, making them ideal for shorter and sheltered trips. However, they should fit well and be tailored to the needs of the children to ensure maximum comfort and safety.
Can an automatic life jacket be triggered by rain or waves?
Don't worry: an automatic life jacket will not activate if waves break over you or rain falls. It needs actual contact with a larger amount of water to trigger the mechanism
Personal thoughts and experiences on child safety on the boat
As a parent, it is of utmost importance to me that my children are not only safe but also confident on the water. It is not just about having the right equipment, but also about children understanding and being able to take responsibility for their own safety. I know that children learn the most when they are actively involved, so I make sure that they know the rules on board, can put on their own life jackets and know why they are so important.
It is impressive to see how quickly children learn when they understand that safety measures are not just a duty, but a sign of responsibility. Every trip out to sea becomes not only an adventure, but also a valuable learning experience. For me, one thing is clear: the right balance between protection and independence is the key to creating unforgettable and safe experiences on the water.
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