Babies and life jackets

QUOTE(Girlie @ Jun 15 2009, 01:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>What are the lifejacket rules? Obviously while the vessel is moving they must, however what if you are rafted off? And if a child must wear it at all times to what age does this apply? Thanks in advance for your help.

They are required to wear the vests if you are underway. If you're in the cabin it is not a requirement by law. If you're rafted off there is no law requiring it either.

We have a 20 month old and she is required to wear it no matter what....underway or rafted off. If we're rafted off and in the cabin and the cabin door is closed I let her take it off only because she cannot get the door open. Even though she's not that tall she can still climb on a chair, cooler or the ladder to the bridge.

QUOTE(Stodge @ Jun 15 2009, 02:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>What type are the kiddie ones with the cartoon characters on them? They look like the Type III vests that folks wear to jet ski.

Just curious.

I think if they have the collar with the handle on the back they are considered Type II. The vest ones are considered Type III. At least that is the way I understand it to be. But if you're over 6 (legal requirement cutoff) you can have the Type III

these are cute, and the kids love wearing them
http://www.stearnsrec.com/dyn_prod.php?p=STR3864&k=78025

Personally I feel it should be a law that says any children under a certain age while on docks or on an outer deck of a boat must be in a coast guard approved life jacket. I have had the misfortune to witness (about 20 years ago)the deaths of 2 children playing on the docks who fell in the water and drowned because their parents weren't paying attention.. If those kids were made to wear life jackets they would be alive today. In the years since I have personally pulled at least 5 kids out of the water after they fell off of the docks while they were playing. Parents tend to forget the dangers of water and what can happen while children are playing around the docks.. A child can slip and fall and hit their heads on something while going in and you may never hear them.. If they are wearing a coast guard approved life jacket which is designed to keep their heads out of the water they will more then likely survive, if not then there is a better chance they will not. I would hope that all parents out there would value their children's lives enough to make them wear a life jacket while near the water whether the child liked it or not. Sorry but that was my rant for today.

QUOTE(Stodge @ Jun 18 2009, 02:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>QUOTE(B00ST @ Jun 18 2009, 02:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Okay here's my question. I have a type III that is for 30-50 lbs. I have a type II that is for up to 30lbs. My 2 year old is 34 lbs and I am sure will continue to grow. I agree about the Type II's - I personally like them ... but why is it all the decent ones (Neoprene and comfy) like at Target or Dicks only go up to 30lbs...The only thing I can find is something at West Marine for $70 and its that cheap feeling vest. Thoughts??
I don't have little ones, but if I did, I don't think I'd skimp on their vests.



No worries - I never skimp on my kids...for anything. - especially their safety.

QUOTE(270 Crown @ Jun 18 2009, 02:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>QUOTE(B00ST @ Jun 18 2009, 02:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Okay here's my question. I have a type III that is for 30-50 lbs. I have a type II that is for up to 30lbs. My 2 year old is 34 lbs and I am sure will continue to grow. I agree about the Type II's - I personally like them ... but why is it all the decent ones (Neoprene and comfy) like at Target or Dicks only go up to 30lbs...The only thing I can find is something at West Marine for $70 and its that cheap feeling vest. Thoughts??

As my kids got bigger...they didn't like the neoprene ones. Made them too hot.


Good thought...didn't think about that....good idea.

QUOTE(Girlie @ Jun 15 2009, 01:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>What are the lifejacket rules? Obviously while the vessel is moving they must, however what if you are rafted off? And if a child must wear it at all times to what age does this apply? Thanks in advance for your help.

Good wives stay at home and watch their children and cooks dinner while their man indulges int he moot

Under way only girlie....but we used to carry ours in the baby carrier when they were really small(carry type)
it worked well.