Have you been looking for the perfect life jacket but don’t know which kind to buy? If you’re trying to buy Jetpilot life jackets, then there are too many to choose from. From different types to colors, not to mention the fitting – it’s overwhelming.
But, the first step to the perfect life jacket is to know what kind you need.
Off-Shore Life Jackets
If you’re looking for the safest option, then the off-shore life jacket is the best option. They’re large, buoyant, and work to keep an unconscious person face-up. Out of all the possibilities, these life jackets are by far the most used and trusted.
They’re also cumbersome. The adult versions have almost 10kgs on them to prevent anybody from drowning. All the weight is focused on keeping a person floating upright and a little warmer than any other personal flotation device.
Near-Shore Vests
Have you seen those bright orange life vests on a boat or water ride? Well, those are near-shore vests. As the name suggests, they’re best for activities where you’re in water but close enough to the shore that it won’t take an age to get to you.
Jetpilot life jackets are most often near-shore life jackets, although they’re less bright and orange. These jackets are typically bulkier and more comfortable than off-shore jackets but may not keep an unconscious person upright.
Flotation Aids
If you’re going kayaking or fishing, then you’ll need a different type of vest. The above two classes will be too bulky and hamper any movement. But, flotation aids are specifically designed depending on the activity you choose.
Much like near-shore vests, they either come as foam or inflatable and just barely keep you floating. But, unlike the near-shore type, flotation aids need to be manually inflated. So, it’s of no help to an unconscious person!
Special-Use Devices
While it seems like this category of life jacket would be more suited to the previous category, the use of the devices actually differentiates it. Special-use devices are usually made for people like racing sailors who require it both as a flotation device and harness.
They’re either foam or automatic and vary anywhere between seven and ten kilograms. You’ll also find hybrid inflation vests for certain types of activities. But they are all special category vests.
Classification By Size
Lastly, personal flotation devices can be segregated by size. Not the regular sizes but rather who they are meant for.
- For Adults: You won’t find vests for a 13kg adult; they’re usually meant for those over the 40kg mark.
- For Children: The vests created for children generally start at 13kgs and go up to 23kgs.
- For Dogs: While there aren’t any regulations or sizes, the vest’s fit needs to be appropriate for a dog.
How to Tell if the Jacket Fits Right
There is no point in buying a life jacket if it doesn’t fit right. Not only will it not save your life, but it’ll keep your movements limited. Here’s how to tell if your life jacket fits right:
- If it fits snuggly against your body
- If you can mostly move your arms well
- When you take it for a swim, and it can keep you floating
A life jacket may just save your life, but it definitely won’t if you get the wrong type. Getting the right jacket isn’t rocket science. By figuring out your activity, which life jacket matches it best and getting the right fit – you can stay afloat in a rocky situation!
