Mind the Gap
There are gaps in the weight ranges for infant, child, youth, and adult sizes when comparing the legacy and harmonized standards. Most of the gaps are due to changing from pounds (lbs) to kilograms (kg) and aligning with other standards in the world.
As a result, there are approved products in the market that may be marked one way or the other, so it is important to review the size and weight markings on the life jacket label.
| Size | Legacy Standard | Harmonized Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | 0–30 lbs. (0–13.6 kg) | 0–33 lbs. (0–15 kg) |
| Child | 30–50 lbs. (13.6–22.67 kg) | 35–55 lbs. (15–25 kg) |
| Youth | 50–90 lbs. (22.67–40.8 kg) | 55–88 lbs. (25–40 kg) |
| Adult | > 90 lbs. (> 40.8 kg) | > 88 lbs. (> 40 kg) |
Generally, if you have someone whose weight is in “the gap,” choose the larger size and be sure to test it in the water for proper fit.