Testing the Fit
To test a life jacket’s fit, follow these guidelines.
- To check the fit of a standard life jacket, have someone pull up on the shoulders. If it rides up past your nose or head, tighten the straps. If it still moves, the life jacket may be too large.
- A properly sized life jacket should fit snugly, allowing free movement without chafing while engaging in water activities.
- A best practice is to always test a life jacket in shallow water or a pool to be sure it fits and performs as you expect.
Courtesy of The U.S. Coast Guard