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Course Outline

kids wearing life jackets in the water

Courtesy of The U.S. Coast Guard

Proper sizing for wearing a life jacket is important due to the following factors.

  • Wearing a properly sized life jacket ensures that it will provide adequate buoyancy to keep the wearer afloat in the water. If a life jacket is too large or too small, it may not keep the wearer's head above water, increasing the risk of drowning.
  • When sizing life jackets for adults, the chest measurement is paramount. The length, positioning, and quantity of straps also play significant roles in selecting the appropriate size.
  • For youth, children, and infants, body weight takes precedence. Additional features such as head flotation support, crotch straps, and grab loops are incorporated into life jackets designed specifically for these age groups.
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