How to Choose the Right Life Jacket

In this Buyer's Guide from West Marine, we explain the coast guard requirements for PFDs when operating recreational boats and explain the differences in types of life vests. For more info visit www.westmarine....

[@vimalneha]

I have seen many videos on this topic, this one is the best!

[@WestMarineInc]

Thank you, Vimal! That means a lot!

[@EDINGERBENZ]

Excellent information! I've been researching life jackets for hours today, and this really narrowed down my search.

[@klaasvandenhoorn583]

Now I know, finally a nice guy explaning it all, and he maybe represent a manufacturer, but it's hardly commercial!

[@chuckatwestmarine]

That's a great idea. The KZbin interface doesn't allow us to sort the videos in many ways, or at least we haven't figured out how to do it, but if you go to the West Marine web site, you can select Boats and Outboards, then Kayaks and Canoes, then select all products with a video. Unfortunately, we really don't have many videos for kayaks as you can see, although the Prowler Kayak Video is one of our most popular with 89,000 views. Must be Dave, the guy who's in it with me!

[@ModelosPR]

LOL I bet, she didn't look happy at all. I really like that you guys are putting videos in most of the products in the website. I would love to see a playlist just for Kayaking related items.

[@chuckatwestmarine]

Hi! This was sort of an oversight. We obviously recommend that children 12 and under wear a life jacket (its the law, of course) and that older children do so, as well. There are three sizes for kids' life jackets, identified by the weight of the kid: 0-30#, or Infant; 30-50#, or Child; and 50-90#, or Youth. After 90#, kids end up wearing small adult life jackets. One of my youngest daughters was actually the model on a life jacket hang tag when she was about 9 years old. Happy boating!

[@redrockx1]

I didn't see any of the PFDs demonstrated to have crotch strap which is most important for it to stay and not slip away from the torso. Turbulent waters and extra body movement can put you in a precarious situation.

[@kunzmiester]

Great and very useful video.

[@gaae2000]

Awesome, I needed the info. On my way to ur store at 163erd Street/Biscayne

[@brycek3434]

Did you make it?

[@HarmonyMag]

I was very impressed with this life jacket video. I especially loved the segment on the pet life vests. I was, however, disappointed that infant life jackets were left out of the video. I assume that West Marine must make some. I wonder way this important type of life jacket was left out.

[@ModelosPR]

Very good video. I love his face when he talk about bringing a cat on board. LOL

[@Beergutz73]

Excellent presentation! Has anyone seen the the new style of life jacket being introduced to the market. It's called an EBBS -Electronic Body Buoyancy System. There is a KZbin video if you search for it and its looks like an awesome product. It retrofits into manual and self inflating jackets and basically monitors what depth of water you are in and will allow you to fall overboard and swim back to the boat without inflating. If you go blow 3ft it will automatically inflate.

[@chuckatwestmarine]

We're trying to create playlists whenever possible. For example, we've put our bottom paint and inflatable boat videos into playlists. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@mikeshanklin]

This was good, thank you.

[@WestMarineInc]

Thank you, Michael!

[@ReviewsBuster57]

i appreciated this video. I am very new to all of this and will be taking my inflatable dingy to the ocean, so I bough 2 life jackets Mustang Survival, type 111PFD is good for offshore fishing ???

[@WestMarineInc]

That one is for USGC inspected vessel requirements. The ones you keep in case the vessel sinks. Not necessarily one you would use recreationally. Here is the link to our How-To www.westmarine.com/WestAdvisor/Selecting-a-Life-Vest

[@crankypest2617]

Good video and he spoke my mind about bringing a cat on board.

[@sharonworn9609]

You include kayaks but did not include Paddle boards...very likely to fall off those, but the ones you recommend do not help and get in the way for those of us who have trouble getting back on.

[@WestMarineInc]

Sharon, thank you for your comments! We have brought your comments back to our buying team and creative team.

[@dsandrews3]

Excellent presentation

[@jesseobrien5864]

What if I am disabled and want to swim at the river with my dog? Which one do I get?

[@dorothyemal3529]

Great video, now I know I have to go buy my son a better fitting life vest he's 12 petite and the vest keeps rising to his neck and face.

[@ltz-bailey4539]

Dorothy Emal the best youth life jacket I seen would easily be a speedo youth life jacket... I LOVE IT!! it fits awesome and also has a crotch strap and a head support so that's even better.

[@reharris]

gREAT VIDEO. VERY INFORMATIVE

[@samuellerman-hahn650]

West Marine, why does the USCG not recommend inflatable life vests for under 16s? Apparently, the Coast Guard has assumed that under 16s sailing offshore are just there for the ride and don't need much freedom of movement.

[@M0J0HAND]

Can you do a video on how to put a life vest on a cat? The one in this video looked like he/she was having none of it.

[@WestMarineInc]

Floyd, great suggestion! We will send your suggestion to our creative team.

[@Zele6837]

Yay it's awesome

[@chuckatwestmarine]

@ModelosPR Her name is Michelle, and she basically clawed me all the way from home to the harbor, and back. She would be a terrible cat to have on a boat based on her ability to go on car rides!

[@araikacute]

Awesome :-D

[@loganlastnametoolong1872]

I didn't know someone could talk about life jackets for 12 minutes