Child's PFD question

[smartwork]

On life vests for children or youth, there's a weight range such as 70-90. Why is there a minimum weight? If a vest physically fits properly for a child that weighs 60 pounds and the vest will float someone at 90, why wouldn't that float and opearate correctly for someone who's 60 or 65... again, as long as it physically fits the body properly.

 

[jacknbella]

Re: Child's PFD question

PFD's are rated according to their bouyancy or displacement, not necessarily fit. Those two factors are usually measured in "lbs" so that's what the rating is actually telling you. Why risk it anyway? Our children deserve an appropriate PFD that fits snuggly and meets their weight requirement.

 

[smartwork]

Re: Child's PFD question

Why risk it anyway?

Actually to the contrary... trying to understand it. Why would something that supports 90 pounds not support 60 pounds? I'm just trying to understand the science behind it.

 

[RollingWanderer]

Re: Child's PFD question

Smartwork- I believe what you are getting at is correct. If you have a 60 lbs. child and a jacket "rated" for a 70-90 lbs. child fits the 60 lbs. child snugly and correctly then it's a fine jacket to use. Kids jackets are rated by weight and not size. As long as the jacket fits correctly and the child weighs less than the maximum rating of the jacket, then you are good to go. At best the weight ratings can be used as a GENERAL guide for sizing, but kids don't always follow the "rules".

-RW

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Child's PFD question

As a former lifeguard and parent of two boys I say that the minimum weight has more to do with the fact that a child that weighs 30lbs might not be supported properly(meaning their head/airway) or slip through the opening in a jacket rated with a minimum of 50lbs.

Big difference in size and length of limbs for those weight brackets.

For example I'd never put my 1 year-old son in his older(3) brother's jacket, he might not even be held above water so that he could breathe and he doesn't swim yet.

Don't get me started on water wings...whole 'nother can of worms

 

[RWilson2526]

Re: Child's PFD question

Smartwork- I believe what you are getting at is correct. If you have a 60 lbs. child and a jacket "rated" for a 70-90 lbs. child fits the 60 lbs. child snugly and correctly then it's a fine jacket to use. Kids jackets are rated by weight and not size. As long as the jacket fits correctly and the child weighs less than the maximum rating of the jacket, then you are good to go. At best the weight ratings can be used as a GENERAL guide for sizing, but kids don't always follow the "rules".

-RW

what he said

 

[Pierutrus]

Re: Child's PFD question

what he said

ditto

 

[SeanT]

Re: Child's PFD question

Crotch straps are essential for the little guys. My 6 and 9 year old have sort of the next step up - no crotch straps, and no handles near the head but they still have a piece that floats behind their head to help keep it out of the water.

Test them! I float my boys out into 6" water on a tube and dump them (I'm 6' 5"). Great practice.