Children and Flotation Devices

Children should wear a flotation device and be near an adult at all times. It is a good idea to attach a plastic pealess whistle to the child’s flotation device.

• When buying a child’s lifejacket:
• Verify that it is Canadian-approved.
• Always read the label of the lifejacket to make sure it is the right size based on the child's weight and chest size.
• Try it on your child.
• Make sure to check that it fits snugly.
• Test the fit by picking the child up by the shoulders of the lifejacket and checking that his or her chin and ears do not slip through the lifejacket.
• The lifejacket is too large if there are more than 7.6 cm (3 inches) between the lifejacket and your child’s shoulders.
• These safety features are important in a child’s lifejacket:
• A between-the-legs safety strap to keep the flotation device in place
• A large, supportive collar for the child’s head
• Retro-reflective tape to make it more visible at night
• Safety straps with buckles
• Waist ties or elastic gathers in front and back
• You may choose a PFD instead of a lifejacket for your child.
• Child-size inherently buoyant PFDs are sized as follows:
• 27-41 kg (59-90 lbs)
• 14-27 kg (31-60 lbs)
• 9-14 kg (20-31 lbs)
• There are no Canadian-approved inflatable PFDs for children under 9 kg (20 lbs).