How to fit a lifejacket

1.    If it’s a new lifejacket or a first wear for the season, loosen all the straps, shoulder and waist. (Different clothing, weight gain, etc, will change how the lifejacket fits)

2.    If you’ve used it before this season without it riding up over your head in the water, loosen the waist straps.

3.    Put the lifejacket in, and tighten the straps, working from the bottom to the top. The bottom of the lifejacket ought to be approximately navel height.

4.    Test the fit. Have the wearer stand in front and below the tester. If when the tester pulls on the shoulder straps the lifejacket moves up, the waist straps need tightened. If the wearer can talk, the waist straps need tightened. If the wearer can whine ‘this lifejacket is too tight’, the waist straps DEFINITELY need tightened.

5.    If you cannot adjust the straps to keep the lifejacket from riding up in the water, here are some things to try:

a.    Wear a top that has more friction.

b.    Use a ‘crotch’ strap.

c.    Try another lifejacket brand or model.

6.    If the store cannot help you fit a lifejacket, return it and go elsewhere.