How to Fit a Life Vest | Patient Education | UC Davis Children's Hospital

How to fit a life vest

Being safe is making sure everyone in your family is protected with a life jacket.

A day on the water can quickly turn into trouble for a child swimming without a properly fitted life vest. To help keep your child safe, follow these simple instructions.

How to Fit a Life Vest

Wear Your Vest, Every Time You Swim
Sacramento County requires that all children under the age of 13 wear a life vest while in public waterways. Being safe is making sure everyone in your family is protected with a life jacket.

  • Always check the age and weight limit on your child’s life vest; don’t use a vest that it too big or too small for your child’s weight.
  • Make sure the life jacket is not torn or leaking.
  • Place the vest on your child and make sure all straps are belted in the right buckle.
  • Once the jacket is on your child, lift him or her up by the shoulders of the jacket. The jacket should not ride up over the chin and ears. If it does, try a smaller size or find a jacket with a crotch strap.
  • Make sure your child always wears a life vest when in or around the water.
kids swim vest