What To Look For
Life jackets are an essential part of any lake, ocean or river trip. They prevent accidents and keep people safe on the water. However, not all life jackets are created equal. The United States Coast Guard has a grading system for life jackets based on the danger of the water activity. These range from type one to type five. Higher numbers are safe for extreme sports. Look for life jackets made of foam with buckle closures. Also, make sure the jacket is rated for your weight or the weight of the person who will wear it. This is especially important for children. For boating, buyer's guide site Galt Technology recommends the Stearns Adult General Purpose Life Vest. Galt recommends the Body Glove Life Vest for water sports such as kayaking. For children, Galt recommends the Child's Stearns Watersports Vest. On online sporting goods site Altrec.com, the Extrasport B22 Life Jacket and the Astral Norge Life Jacket both have five-star ratings.
Common Pitfalls
The problem with most life jackets are not with the jackets themselves, but how they are worn or used. Life jackets that are the wrong size can be dangerous. The wrong type of life jacket may cause injury or death as well. Always use the Coast Guard's recommendations on the type of jacket to use for various water activities. Inflatable jackets can puncture and are not recommended for use where sharp objects are present.
Where To Buy
Find quality life jackets at sporting supply stores or camping stores. REI, Sports Authority, Academy and Altrec.com offer a wide selection of life jackets for different water activities and sizes. These stores offer top brands such as Extrasport, Astral, Kokatat, NRS, Body Glove and Hyperlite. These stores have a high level of customer service and may offer periodic specials or discounts on merchandise. Amazon.com also has several life jacket models. Just make sure the Coast Guard approves any model found online before you purchase.
Cost
Expect to pay between $20 and $100 for a life jacket as of August 2010. The purchase price will vary depending on the store and brand. The Stearns Adult General Purpose Life Vest costs about $20. The Body Glove Life Vest costs about $70. The Child's Stearns Watersports Vest costs about $30. The Extrasport B22 Life Jacket costs around $150. The Astral Norge Life Jacket costs about $125.
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