Life Jacket For Kids Question

[Bucktailboys.com]

Taking my 8 year old son on a private boat (not a charter) fishing the back bay. Just wondering if he needs to wear the life jacket the entire time. Would you recommend a certain name brand or style?

Thanks for the help.

[tropics]

Better safe then sorry, he may be a little uncomfortable but you, can judge the situation as for the weather and sea conditions.Be safe.
Have fun enjoy the day.

[Reelron]

I believe he does. http://www.state.nj.us/njsp/info/pdf/marine/021606-boating-safety-manual.pdf Page 15,

[Bucktailboys.com]

Thanks guys, just read pg. 15 and looks like he has to. With that said can anyone recommend one that may not be so "bulky" so he can enjoy fishing.

Thanks again!

Keefe

[Katie'sKatch]

I don't know a brand or style to get but I just took my son to west marine with me let him try a bunch on too see what he felt good wearing. He is 5 he fishes with me all the time he knows when he hits the dock it's the first thing he ask for is were is his life jacket when it's hot out they don't like it much but its better too be safe then sorry there are too many big boats that blow right by us guys on small boats it can get rough for the little guy some times.
Good luck be safe get him on some big fish it's the best.

[Capt. Debbie]

There's a large commercial boat exception that likely does not fit.

In NJ all kids 12 and under must wear while on open deck AND when underway. In NY it's age 11 and under.

Underway means free to move. SO if anchored no PFD required by LAW. Also they can not wear an inflatable PFD until age 16.

BEST PFD... let them pick it out. They will love to wear it then. Never fails on that method.

[champ]

My daughter is 9...

I think the traditional orange ones are least comfortable, but actually work best to keep afloat.

The blue/yellow west marine ones are uncomfortable too. The vest is nice, but its the material.

I think the most comfortable is the neoprene vests. They havem at costco/sams club.

Keep in mind what goes on underneath also counts towards comfort. My daughter doesn't complain about the vest itslef as much as how hot it can get wearing it.

Best to let him try them and choose.

[Bucktailboys.com]

Guys,
Thanks for the advice. Will take him and let him pick out his own.

Keefe

[wyldbillnj]

I was wondering...are there auto inflating ones for kids out there yet??

[Reelron]

I was wondering...are there auto inflating ones for kids out there yet??

As Capt. Frank said, Can't wear auto inflatable vests until they are 16. These vests have been know to inflate with such force that they can snap a child's neck.

[PeteyHD]

I kayak fish and find the most comfortable pfds to be paddling ones. They are cut in all the right places to make wearing them all day very comfortable. I would check stohlquist or kokatat which both have pfds for children and youth. Granted you will pay a little more for them but that's because they are comfortable and will make your kids trip enjoyable. They will forget they are wearing them.