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Saltwater Gear
Life Jacket
The one piece you never skip
A properly fitted life jacket is the difference between a scare and a tragedy. On boats, kayaks, jetties, and rough water, it is always on.
What it does
Keeps you safe near or on the water.
When to use it
On boats, kayaks, jetties, and rough water.
Common mistake
Wearing it unbuckled.
🛒 Shop Guide
USCG-approved youth Type III vest
$25 – $50
Standard, comfortable, made to fish in.
Child vest with collar and crotch strap
$30 – $60
Turns a child face-up in the water.
Safety whistle
$3 – $6
Carries much further than a shout.
What to look for
- US Coast Guard approved, sized by the child's weight and chest
- Type III vest for fishing, with a crotch strap for smaller kids
- A grab handle on the collar
- Bright colour with reflective tape and an attached whistle
Skip this
Skip inflatable belt packs for kids and skip any hand-me-down with faded, brittle fabric.
Prices are typical US ranges and change over time. Ask a grown-up and your local tackle shop before buying — shop staff will help you match gear to your home water for free.
🎓 How to Use It
- 1Fit test: buckle it, then lift by the shoulders — if it rises past the chin or ears, it is too big.
- 2Buckle and zip everything, including the crotch strap.
- 3Wear it before you step onto the boat or the rocks, not after.
- 4Practice floating in it in a pool so it feels normal.
Care & storage
Rinse, dry in the shade, and never use it as a boat cushion — crushing kills the foam.
🛟 Safety Tips
- An unbuckled jacket is the same as no jacket.
- One jacket per person on board — that is the law, not a suggestion.
- Replace it after any impact or if the fabric tears.
🧑✈️Captain Tip
Learn one piece of gear per trip. By the end of the summer you will know your whole kit better than most adults.