life jackets - advice needed please

[inglis]

What are the best life jackets to get for toddlers? Seems to be quite a range - any brands that are far and away the best? Thanks.

Do you mean life jackets for sailing or float jackets more for swiming?

Life jackets for sailing, skribble. Hope you can help me.

Don't know which brand to recommend we have a selection.

Most important is that it is a good close fit, too big and it will be bulky and uncomfortable when they sit down and go up over their heads in water. Make sure that you know how to do up the straps. Make sure the crotch strap is tight enough (loosens when they sit down) keep an eye on this through the trip. If this is too loose again the jacket goes up over their head due to the bouyancy.

For young children and non swimmers you want all the bouyancy at the front so if they fall in it will turn them round onto their back, plus a large collar will support their head. For older children and adults more even bouyancy allows you to swim and get back in boat etc.

If you do a search on line you will find plenty suppliers but it would be best to visit a shop and try the jackets on and get advise, saying that we buy our jackets at carboot sales and have loads to lend to freinds and their children when they come out with us. Once you know what to buy bootsales in coastal towns are great place to find good condition jackets because they are outgrown so fast, but check the zips, straps and buckles are all OK.

Are you planning a sailing holiday?

That's really helpful. Not quite a sailing holiday. I've booked a cabin right on Lake Annecy in France in October. Also my husband does a lot of water-skiing on a lake in this country so we thought it about time we get a couple.

Sounds like you sail. That is something I've always wanted to learn how to do. My dh and I always talk about leaving the rat-race here in London & moving close to the sea in the West Country somewhere .... so one day I'll give it a go...

I love sailing and wish we could get the boats out more. BIL has a wayfarer dingy that takes about 6, great for taking the kids out and teaching them. DS was given a AB that takes 1 adult plus a smal child its ideal for kids to learn to sail by themselves.

I think its percieved as an expensive hobby, but DS was given his boat by a couple who's kids had grown up and BIL was told he could have the wayfarer if he swam to bottom of loch and got it grin]. As I said we buy lifejackets and wetsuits from bootsales and boatjumbles. It does help that FIL is a carpenter and BIL is a qualified instructor as both boats needed serious renovation. A 4x4 is handy if you need to take boat onto beach too.

I would check if jackets are provided or can be hired, usually they are if a good quality facility. Check they have smaller sizes though. It would save the expense as they do grow out so fast, you can't buy big to make them last.

As for moving to the West Country go for it. Cheaper houses and a whole lot more green stuff . I live 10 miles from the coast and in the country and love it.