What does the regulation say?
The regulations require a lifejacket or a lifejacket for each person on board. For the VNM (Nautical Motor Vehicle), the vest must be worn at all times.
The buoyancy volume of the vest, expressed in Newtons (N), varies according to the category of navigation:
- Basic - less than 2 miles: 50N
- Coastal - 2 to 6 miles: 100N
- Semi-offshore and offshore - over 6 miles and over 60 miles: 150N (or 100N for children <30kg)
- Inland water: 50, 100 or 150N
Beyond the regulations, the permanent wearing of a vest for a child is strongly recommended.
The harness, the subcutaneous and the retrieval handle are essential elements to take into account when choosing your vest.
Some manufacturers add an attractive decoration so that the child will feel more at home with the vest.
A foam vest will better protect the child in case of a fall on the boat. All the more reason to wear it at all times. It can also be used for swimming.
The automatic vest will be more ergonomic, less cumbersome, but with a larger purchase and maintenance budget.
How to maintain your vest?
A foam model does not require any particular maintenance. A visual check and regular rinsing will be enough to keep it in good condition. At the slightest doubt about a seam or a tear, you should renew your vest.
An automatic model must undergo the same service cycles as adult models. The overhaul includes a bladder leak check and a change of the trigger kit, as the UML trigger (which is used in most children's automatic lifejackets) has a 3-year life span.
Many manufacturers go beyond the legislation and recommend a check at least every two years.
Foam vests for children
Forwater Choo
The Choo 100 newtons, produced by the French company Forwater, offers a very complete equipment. It is equipped with a zipper for easy donning and increased comfort. Its double underbelly and back harness ensure optimal support.
Representing a very good value for money, the Choo is offered in 6 sizes and 2 colors.
Product benefits
- Back harness
- Double subcutaneous
- From 29.90 euros TTC
Decathlon
Decathlon offers a 100N model, available in three sizes (0 to 15kg, 15 to 30kg and 30 to 40kg). Offered at a very attractive price, it includes the basic and essential equipment.
Product advantage
- Very attractive price
- Price : 20 euros TTC
Lalizas Chico
The Greek manufacturer Lalizas has a range declined in 6 models, adaptable to the sizes from 3 to 40 kgs. With an attractive graphic design, the Chico is equipped with a zipper and a support belt. A large collar supports the child's head while a subcutaneous strap for smaller sizes ensures more stability in the water. The foam collar ensures that the child will immediately turn over on the surface and hold the face in a safe position.
Product benefits
- Very complete range
- Attractive graphics
- Protective foam collar
- From 24.49 euros TTC
Secumar Bravo Print
The Bravo Print from German company Secumar is made of soft Airex foam, which adapts more easily to the child's morphology. The underbelly is equipped with a fabric triangle, more comfortable for the buttocks. Approved 100N, it is equipped with a retrieval handle and a harness, and comes in orange with dolphin print.
Product benefits
- Comfort
- Triangle subcutaneous
- Graphics
- From 42 euros TTC
Baltic Pro Sailor
The Swedish Baltic Pro Sailor is available in 4 sizes: 3 to 10kg, 10 to 15kg, 15 to 30kg and 30 to 40kg.
The first three models are equipped with a handle in the neck. The entire range is available in bright yellow or orange. Approved 100N, the two smaller sizes have a wide, adjustable inter-leg strap.
Product benefits
- Manufacturing quality
- Handle in the shot
- From 39,90 euros TTC
Automatic inflatable vests for children
Plastimo Evo-j
Launched in 2015, the EVO range has its junior model for the 2020 season: the EVO-j vest. It is distinguished by its teardrop shape, its large central patch integrated into the waistband ensures above-average ergonomics. Its neoprene collar helps prevent chafing. Approved in 150N, it is equipped with a retroreflective textile harness buckle and a simple subcutaneous.
Product benefits
- Ergonomics
- Easy to put on
- Price : 85 euros TTC
Forwater Jumpy
Approved in 150N, the Jumpy vest has hooks on the front and back. It is also equipped with a double undercut and a mesh collar for more comfort. Finally, the closing buckle is on the side, to avoid the child to detach itself.
Product benefits
- Hanging points on the front and back
- Mesh collar
- Price : 79,90 euros TTC
Secumar Mini and Junior
The German Secumar offers two models for intensive use:
Mini
It is a 150N approved model, suitable for infants from 15 to 30 kg. It is equipped with a double membrane inflatable envelope, which automatically stops an accidental bladder puncture. It has a fleece collar that protects the neck. Its preformed neckline ensures a very good ergonomics. It is very easy to put on thanks to a simplified closing buckle.
The Secumatic 3001s release system is equipped with a safety device that prevents the activation of the cartridge even in the presence of sudden movements or shocks.
Junior
It has the same characteristics as the Mini but for sizes between 20 and 50 kg.
Product benefits
- Manufacturing quality
- Double membrane
- Winglet envelope
- Price : 234 euros TTC
Marine Orange
This vest is equipped with the main safety features; harness, stainless steel buckle and single subcutaneous strap. The only model to be offered in 4 colors (blue, pink, black and red), it is suitable for sizes ranging from 15 to 43 kg, for a 100N approval.
Product benefits
- Attractive price
- 4 colors available
- Price : 67,99euros TTC
Spinlock Deckvest CENTO
Spinlock has designed an ultra-light and compact children's model. Weighing 850 grams, it is equipped with a soft harness and a simple sub-cut. Equipped with a 150N approved UML Mk5 release system, it is available in 2 colors (pink and blue). The hood and flashlight (Pylon Light model) are optional.
Spinlock offers a TLS (Through Life Support) follow-up program that extends the initial warranty by 5 years.
Subscribing to TLS also allows:
- - receive online assistance to ensure that the vest is properly maintained.
- - follow tips for winter care, storage and pre-season check.
- advice and prevention of man overboard.
Product benefits
- Ultra light (850 grams)
- Choice of colors
- TLS Tracking Program
- From 149 euros TTC
Crewsaver Crewfit Junior
The vest proposed by the English company Crewsaver is equipped with a unique bladder that includes a support at the chin, a simplified harness and a double subcutaneous adjustable and detachable by quick buckles.
The 150N approved Crewfit junior is suitable for children between 20 and 50 kg and is equipped with a UML kit. It can be equipped with an optional flashlight integrated in the bladder and a protective hood.
Product benefits
- Bladder with chin support
- Adjustable double subcutaneous and detachable by clip
- From 139 euros TTC
Marinepool Junior
This model proposed by the German company Marinepool has all the basics of a vest: harness with stainless steel buckle, removable undergarment, polyester cover. Approved in 150N, it is available in red or navy blue.
Product advantage
- Robust construction
- Price : 99 euros TTC
