Foam life jackets and automatic life jackets both have their advantages and disadvantages. When it comes to choosing the right model for our children, it's best not to make a mistake to avoid too many complaints every time we have to wear it.
Automatic vests that take up little space to wear
The main advantage of automatic vests is that they take up very little space, which makes them less noticeable and less hot. However, they have several disadvantages: first of all a higher price than their foam counterpart. Then, the periodic revision is mandatory to be sure that they inflate on D-day. In addition, their closing system is generally more difficult to control for a child.
Finally, sometimes they inflate at the wrong time! A good splash during a dinghy transfer, an environment that is too humid, spray that is a little too wetâeuros¦ In short, it is better to know how to fold them up and buy spare cartridges just in case. Some children are afraid that their vest inflates unexpectedly and refuse to wear it.
Easy to use and maintain foam vests
As for the foam vest, its main disadvantage is that it is warm and bulky. This is not necessarily a disadvantage when sailing in cooler areas, but on the trade winds, it can be a problem.
As for the advantages, we note that they are rather simple to put on for a child, cushioning during falls on the deck for example, require only minimal maintenance and a reasonable financial investment. Their bright color also makes it much easier to spot children on the water and at the beach.
Furthermore, children can spend a lot of time on paddles and other boats and are not safe from falls on these occasions. The automatic vest is therefore not recommended at these times, unlike the foam vest, which is perfectly suitable.
The foam vest, a must-have for children on board
Therefore, if you want to have only one lifejacket per child on board, it is better to have the foam lifejacket, which is really more versatile. If you can have two vests, one of each type allows you to meet different needs: a foam vest for nautical activities and dinghy transfers, and an automatic vest for long trips. This way, you also have an extra vest for friends invited on board!
