Not all swim gear is created equal! You might think a life jacket, buoyancy aid, and swim vest look the same, but they’re actually quite different. It can be confusing, right? That’s why we chatted with Andrew Regan, the CEO and owner of Konfidence, a top brand in kids' swimwear and safety gear. He’s here to help you figure out which one is best for your little one.
For parents with tiny swimmers just starting to explore the water, picking the right swim protection is super important. With so many options out there, understanding the differences between life jackets, buoyancy aids, and swim jackets can help you make choices that keep your child safe while they have fun.
Experts suggest choosing swim gear for kids in bright, easily visible colours. Bright colours improve visibility for lifeguards and for us parents trying to quickly identify our little swimmers in the pool. So, those subtle colours and dreamy pastels you’ve added to your cart might be cute, but they might not be the best choice for life jackets this time. Instead, opt for life jackets in bright colours like red, orange, or yellow, with reflective tape to enhance visibility, especially in low-light conditions.
High-intensity light can make the life jacket even more noticeable, ensuring your little ones are easily spotted in the water. This way, you can relax knowing they're not only having fun but are also safe and secure. Don’t forget to apply some baby SPFto keep them protected from harsh UV rays.
The best swim safety gear in 2024 at a glance
The best life jacket for babies' first water experience - HELLY HANSEN-Baby's Safe+Life jacket
The best life jacket for toddlers - Spinlock Deckvest Nemo+ Lifejacket
The best bouyancy aid for kids - Marinepool CHILDS 100n Buoyancy Aid
The best bouyancy aid for water sports - Osprey Kids Buoyancy Aid Junior 50N for Watersports
The best swim jacket for children - Original Konfidence™ Jacket
Best swim jacket for portability - Go Swim Float Vest with Safety Strap
What is the difference between life jackets, buoyancy aids, and swim floats?
Life jackets: The ultimate lifesaver
Life jackets are designed to save lives. According to Andrew, “Life jackets are designed to save the life of the wearer in the event that they fall into the water and are unable to maintain flotation for a significant period of time. Their buoyancy is mostly at the front and around the back of the neck, tipping the wearer onto their back to keep their face out of the water.”
Top picks for the best life jackets in 2024
Best life jacket for babies' first water experience
www.alpinetrek.co.uk
If you’re anxious about your baby’s first dip in the water—whether it’s a pool, beach, or even a fishing trip—the Helly Hansen Baby’s Safe+ Life Jacket is designed to give you peace of mind. With its innovative asymmetrical design, this life jacket effortlessly positions your baby to float securely on their back, keeping their nose and mouth above the water for safety. The reversed zipper makes it a breeze to put on, even with a wiggly little one. Certified under ISO 12402-4, it meets the latest life protection standards, ensuring maximum safety.
Pros
- Unique asymmetrical design keeps baby’s airway above water
- Reversed zipper for easy dressing
- ISO-certified for top-tier safety
Cons
- May feel bulky for very young infants
| Shell: 100% Polyester | |
| Weight: 450g |
- Excellent turning abilities in the water
- Asymmetrical design
- Enclosed foam contains less than 3 5 DIBP
- Durable high visibility fabric
- Durable Nylon Oxford Fabric
- Chest pocket
- Whistle
- Adjustable waist with fastener
- Reflective design details
- Reflective design details
- EN ISO 12402-4 Certified
The best life jacket for toddlers
www.marinesuperstore.com
The Spinlock Deckvest Nemo+ Lifejacket is a solid choice for parents with toddlers who love to explore the water. This life jacket prioritises safety without compromising comfort or freedom of movement. It’s brightly coloured for easy visibility, and its adjustable straps ensure a snug fit, letting toddlers focus on fun without being distracted by an uncomfortable vest. This model provides peace of mind for parents who want their children safe while swimming, playing, or even boating.
Pros
- Easy to adjust as your child grows
- Vibrant colours keep kids visible
- Lightweight but offers great buoyancy
Cons
- Pricier compared to other options
| High-volume buoyancy with a supporting collar ensures that children will be turned over and the head supported out of the water even if they are non-swimmers | |
| Soft neck panels to reduce chafing | |
| Easy attach and adjust buckle for security | |
| Padded secure leg strap to hold the jacket in place |
Best life jacket for visibility
www.decathlon.co.uk
This life jacket is perfect if you're looking for a high-visibility option. The LJ100N Easy Baby Life Jacket is designed to keep babies or infants in a stable, back-floating position, ensuring their airways remain free in case of an accidental fall into the water. Its bright orange and blue colour scheme ensures your little one is always easy to spot, making it ideal for open water activities.
One parent reviewer said: "Finally a really good baby vest, easy to put on and effective. I recommend it."
Pros
- High visibility in water
- Lightweight and comfortable for infants
- Easy to secure
Cons
- Limited weight range (10-15 kg)
- Not ideal for long hours of wear
| Buoyancy Index | 100 Newtons |
| Type Of Life Jacket | Foam Gilet |
| Crotch Strap | With Crotch Strap |
| Turning Aid | With Turning Aid |
- Neck opening for easy fitting of the head and dressing 3-buckle closure
- 100-Newton life jacket that meets the standard EN ISO 12402-4: 2020
- The arms and shoulders are free for unrestricted movements
- Neon colour, whistle and reflective strips compliant with EN ISO12402-4: 2020
Best life jacket for extended wear
www.shore.co.uk
If you’re looking for a life jacket that’s both safe and comfortable for extended use, the Baltic Baby/Child Split Front Zip Life Jacket is a top pick. Designed to turn children onto their backs for maximum safety, this life jacket features a large collar to protect the head and retro-reflective patches for visibility. The adjustable crutch strap ensures it grows with your child, making it perfect for years of water fun.
Pros
- Adjustable crutch strap for a secure fit
- Comfortable for extended use
- Durable with reflective patches for visibility
Cons
- Requires manual cleaning after use
- Two position beaver tail crutch strap (Toddler size)
- Standard Crutch strap (Child size)
- The child size life jacket features more foam at the front than the back to reduce turn-over time
- After use, the life jacket should be rinsed in fresh water and hung up to dry and stored in a well ventilated area away from direct sunlight
- Wash only by hand in lukewarm water using a mild detergent
Buoyancy aids: For active adventures
Buoyancy aids are ideal for kids engaging in water sports like kayaking, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. Andrew explains, “Buoyancy aids are for activities like windsurfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, providing extra buoyancy for those who might tire. They typically have between 50 and 100 Newtons of buoyancy, as you’re close to something to grab onto.”
Top picks for the best buoyancy aids in 2024
The best bouyancy aid for kids
The Marinepool CHILDS 100N Buoyancy aid is designed for toddlers and infants weighing between 10 and 20 kg, with a maximum chest size of 65 cm. It is made from soft, comfortable fabric that won’t irritate your child’s skin, and the adjustable straps allow for a secure, custom fit. Added safety features include reflective strips for better visibility in the water and a whistle for emergencies. This buoyancy aid is perfect for families who enjoy boating or other water activities with their little ones.
One review said: "I purchased this for my grandson for when out on our boat. I’m very pleased with it. He is 21 months old but is big for his age (he wears age 2-3 clothing) and it fits very well. It isn’t too bulky and has a crotch strap for added safety. He is happy to wear it and I think it will fit him for a good while."
Pros
- Ideal for water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking
- Includes a crotch strap for added security
- Reflective strips and whistle enhance visibility and safety
Cons
- May be slightly be uncomfortable and bulky for smaller infants
- Whistle
- Soft touch fabric
- Crotch strap
- Has 3M reflex stripes which reflect searchlights to a distance of 1.2 miles
- CE certified and conforms to European standard EN395
- Approximate weight 500g
The best bouyancy aid for water sports
This buoyancy aid is excellent for kids who are active in water sports. The adjustable straps ensure a secure fit, while the lightweight design allows freedom of movement. Its bright colour and reflective strips help ensure your child can be easily spotted, which is key for water safety.
One Amazon dad reviewer, Robert said: “I bought three of these buoyancy aids for my feral children, and they’ve survived all their wild water adventures! The bright colour makes them easy to spot, and the fit is secure and comfortable. Great quality and peace of mind for any parent with active kids.”
Pros
- Slimline design allows for full range of motion
- Adjustable straps ensure a snug fit
- High-visibility colours and reflective strips improve safety
Cons
- May not provide enough warmth for colder waters
Swim jackets: Building confidence in the water
Swim jackets, often called float jackets or swim vests, are perfect for children who are learning to swim. “Swim jackets are designed to help children who can approximate swimming,” Andrew notes. “They provide a bit of extra help, much like training wheels on a bike, allowing kids to swim with more confidence while also reducing the effort needed to stay afloat.”
Top picks for the best swim jackets in 2024
The best swim jacket for children
www.konfidence.co.uk
Providing kids with that extra bit of confidence, the jacket includes eight simple-to-remove floats to adapt to your child’s needs and progression. As well as, chunky YKK self-locking zip and 50+ UV and natural thermal protection.
One review said: "Having a 3-year-old who would not go swimming... this was a lifesaver! Went on our holiday and his confidence grew and grew to the point he even went down slides on his own and felt safe... So many people commented on this and wished they had brought one too. Didn't chaff either, and would definitely recommend. Obviously, you still have to watch them as it's not a life jacket. Thank you for making our holiday so much easier :) used it without armbands!"
Pros
- Comes in vibrant colours, making it easy to spot children in the water
- Features adjustable straps for a secure fit, accommodating different body shapes
- Provides some level of UV protection from the sun
Cons
- It may be too warm for use in very hot weather or during prolonged use
| Sizes: | 1.5 - 3 years, S, M and L |
| Sun protection: | 50+ UV Protection |
| Approved: | CE Approved to EN395 |
Best swim jacket for portability
The Go Swim Float Vest is a fantastic option for active kids learning to swim, especially during vacations or swim lessons. It comes with fixed foam buoyancy, ensuring your child stays in the right swimming position while providing freedom of movement. The vest also includes a safety strap that secures between the legs, preventing the vest from riding up. Made with 50+ UV protection, it’s perfect for sunny beach days, and it’s lightweight and easy to pack for travel, coming with its own free swim bag.
One parent reviewer said: "Value for money is worth it. Buoyancy, safety and fits right for my 2 1/2 little one. Easy to carry and to clean. The provide bag was very handy. The quality is excellent. Overall, 10/10 for this product. Totally recommended for my little one."
Pros
- Fixed buoyancy to keep kids in the correct swimming position
- Safety strap to prevent the vest from riding up
- Comes with a free swim bag for easy transport
Cons
- Sizing may run small, so consider sizing up for larger kids
| Product Dimensions | 59.69 x 56 x 0.03 cm; 230 g |
| Material type | Neoprene |
- CE approved and are independently tested & certified to European safety standards EN13138-1
What you need to know about swim safety gears
According to Andrew, if you’re shopping for a life jacket or buoyancy aid, it’s important to understand buoyancy levels. You might see numbers like 50 N or 150 N on the labels, and these tell you a lot about safety.
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Level 50: A buoyancy aid for situations where help is nearby, perfect for activities like windsurfing or being in a dinghy.
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Level 100: A general-purpose life jacket for calmer waters, great for swimming pools or lakes.
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Level 150: Designed for offshore use, it keeps someone who’s unconscious in a safe position, which is crucial in more challenging environments.
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Level 275: This one is for extreme conditions, suitable for rough seas.
Now, it’s important to note that these buoyancy levels don’t really apply to swim floats.
Swim floats are designed to help kids gain confidence in the water and support them as they learn to swim, but they don’t have the same safety certifications or buoyancy ratings as life jackets.
When picking a swim float, focus on comfort, size, and fun features rather than buoyancy levels. So, keep these distinctions in mind to choose the right swim safety gear for your needs.
What to look for in swim safety gear
1. Life jackets
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Buoyant and waterproof: Make sure the life jacket keeps your child’s head above water and is made from water-resistant materials.
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Bright colours and reflective strips: Look for high-visibility options, like neon or bright colours, to easily spot your child in the water.
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Safety certification: Every life jacket should have the relevant CE or ISO mark. Aim for one with a 100N rating (ISO 12402-4).
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Buoyancy rating: This is typically measured in Newtons (N). A 100N jacket is ideal for small children in calm waters.
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Adjustable straps: Ensure a snug fit with adjustable straps, including crotch straps, to keep the jacket secure.
2. Buoyancy aids
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Lightweight and comfortable: These should provide support without restricting your child’s movement.
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Certified: Look for buoyancy aids rated at level 50, which are best for competent swimmers near land or with help close at hand. Check for a 50N certification (ISO 12402-5).
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Adjustable fit: Secure and comfortable fit with adjustable straps.
3. Swim jackets
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Adjustable buoyancy: Some vests have removable foam floats to adjust buoyancy as skills improve.
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Comfortable materials: Soft neoprene or foam for extended wear.
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Secure zippers and straps: Durable zippers (like YKK) and adjustable straps are essential.
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UV Protection: Many offer UV protection (50+) for outdoor use.
Swim expert tip
When deciding what swim protection to use, Andrew emphasises, “When deciding what to use, consider the activity. If you’re at a beach or pool, a swim jacket is ideal. For sailing or offshore activities, a life jacket is a must.”
While selecting the right equipment is essential, Andrew reminds us that “parental responsibility and supervision cannot be delegated to the product. Even with a life jacket, constant supervision is essential.”
Confusion in the market
With many products labelled ambiguously, it’s vital for parents to be informed. “It’s a big problem when products are marketed as life jackets but don’t function as such. Parents need to know that if they need a ‘life jacket’ they should ensure it is actually a life jacket they are buying. Not something that purports to be. But be mindful life jackets are not easy to swim in.” Andrew cautions.
By keeping these factors in mind, you'll be better prepared to choose the safest and most suitable swim gear for your child, ensuring they have a fun and safe experience in the water.
About the expert
Andrew Regan is the CEO and owner of Swimovations, the leading brand specialising in swimwear and safety products for children. With a deep passion for water safety and education, Andrew has dedicated his career to helping parents choose the right swim gear and promoting water safety awareness. His commitment to ensuring that children can enjoy the water safely is reflected in Swimovations innovative products and educational initiatives.
About the author
Anne Lora Scagliusi is a Senior Digital Writer at Mother & Baby. She is a Scotland-based journalist with over a decade of international writing experience, specialising in women’s health, maternal mental health, and wellness. Her work has been featured in Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, and Glamour and has appeared on several Vogue global editions. She is mum to a one-year-old bambino and lives between Italy and the UK.