Children and lifejackets

All children should wear a lifejacket, when they are in any open area of a vessel. During an incident you may not have the opportunity to help children.

It should not be worn when a child is within a deck-house, cabin or secure enclosed space as it could stop them from making a safe exit.

A lifejacket must be securely zipped and clipped at all times to be effective. If not appropriately fitted, a child may slip out of the lifejacket when in the water, or may be forced into a dangerous face-down position when in the water.

From 1 January 2025, lifejackets must meet Australian Standard (AS) 4758. Lifejackets that meet older standards including AS 1512, AS 1499 and AS 2260 will no longer be acceptable in South Australia.

Choosing a child's lifejacket 

Lifejacket wear examples