Summer and warm days invite fun water adventures with our four-legged friends. But whether you’re by the lake, the sea, or out in the archipelago, safety should always come first. A lifejacket for your dog or cat is a smart and reliable way to keep your companion protected when it’s time to swim or go boating.

Why does my dog or cat need a lifejacket?

Many dogs love to swim and are quite good at it, but just like us, they can get tired or find themselves in tricky situations where they need help. Cats are usually less familiar with water, and for them, a lifejacket is especially important to avoid stress and danger. A lifejacket helps your pet stay afloat and lets both of you feel safe out on the water.

What should I consider when choosing a lifejacket?

• Fit: The lifejacket should fit well and feel comfortable, without causing any irritation or being too loose. It’s a good idea to measure both your pet’s weight and chest size to find the right fit.
• Buoyancy: It’s important that the lifejacket provides enough support in the water, tailored to your pet’s weight and swimming ability. A jacket that is too small or doesn’t offer enough buoyancy can do more harm than good.
• Visibility: Choose a lifejacket in bright colors and preferably with reflective details, making it easier to spot your pet from a distance.
• Handle: A jacket with a handle on the back is very practical when you need to quickly lift your pet out of the water.

How to get your pet used to wearing a lifejacket

Wearing a lifejacket can feel unusual for both dogs and cats. Start by letting your pet try on the jacket calmly at home, and give lots of gentle encouragement and treats. Once your friend feels comfortable, you can take the next step and try it out together in shallow water.

Finding the right buoyancy aid is essential for both safety and comfort, whether you’re gliding across calm waters or heading into more challenging conditions. With so many styles, sizes and colors to choose from, it’s not always easy to know what to look for. Here are a few helpful tips to guide you.

Purpose and Use

It’s important to choose a buoyancy aid specifically designed for kayaking. This ensures freedom of movement and flexibility around the shoulders – key for safe and effective paddling.

Safety

All Baltic buoyancy aids meet the basic requirement of 50N, which is enough to keep an adult afloat in normal conditions. Some kayak models offer up to 70N for different water environments. Be sure to check the exact Newton rating to make sure it’s suitable for your needs.

For children who cannot swim, a 100N lifejacket is always recommended to ensure safety on the water.

Expert tips for your next paddle adventure

We know that having the right gear is only part of what makes paddling safe and fun. That’s why we had a quick chat with Emil from lekmer kajak & SUP, a kayak enthusiast and experienced paddler, who shared his best advice for a safe and memorable time on the water.

What is the most important thing to think about before heading out in a kayak?

Having the right equipment and being prepared for anything that might come up. Always check the weather forecast to avoid difficult or dangerous conditions, and most importantly, remember to enjoy the experience.

What is your approach to clothing and gear?

I want to be able to solve problems on my own, so I always make sure to bring what I need to get back to help or make it home. What you need depends on the trip — paddling around Kungsholmen is very different from a longer outing in the archipelago.

Besides the essentials like kayak, spray skirt, buoyancy aid and paddle, I recommend bringing a dry-packed change of clothes, plus snacks and something to drink. Dress for the weather and keep your phone in a waterproof case inside your buoyancy aid or close to your body so you can reach it even if you end up in the water.

Choose the Right Fit for Your Child’s Lifejacket

For the lifejacket to work optimally, it needs to fit closely around the body. A jacket that is too loose can ride up in the water, especially if the crotch strap is not used. The right fit is crucial for the lifejacket to keep your child safe and afloat.

Refer to the manufacturer’s size guide, but always try the jacket on your child and check that it doesn’t ride up over their ears when you pull on the shoulder straps. Also, look for reflective details and bright colors that make your child visible in the water. Adjustable straps and soft materials ensure the jacket fits comfortably, even during play or longer periods in the boat.

Different Types of Child Lifejackets and buoyancy aids

There are different types of lifejackets and buoyancy aids depending on your child’s age and intended use. A lifejacket designed for rescue is equipped with a collar that helps turn the child onto their back with their face above the water. This makes it an excellent choice for younger children or those who cannot swim, as it provides extra safety in emergency situations. To meet safety standards, these lifejackets must also be made in a highly visible colour and feature reflective patches – important details that make it easier to spot the child in the water, even in poor visibility.

A buoyancy aid, sometimes called a sailing or activity vest, is a flotation device without a collar. These vests are better suited for children who can swim and are comfortable in the water. They are ideal for activities such as sailing or watersports. However, they do not help the child turn onto their back in the water, but rather provide support while the child is active.

Always consider your child’s swimming ability and how the vest will be used when choosing the right model.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Lifejackets

How do I know if the lifejacket fits?
Try the jacket on your child – it should fit closely without riding up when you lift the shoulder straps. The crotch strap should always be used. Weight recommendations can be helpful, but the fit is the most important factor.

When should we replace the lifejacket?
As soon as the jacket no longer fits properly. Children grow quickly, so it’s important to regularly check the fit, not just the weight.

What’s the difference between a lifejacket and a buoyancy aid?
A lifejacket is equipped with a collar and is designed to help the child roll onto their back with their face upwards in the water. This makes it an ideal choice for younger children or those who cannot swim, offering extra safety in emergency situations. To meet safety standards, lifejackets must also be made in a highly visible colour and feature reflective patches – important details that make it easier to spot the child in the water, even in poor visibility.

A buoyancy aid, such as a sailing or activity vest, does not have a collar. These vests are better suited for children who can swim and are water-confident. They are great for activities like sailing or other water sports. However, they do not assist the child in rolling onto their back if they fall into the water, but they provide support while the child is active in the water.

Consider your child’s swimming abilities and how the vest will be used to choose the right model.

HOW DOES AN INFLATABLE LIFEJACKET WORK?

HOW AN INFLATABLE LIFEJACKET IS ACTIVATED

Unlike traditional buoyancy aids, inflatable lifejackets are compact until needed. The activation occurs in two ways:

• Automatic inflation – The lifejacket fills with air when it comes into contact with water. A water-soluble trigger releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) from a gas cylinder, rapidly inflating the jacket.
• Manual inflation – The lifejacket can also be activated by pulling a cord, puncturing the gas cylinder and inflating the jacket with air.

Once inflated, the lifejacket provides enough buoyancy to keep your head above the water surface, ensuring your safety in an emergency situation.