WBYC requires that all participants in our Junior Sailing Program wear a Coast Guard approved PFD (Personal Floatation Device) at all times. This includes land based activities outside of our Sailing Room. If you want your child to enjoy sailing, their PFD should be comfortable.

PFDs must be:

• Coast Guard approved,
  
• in good and serviceable condition, and
  
• the appropriate size for the intended user

You can purchase vests at boating stores (Boat Works, West Marine) ,at most sporting good stores (Dick's Sport's Authority), and many discount stores (Target, KMart & Walmart). The price range varies greatly, as with any other product but many styles are availble at quite reasonable prices.

Here is some additional advice to parents on purchasing a life vest for a child.

1. Don't buy a life vest without trying it on the child. They are sized according to chest measurement and weight.
2. Have your child sit down with the vest to see if it rides up to because it is too long.
   
3. Take your fingers and put them under the sholder straps and make sure you can't pull the vest up over your childs face.

Life Vests are not items you should buy with the idea that your child can grow into it. If it doesn't fit properly, it won't work when it is needed and your child won't be comfortable wearing it.