Ugly, Uncomfortable, Orange Life Jacket By donnabc on - Updated Oct 15, 2011
All of you out there older than 30, remember those horrible orange life vests that were around when WE were little? Who knew they still made those things?
Well, they do and boy are they uncomfortable! My son's class went on a field trip to the Estuarium and in order to go on the boat ride all the kids had to wear a life vest...provided by the Estuarium :0) I'm sure cost was a factor as these are super cheap now...from what I saw when I looked them up on the internet they cost about $15.
Thank god I am over 12 and did not have to wear one! Unfortuntely for my 9 year old son, he did. The product slips over your head so there is a wedge of foam behind your head and then two rectangles of foam on your chest. Then a strap goes around your back and clips in the front. Thankfully we did not have to test the product as all the kids managed to stay IN the boat.
However, I can tell you they were bulky, ugly and uncomfortable. When I took my son's off he had a nice red mark on the sides of his neck where the "jacket" rubbed him for the hour we were cruising the river and sound.
In short, I guess they are better than nothing but if you can afford better, get better :0)
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? Near Shore Buoyant Vest
They still use these! My daughter has used them in swim lessons! I do remember how uncomfy and ugly they are!
Yes, yes, yes, I remember these! I felt like a large, fat, orange snowman in mine. Could hardly budge or breathe! But it kept me from drowning, I guess. LOL! Thanks for the memories...
They are designed to keep your head above water if you are knocked out, which a vest won't necessarily do unless it has special design features and costs a lot more. But they sure do detract from a boating experience
Yep, I remember those! Not the most attractive things, but if they do their job then I guess that is all the matters.
I agree with Mom2One... thanks for sharing.