Safety gear
Boat safety equipment: inflatable and kids' life jackets, throwable rings, personal locator beacons, harnesses, waterproof flashlights, fire extinguishers and first aid kits.
9 comparisons
safety gear comparisons
Automatic inflatable life jackets An automatic life jacket inflates itself when you hit the water, but it only protects you if it has the right buoyancy, fits properly and is inspected every year. Here is what matters. See comparison → 
Kids' life jackets A children's life jacket only works if the size matches the child's weight and it is snug. Choose a USCG-approved foam jacket with a crotch strap and a grab handle, and test it in the water first. See comparison → Sailing harnesses and tethers A harness does not stop you falling; it stops you from going overboard and staying there. The system needs three parts working together: the harness, the tether and the jackline on deck. See comparison → 
Life rings and horseshoe buoys A ring buoy or horseshoe is the first thing you throw to someone in the water. What matters is that it floats well, has a line and a light, and is mounted where you can grab it in seconds. See comparison → 
Personal locator beacons (PLB and AIS MOB) A personal beacon helps rescuers find you if you fall overboard and nobody sees it. At sea the key choice is between a 406 MHz PLB (satellite alert) and an AIS MOB (alert to nearby vessels). See comparison → Marine first aid kits Out on the water, medical help can be hours away. A good kit is waterproof, matched to your kind of boating and kept up to date, and someone aboard knows how to use it. See comparison → 
Dog life jackets A dog that falls overboard may have no way to climb back aboard. A good jacket with a rescue handle, sized to your dog's weight and chest, makes it far easier to get it out of the water. See comparison → Marine fire extinguishers A fire aboard can get out of hand in under a minute, and there is nowhere to run. A suitable, reachable and inspected extinguisher is your first, and sometimes only, defense. See comparison → Waterproof marine flashlights On the water a flashlight is for seeing, being seen and signaling. What matters is that it is truly waterproof, shrugs off salt and works when you need it. See comparison → Best sellers right now
Dog life jackets Outward Hound Granby Splash Dog Life Jacket, Life Vest, Orange…
8.5 BarcoEquipado score: 8.5 out of 10
Kids' life jackets Body Glove® Paddle Pals USCG Kids Learn-to-Swim Life Jacket PFD
9.5 BarcoEquipado score: 9.5 out of 10
Automatic inflatable life jackets Seachoice Life Vest, Type II
8.9 BarcoEquipado score: 8.9 out of 10
Life rings and horseshoe buoys Taylor Made Coast Guard Approved Life Ring
9.0 BarcoEquipado score: 9.0 out of 10
Guides to help you choose
Pre-Departure Boating Checklist: A 5-Minute Safety Check Pre-departure boating checklist: weather, fuel, engine, bilge, life jackets, VHF, paperwork and a float plan. For powerboats, RIBs and sailboats. Sailboat Equipment Checklist: What to Carry, by Priority Sailboat equipment by block: required safety gear, life jackets and harnesses, deck hardware, anchoring, navigation and power. A practical coastal cruising list. Boating With Dogs: Safety Guide and Gear Checklist How to boat safely with your dog: getting them used to the boat, a life jacket with a handle, shade, a ramp to get them out of the water and mistakes to avoid.