Escape Youth
The Stohlquist Escape Youth is the step up from a basic kids' vest — padded shoulders, a zippered pocket, reflective accents, and real adjustment at the sides and shoulders so it actually fits the child wearing it.
Children's Jackets Are Sized by Weight, Not Chest
This is the single thing parents get wrong. Adult life jackets are sized by chest measurement. Children's jackets are sized by body weight, because a child's weight is what the flotation has to hold up. The Stohlquist Escape Youth comes in two:
• Youth — 50 to 90 lb
• Youth/Adult — 75 to 125 lb
If your child is between the two, do not buy the bigger one to grow into. An oversized jacket slides up over a child's chin and ears in the water, which is exactly the thing the jacket is supposed to prevent. Buy the one that fits now.
The Fit Test, With a Child
Put it on, zip it, and tighten the side straps and then the shoulders. Now lift the child by the shoulders of the jacket, straight up, off the floor. The jacket should stay where it is. If the child starts to slide out of the bottom of it, it is too big. Then have them raise their arms and pretend to paddle; it should be snug without pinching.
Bring the child to our Clearwater shop and we will do this with you. It takes two minutes and it is worth far more than any spec on this page.
Approval and Flotation
Stohlquist lists the Escape Youth as a US Coast Guard approved Type III, also tagged Level 70 under the newer performance-level system. Flotation runs 12 to 14 lb across the two sizes. A Type III is a flotation aid for a conscious wearer in protected water with help close by. It will not turn an unconscious person face-up.
Stohlquist Escape Youth Details
• US Coast Guard approved Type III, also tagged Level 70
• Flotation: 12 to 14 lb depending on size
• Sized by body weight: Youth 50 to 90 lb, Youth/Adult 75 to 125 lb
• Polyethylene foam, 200D nylon shell and liner
• One zippered front pocket
• Adjustable side and shoulder straps
• Padded shoulders with reflective accents
• 0.8 lb
We have it in Red in both sizes. Come by the shop in Clearwater and we will fit it on the child rather than guessing from a chart.
