If you’re a non-swimmer, you may be worried about accepting invitations to boating parties – what if you’re the only person wearing a life vest? You’ll look stupid. And, given how bulky life jackets tend to be, you’ll probably be hot and uncomfortable.
Plus, how do you know the life jackets onboard will actually fit you? You’re better off buying your own, but what’s the point, if you won’t be boating all that often? And won’t they be cumbersome to carry around?
The good news is, the kind of life vests typically worn for snorkelling – simple, easy-on, easy-off, designed to stay out of the way – are also the kind most recommended for non-swimmers. They’re typically light and easy to pack, so you can shove it in with your vacation gear, and be ready to accept that offer of time on the water. And, once you’ve started, you may well not look back!
The following reviews should help you identify which life vest is best for you.
Contents
Best Life Jacket for Non-Swimmers: Reviews
| Rank | Life Jacket | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Typhoon Sports Vest | $$ |
| 4 | SealBuddy | $$$ |
| 3 | Promate Snorkel | $ |
| 2 | Scuba Choice | $ |
| 1 | Scubamax | $$ |
#5 – Typhoon Sports Vest
This is a manual inflate vest which provides a good fit, and has a crotch strap for additional security of fit. However, if you are a non-swimmer who thinks they may well panic if they ended up in the water, this may not be the best vest, as panic may mean you lose time trying to inflate the life jacket.
Pros
- Good fit
Cons
- May be difficult for a non-swimmer to inflate if they are stressed/panicking
Who Is It For?
This life vest is probably more aimed at those who are confident in the water, but feel they are not strong enough swimmers to make it back to a boat, for example, in open water.
Value For Money?
There are other vests of a similar price that would better suit non-swimmers.
#4 – SealBuddy
SealBuddy offer a fast-inflate, easy to put on head collar design life jacket. This life vest is hi-vis, with waist and crotch straps for secure wear. However, it does feel a little uncomfortable, which may be off-putting to some people, particularly if you’re having to wear it for long periods.
Pros
- Fast inflate
- Easy to put on/take off
- Hi-vis
Cons
- Uncomfortable
Who Is It For?
A general-purpose life vest which, owing to issues with comfort, is probably best suited to non-swimmers enjoying relatively short boat rides.
Value For Money?
You’d probably be better off buying a more comfortable life jacket. As a non-swimmer, you don’t want to give yourself any reason for not wearing a life vest if you’re on the water.
#3 – Promate Snorkel
The Promate Snorkel is a quick-inflate life vest in a simple head collar design, which is simple to get on and off. This is a comfortable life jacket, with waist and crotch straps to ensure it fits securely.
It is rather cheaply constructed, so is probably best for a vacation “just in case” – if you’re thinking you might like to spend more time on the water, then a better-quality life jacket is a must.
Pros
- Easy to put on/take off
- Quick inflate
Cons
- Cheaply made
Who Is It For?
This is a good purchase for a one-off vacation where you may well want to enjoy a boat trip.
Value For Money?
There are better-quality life vests in the same price range, but this is a good purchase for those one-off vacations.
#2 – Scuba Choice
Scuba Choice offers an easy-inflate, hi-vis life vest with a removable strap to keep the vest from riding up. If you’re a non-swimmer, you’ll want to keep this strap in place, however, as it enables rescuers to pull you from the water/back to the boat.
Pros
- Easy to inflate
- Hi-vis
Cons
- While the removable strap is a good idea for strong swimmers, non-swimmers would be better off with a fixed strap, so that they are not tempted to remove their means of rescue.
Who Is It For?
This is a good general-purpose life vest for non-swimmers who still enjoy time spent boating, etc.
Value For Money?
This is a very affordable vest that ticks all the boxes.
#1 – Scubamax
Scubamax offers a good all-round life vest for non-swimmers who still want to be involved in life on the water. This vest is of good, durable construction, hi-vis, and easy to inflate – really, everything you’re looking for in one light, comfy package!
Pros
- Easy to inflate
- Hi-vis
- Quality construction
Cons
- None that we can see!
Who Is It For?
This is the perfect vest for the non-swimmer who still wants to enjoy life afloat. Perhaps you have friends with a boat, or are learning to swim in order to enjoy other watersports? Whatever your situation, this vest is safe, simple,and practical.
Value For Money?
Definitely, especially if you know you’ll get the wear out of it.
Final Decision?
The Scubamax definitely provides comfortable, reliable, all-round protection for non-swimmers in any situation – a clear win.