Children’s Life Vest

[NBlewett]

My aunt is taking her two young children on a Majesty of the Seas cruise in a few weeks and is wondering if she should bring along the kid’s Puddle Jumpers (small life vest).

 

Any advice I should pass on to her?  This topic or another....

Edited December 28, 2018 by NBlewett

[NBlewett]

I’ve been corrected.  It’s not so much a life vest as it is water wings with a chest piece.

 

 

[not-enough-cruising]

Royal Caribbean will have life vests of all

sozes for onboard activities.  For activities in ports of call it is hit and miss and may not be a bad idea to bring along.  

[NBlewett]

I’ve only gone on a carnival, without kids, and I seemed to remember they didn’t allow water wings in the pools.

 

also, something about swim diapers being a no-no.

[reallyitsmema]

8 minutes ago, NBlewett said:

I’ve only gone on a carnival, without kids, and I seemed to remember they didn’t allow water wings in the pools.

 

also, something about swim diapers being a no-no.

 

No swim diapers allowed in the pool, only potty trained kids.  Puddle jumpers are allowed or they can use the provided life jackets.  The ship life jackets can not be taken off the ship, so if they need them for a beach trip, bring the puddle jumpers.

[3monkeys4me]

Puddle jumpers are coast guard approved (I think they are a type 5?) so they are generally allowed even when water wings or other children's floaties aren't.  My kids found them more comfortable to wear than a typical life vest for swimming. I probably wouldn't drag them along just to use on the ship but if I was planning on a port activity that they would be useful for I would totally bring them. 

[chengkp75]

Puddle jumpers are type 3 pfd's, and as such are designed to keep the person vertical, but not designed to keep them face up, that has to be done by the person.  If your kids are only "paddlers", then puddle jumpers are okay, but if they are really trying to learn to swim, the vertical positioning is detrimental to proper swim techniques.  I believe the jackets that RCI provides for the pools are type 3 vests as well.

[KimA75]

We have taken our son's puddle jumper on two cruises.  There was never an issue and it was nice to be able to take them to the beach.  Royal does have some life vests on board, at the pools.  However, they cannot be taken off the ship.  So, you are out of luck at the beaches unless you find one that offers vests for use.  This can be difficult.  In my opinion, if it makes her and her children more comfortable in and around the water, she should take them.

[SRF]

One thing to watch.   There is the real "Puddle Jumper", from Sterns, that is an approved life vest as Chengkp75 points out.

 

There are also puddle jumper type products, that may not be approved life vests.

[Woodmnky]

We've taken our son's Puddle Jumpers on ever cruise he has been on. As others have pointed out there are life vests available for use onboard as well as at the private islands (Labadee & Coco Cay), but if the kids are going to be getting in any water at other locations it is better to bring your own. Also, I preferred to bring one that I was sure fit appropriately and my son was used to.