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Life Jackets

A life jacket is the most important piece of gear for anyone spending time on the water. West Coast Sailing offers a great selection of comfortable and durable life jackets and bouyancy aids that fit great for both adult and junior sailors.

Shop Sailing Life Jackets from Astral, Rooster, Stohlquist, and Zhik
Best selling sailing life jackets from your favorite brands so you can make the most of your time on the water. Not sure which style is right for you? Check out our guide below.


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  • Best Seller
    Zhik USCG Approved PFD Black Zhik USCG Approved PFD Cyan
    Best Seller

    Zhik USCG Approved PFD

    Zhik
    $139.99
    The new Zhik USCG approved PFD is designed with high performance sailing in mind. The smooth racing cut features a large sculpted neck opening and arm holes allow for maximum freedom of movement. Zhik removed all unnecessary straps and buckles creating...
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    $139.99
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  • Rooster USCG Approved PFD Rooster USCG Approved PFD

    Rooster USCG Approved PFD

    Rooster Sailing
    $125.00
    IN STOCK NOW: The latest USCG Approved Life Jacket from Rooster Sailing Compact multi-purpose buoyancy aid with short fit for ease of movement, suitable for all round watersports use. There is good adjustment at the shoulders, sides and waist. Both the...
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    $125.00
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  • Astral Layla Women's Life Jacket Astral Layla Women's Life Jacket

    Astral Layla Women's Life Jacket

    Astral Buoyancy

    $165.00
     Award Winning Women's Life Jacket from Astral No other life jacket design provides as much comfort for the female sailor. Building on a timeless style, the Astral Layla offers dedicated female-specific cut, organic Kapok foam, and clever...
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    $165.00
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  • Astral Ringo Men's Life Jacket Astral Ringo Men's Life Jacket

    Astral Ringo Men's Life Jacket

    Astral Buoyancy

    $165.00
    Award Winning Life Jacket with Organic Kapok Foam Construction This side entry, low-profile, jacket are reminiscent of the Lotus Designs jackets that go back to Astral's roots. The tri-panel front provides conforming, full coverage with a slim fit and...
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    $165.00
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  • Zhik P3 Buoyancy Aid Blue Zhik P3 Buoyancy Aid

    Zhik P3 Buoyancy Aid

    Zhik
    $129.99
    Your Favorite Zhik PFD, Redesigned and Better Than Ever. The new Zhik P3 Buoyancy Aid brings the popular Zhik PFD into ISO 12402-5 Certification (see below) while keeping all the great features you've always loved. These include a large sculpted neck...
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  • Zhik Junior USCG Certified PFD-0040 Blue Zhik Junior USCG Certified PFD-0040 Blue

    Zhik Junior USCG Certified PFD-0040

    Zhik
    $139.99
    The Zhik PFD is designed with high performance sailing in mind. The smooth racing cut features a large sculpted neck opening and arm holes allow for maximum freedom of movement. We removed all unnecessary straps and buckles creating clean lines and a...
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  • Save 33%
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    Stohlquist Edge Life Jacket Black Stohlquist Edge Life Jacket Gray
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    Stohlquist Edge Life Jacket

    Stohlquist

    $149.99
    $99.99
    The Stohlquist Edge is a best selling life jacket from Stohlquist WaterWare. This form-fitting, low profile design is perfect for the active sailor. The body-wrapping, ergonomically articulated panels move with you, providing a high degree of mobility...
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    $149.99
    $99.99
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  • Save 28%
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    Stohlquist Youth Escape Life Jacket Lime Green N
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    Stohlquist Youth Escape Life Jacket

    Stohlquist
    $89.99
    $64.99
    The Escape vest combines the basic essentials of comfort and safety into a nice economical option for the junior sailor. Available in a YOUTH size (rated for 50-90 pounds) and XS (equivalent to Junior L / Adult XS, rated for 75-120 pounds). USCG...
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    $89.99
    $64.99
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Sailing Life Jackets and Buoyancy Aids

Sailing life jackets are an essential part of your apparel kit and the one piece of gear that can truly save your life. The importance of a life vest, especially for kids, is obvious and cannot be taken lightly by anyone who gets on a small sailboat. Be safe and enjoy your time on the water with these comfortable and stylish life jackets. We carry US Coast Guard approved life jackets as well as CE approved Buoyancy Aids and Inflatable PFDs. Options available for men, women, and kids in a variety of styles, colors, and price points, so we have something for every budget.


Types of Life Jackets

US Coast Guard Approved Life Jackets
These are US Coast Guard approved, Type III life jackets (sometimes called personal flotation devices or PFDs), and meet all requirements for US Sailing. Type III life jackets are the most common among small boat sailors. They have more foam buoyancy than a buoyancy aid and are designed to keep a person facing upwards in the water, even when unconscious. This is the primary safety benefit over a buoyancy aid and why a proper USCG approved life jacket is recommended for most sailors, particularly youth sailors and those who are poor swimmers.

Buoyancy Aids
Popular in Europe, buoyancy aids are typically lighter and more slim fitting than USCG approved PFDs. They have less foam buoyancy than a proper life jacket and will not keep a person upright in the water if unconscious. These should only be used by experienced swimmers and in conditions where there is access to quick rescue and/or sailing in sheltered water.

Inflatable PFDs
Designed for larger boat sailing, these vests automatically inflate in water. Popular among keelboat and offshore sailors. They are not recommended for dinghy sailors who may more routinely enter the water in the event of a capsize as this will trigger the inflation. They offer similar flotation properties to a standard Type III life jacket.

Pinnies & Spandex Vests
Typically worn over a life jacket or buoyancy aid, these stretchy spandex tops help prevent snags. They are often decorated for team sailing. By no means a required piece of gear, they have become popular among many dinghy sailors to represent clubs and sailing teams.

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