8 Best Life Jackets For Non Swimmers In 2023

Thanks to its segmented foam core and low-bulk design, O’Neill Reactor is probably the best life jacket for non swimmers who want to try high-adrenaline watersports like jet ski or wakeboarding. Its neoprene shell has a very comfortable fit, while the wide armholes with expansion panels allow you to move freely.

For additional safety, the jacket comes with a dual closure – a heavy-duty zipper and two adjustable straps with buckles. This best-seller is available in six sizes and four color combinations so you can look stylish on the water too.

In case you want a general-purpose model for all types of activities, the Onyx life jacket will stand up to the task. Owing to its open sides and easily-adjustable straps, the jacket is very comfortable to wear. As a bonus, one of the straps is located in the chest area to prevent it from riding up.

The soft foam core of this life jacket contours to the body well, so you won’t feel the need to take it off. Unlike most other models, this top rated PFD for non swimmers is lined with Poly-Twill instead of nylon for feeling nicer on the skin. The available sizes range from infant to oversized, and infant models even feature grab straps and pop-up pillows for extra protection.

Simple but very buoyant, the Airhead Type II Keyhole life jacket is a good option if you’re a non-swimmer that enjoys boating. It’s a type II life jacket that goes around your neck and has a webbing strap for tightening around the waist.

A huge benefit of getting this jacket is that its bright orange color makes you easily visible in the water (you can get rescued faster). The model is available in four different sizes (child, youth, adult, and oversize) and you can even get a 4-pack so everyone on-board can be protected.

The Omouboi inflatable life jacket is ideal for non-swimmers that want to avoid traditional bulky models. It’s very compact when deflated, and oral inflation takes only 10 seconds. The vest provides very good buoyancy support and it’s perfectly suitable for anyone from 80 to 220 pounds.

A couple of additions that we particularly like are the adjustable waist and thigh straps that prevent the vest from riding up. Combined with the secure front zipper, this ensures that the oral inflation vest stays on even if you hit the water hard.

The small and compact design of the NRS Ninja life jacket makes it ideal for non-swimmers that want to enjoy some paddling like kayaking or canoeing. Its biggest upside is that it leaves your arms free to move without any obstructions.

The jacket is made from 400D PU-coated ripstop nylon and filled with PVC-free foam so you can expect a high degree of reliability. It provides 16.5 pounds of personal flotation which is more than enough to keep even larger non-swimmers afloat.