Wearing and wearing a life jacket properly means not only comfort and discomfort, but also safety and danger in actual emergencies.The most important consideration when trying different life jacket designs is fit;Safety should always take precedence over all other factors.Note Difficulty: easily release all buckles and straps so you can put on a life jacket.Some designs have a zipper on the front that allows you to wear it like a normal vest, while many designs, especially sea or white water kayaking, can be pulled on your head.Adjust the belt first.Bending and tightening the strap from the bottom up will allow it to fit comfortably at your waist and prevent it from riding up as you paddle or swim.The straps should not be as tight around the chest as they are around the waist.Adjust the straps to make them comfortable but not so tight, limiting your shoulder and arm movements.Check all straps to make sure there is no loose suspension of any straps.If there are any straps that once adjusted too long, tie a few handknots inside to shorten them and keep them away.Check the vest will not be higher than your shoulder if you need to swim.This happens if the PFD is too big even after adjustment, or if you don't have enough to tighten your waist and shoulder straps.Lift your arms all the way, and if there is a big gap between your shoulder and the PFD shoulder, the vest is too big.You can also have a friend pull up on your shoulder strap to check.If the PFD is comfortable and can't ride, then the vest fits well and will support you well in the water.Resources article by Naomi JuddNaomi.Judd is a naturalist, artist and writer.Her work has been published in various literary journals, newspapers and websites.Have sinceDesigned a bachelor's degree in the art of adventure writing from Plymouth State University and obtained a master's degree in creative writing from the University of Southern Maine.