Building a SASY rig for a child

[mksmith713]

OK folks, after trying several ways to attach a 13cf tank to a life jacket, I've come to you for other ideas.
I'm making a homemade SASY rig for my little one and I'm still working on ways to attach it.
I'm to the point where I'm probably going to sew a pocket large enough for the bottle and attach the pocket by sewing it to the jacket.
But.... before doing that, I figured I'd ask for your ideas.

So far I've tried sewing a cam band to the vest but the vest material isn't strong enough.(and the cam band is too large for such a small tank.

I've tried a 3 point attachment with snaps on either side low and one in the middle at the collar...I snapped them to the hose claps I put on the bottle to sling it when I use it.It was too floppy.

[mike_s]

ok... here's my idea.

1. Get a plastic board, such as a "cutton board" (out of housewares at walmart, or brave stealing one ouf of the kitchen).
2. Cut it to about mabye 4" to 5" wide and maybe 8" or10" or 12" long.
3. Drill a couple holes in the top near the corners and the bottom the same way. and also along the edges from top to bottom.
4. secure cam band to your "plate" (with bolt, etc).
5. Cut a slit in the life jacket near where the holes will be. use a lighter to melt the threads so they won't un-ravel.
6. run large heavy duty long cable ties through the board and slits and back out the other side and bind them together on the outside of the life jacket so they don't poke the kid in the back. Add a second set of cable ties along the top and bottom to add a little extra stength.

You now have a mini "back plate" attached to he back of the lift jacket with a cam band on it to attach a small tank.

A 'padded bag' to go over the tank and valve might be an added feature that will keep your kids from damaging the pool from backing the tank into the plastic pool liner of your pool. just a thought.

[mksmith713]

Well, I ended up making a pocket similar to the ones available for holding sling bottles.
I sewed it on the back and it seems to be a pretty good job.
We'll see when she gets in the water.
I'll try to post some pics when I get home.

[Pasaltran]

Would like if you folks could post some pics of this. I would like to see the end result and a little story of how it worked out.