What is the first step in fitting an adult life jacket on a child?

The correct first step in fitting an adult life jacket on a child is to fully inflate it out of sight of passengers using the red inflation toggle. This step is crucial because it ensures that the life jacket is fully functional and provides the necessary buoyancy before it is put on the child. By inflating the jacket before fitting, it allows the person assisting to check for any defects or issues with the life jacket that could prevent it from working effectively in an emergency.

Additionally, this precaution helps prepare the life jacket to be placed correctly on the child, ensuring it fits well and functions as intended. The choice to do this discreetly adds a layer of safety and order in a potentially chaotic situation, as inflating a life jacket in plain sight could cause panic among other passengers.