A personal floatation device (PFDs) is essential to keep you safe on the water. There are many different products to choose between, but they broadly fall into two categories: life jackets and buoyancy aids.
The Royal Yachting Association recommends you always wear one or the other. Each product works differently and not all are guaranteed to keep you afloat in rough water or if you’re a non-swimmer, so it’s vital to select the one that’s right for you. Your life may depend on it, so you need to be clear on how PFDs work.

Buoyancy Aids

This device only offers a minimal level of support. It won’t keep you afloat but it provides a degree of buoyancy and helps to reduce fatigue as you swim to safety (assuming help or safety is nearby).
Clearly, this isn’t for a non-swimmer or child but it’s ideal for kayaking, paddle boarding, windsurfing or any activity where a good dunking is always a possibility. Its compact design allows for comfortable and unrestricted ease of movement. A buoyancy aid is made from foam and it doesn’t inflate.
The Helly Hansen Rider Vest is ideal for all water sports – compact, comfortable and stable.

Life Jackets

A life jacket keeps you afloat without any effort on your part. It holds you upright in the water and this allows you to breathe; even if you’re unconscious you’ll be held in the correct position to prevent drowning.
Life jackets are essential for children and non-swimmers in all circumstances. They’re also best for anyone involved in dinghy sailing, power or sports boats, and are suitable for both inshore and offshore conditions.
The Kru XF Automatic Lifejacket is a great all-rounder. It’s packed with features to make it perfect for all kinds of inshore and offshore boating.

How Do Life Jackets Work?

Life jackets inflate when you enter the water to provide a buoyant and stable cushion that keeps you safe and upright.

Automatic Life Jackets: These inflate automatically; when the firing mechanism gets wet it triggers the firing pin into a gas canister, which inflates the jacket. However, this occasionally causes the jacket to inflate when you’re still on board if the mechanism gets wet in rough conditions.
Hammer Life Jackets: These are also automatic, but the firing mechanism only activates when it’s completely submerged, so accidental inflation is far less likely.
Recommended Features
• A crotch strap keeps the jacket in place and prevents it from rising above your head when it inflates.
• The appropriate buoyancy rating (see below).
• A light and whistle to attract attention.
• A spray hood for added protection for your face.
• Reflective tape to increase your visibility.
• A built-in harness to attach yourself to the boat.
A life jacket can have some or all of these features. If you’re not sure what’s best for you, just ask – we’re happy to help.

Different Levels of Buoyancy

All floatation devices have a specific level of buoyancy which is measured in units of force known as Newtons. The higher the N number (Newton) the greater the level of buoyancy, with 50N being the lowest and 275N the highest.
As a general rule, ratings up to 180N are sufficient for inshore and coastal waters, and higher ratings up to 275N are necessary when offshore or operating in severe weather.

Expert Advice

The experienced staff at YouBoat Marine are here to help with all your boating needs – and we stock kids sizes too.
We’re a trusted UK chandlery so you’re safe with us.

We’re a trusted UK chandlery so you’re safe with us. Call YouBoat today.