Buoyancy aids and life jackets
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There are
two main types of personal floatation devices:
Buoyancy aids, which keep the
user afloat whilst allowing them full movement.
Life jackets, which keep the
user afloat in an upright position, keeping their head out of the
water even if they fall unconscious.
In conjunction with the
recommendations of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), personal
floatation devices must be worn:
- if the participant is a non-swimmer
- if the activity instructor deems it
necessary
- when abandoning ship
- if the participant feels they want to wear
one.
A life jacket may be worn in place of a
buoyancy aid but not vice versa. Buoyancy aids and life jackets
must be the right size for the participant and worn in accordance
with manufacturer’s instructions and the classification of
water.
Personal floatation devices come in different
buoyancy levels. The level participants require will depend on the
nature of the activity, weather conditions and location. Follow the
guidance of a qualified activity instructor for the required
buoyancy level.
To view the type of
floatation device required for specific activities please click
here for a spreadsheet or here for a PDF.
All buoyancy aids and life jackets
manufactured after 1995 are tested to the European Community (EC)
Directive on Life Jackets and Buoyancy Aids, and have a CE mark on
the label. Where an EC standard is specified a higher standard may
be substituted.
Page last updated: 5/18/2012