What is a lifejacket?

A lifejacket is a garment which when used in the water will provide a specific amount of buoyancy. It will keep an unconscious person upright, with face clear of the water. Non swimmers should wear a life jacket when on the water. 

<-- Lifejacket 100 Newton: These are mainly used in less protected waters, but not in the open sea.   --> Lifejacket 150 Newton: These lifejackets are intended for use offshore or when you are wearing heavy clothing due to poor weather conditions.

What is a buoyancy aid?

A buoyancy aid is a garment with a buoyant material which helps the person to remain afloat when in the water.

Buoyancy Aids 50 Newton: Buoyancy Aids are intended for use in protected waters, where the shore and help is close at hand

What is the difference between a buoyancy aid and a lifejacket?

There is much confusion on the difference between a buoyancy aid and a lifejacket. Buoyancy aids are intended to help a person stay on the surface on their own with no effort. It will not help in all circumstances. Lifejackets, if properly worn and in good condition will keep you upright and airways clear from water, even if unconscious. 

What is buoyancy? 

The lifejacket’s buoyancy is the force that pushes a person to the surface of the sea and is measured in Newton. 10 Newton’s correspond to buoyancy of 1kg. A person of 100kg weighs 5kg in the water. 

How to look after your buoyancy aid & lifejacket?

The foam used for buoyancy deteriorates during use and can be accelerated by frequency of use, heat, sunlight, compression and contamination. After use, always hang the garment to dry, rinse after using in sea water and never use to sit on. Both should be tested every year to ensure they continue to meet safety standards.