How to choose your life jacket?

The different types of life jackets

Life jacket, buoyancy aid, or flotation device: what's the difference?

The fundamental difference between these types of vests lies in their ability to turn the wearer over:

• Buoyancy aid (50N): maintains buoyancy but does not ensure turning. Reserved for experienced swimmers in immediate coastal areas.
• Life jacket (100N-150N): guarantees the turning over of an unconscious person and keeps the airways out of the water.
• Professional life jacket (275N): designed for extreme conditions and heavy work clothing.

Foam life jacket or inflatable life jacket?

Foam life jackets offer permanent buoyancy without any special maintenance, ideal for children and water sports (jet skiing, water skiing). However, their bulkiness can limit freedom of movement.

Inflatable life jackets are worn deflated, ensuring maximum comfort and total freedom of movement during maneuvers. Their air bladder inflates instantly when you fall into the water, offering superior buoyancy compared to foam models of equivalent size.

The three activation systems

Manual life jacket: The wearer pulls a cord to trigger inflation via the CO2 cartridge. Recommended for water sports (paddleboarding, kayaking, freshwater fishing) where accidental inflation must be avoided.

UML automatic life jacket: A salt or cellulose tablet holds the striker in place. Upon contact with water, the tablet dissolves in a few seconds, releasing the needle that pierces the cartridge: inflation is instantaneous and automatic. This life jacket is sensitive to moisture and must be stored in a dry place.

Automatic hydrostatic life jacket (Hammar system): The jacket is activated by water pressure when submerged to a depth of 10 cm. It is not affected by spray, rain, or waves and can be stored in all humidity conditions. This is the most reliable system for offshore sailing.

Choose your buoyancy index according to your navigation

The buoyancy rating, expressed in Newtons (N), determines the life jacket's ability to keep the wearer afloat. The choice depends on three factors: the sailing area, the expected weather conditions, and the weight of the clothing worn.

1. 50N - Buoyancy aid: Designed for experienced swimmers within 2 miles of shelter. Does not ensure righting. Use: supervised activities in calm waters, nautical bases, supervised areas.
2. 100N - Coastal navigation: Guarantees righting and keeps the head of an unconscious person above water. Regulatory up to 6 miles from shelter. Suitable for daytime coastal navigation in favorable weather conditions. Mandatory for children weighing less than 30 kg regardless of distance.
3. 150N - All sailing areas: Recommended rating for semi-offshore and offshore sailing (beyond 6 miles). Ensures turning over even when wearing sea clothing.
4. 275N - Professional use and extreme conditions: Designed for professionals or offshore recreational boating in bad weather. Guarantees righting even with very heavy work clothes or boots.

Sizing and comfort criteria

Choose a life jacket that fits your body type

The weight of the wearer directly influences the effectiveness of the vest. An undersized vest compromises the ability to turn over and stay afloat.

With or without a harness: make the right choice

When sailing offshore (beyond 6 miles), the life jacket must allow for the attachment of a harness and lanyard to remain connected to the boat in the event of a fall. Automatic life jackets with harnesses have reinforced attachment points that have been tested under load.

For coastal sailing, a life jacket without a harness is sufficient and offers greater lightness.

Essential additional equipment

• Whistle: mandatory, allows you to signal your position
• Retro-reflective strips: essential for night sailing
• Automatic light: turns on when it comes into contact with water, required for offshore sailing
• CO2 gas cartridge: check the expiration date annually, have a spare cartridge on board
• Equipment bag: for storing cartridges and spare parts

Which life jacket for which water sport?

Motor boating

Choose a 150N automatic hydrostatic life jacket with harness for offshore trips. For coastal sailing, a 100N automatic model is sufficient. The OCEÀ and Lalizas brands offer ergonomic life jackets suitable for long sea trips.

Coastal and offshore sailing

The 150N automatic life jacket with harness is the standard for offshore sailing. Choose a hydrostatic system that is resistant to sea spray. The fitted cut prevents discomfort during maneuvers. For coastal regattas, a 100N manual life jacket may be preferable to avoid accidental deployment during sharp heeling.

Water sports: jet skiing and water skiing

Life jackets for water sports must be foam-filled (50N buoyancy aid type) or manual to prevent automatic activation during repeated falls. A close fit and freedom of arm movement are priorities. The Jet-Pro and Reef Navy ranges are specifically designed for these activities.

Sea fishing

For fishing more than 2 miles from shore, a 150N automatic life jacket is required. Multiple pockets for storing equipment are a valuable addition.

For kayak or float tube fishing, choose a 100N manual life jacket to avoid accidental deployment during maneuvers.

Paddleboarding and kayaking

A 50N foam life jacket or a 100N manual life jacket depending on the distance from shore. The low-cut design facilitates paddling movements. Lalizas models offer an excellent compromise between comfort and safety for these activities.

Check your life jacket before each outing

Before each trip, visually inspect your life jacket: check the integrity of the fabric, the condition of the straps, and that the buckles are working properly. On inflatable life jackets, check that the green indicator light is present on the percussion system and make sure that the CO2 cartridge is screwed in tightly and full by checking its weight. Remember to check the expiry date marked on the release system.

After deployment, immediately replace the CO2 cartridge and the percussion system. Then rinse your vest with fresh water and dry it flat, away from direct sunlight. Always store it in a dry place.

UML automatic systems have a limited lifespan, generally between 2 and 3 years. Regularly check the date printed on the casing. Hydrostatic systems have a longer lifespan but still require periodic servicing to ensure they function properly.

Summary: key points to remember

Life jackets are your most crucial safety equipment on board. Choosing the right model for your boating needs can save your life.

Remember the buoyancy ratings: 50N for buoyancy aids in supervised areas, 100N for coastal navigation up to 6 miles, 150N for offshore navigation beyond 6 miles with a mandatory harness, and 275N for extreme conditions or professional use. These thresholds comply with Division 240 regulations and guarantee that an unconscious person will be turned over.

Inflatable life jackets offer the best compromise between safety and comfort. Choose a hydrostatic system that activates under water pressure when submerged to a depth of 10 to 15 cm: unlike UML pellet systems, these are not affected by spray or rain. Manual activation is suitable for water sports where you want to avoid accidental inflation.

Choose a life jacket that suits your body type and activity. For motorboating or offshore sailing, opt for an automatic 150N model with a harness. For water sports such as jet skiing, choose a 50N foam life jacket or a manual model. Children weighing less than 30 kg always require a minimum 100N life jacket with a crotch strap.

Check your life jacket before each outing: integrity of the fabric and straps, presence of the green indicator on the striker, CO2 cartridge screwed in and full, expiration date of the release system. Replace UML systems every 2 to 3 years and the cartridge after each release. A well-maintained life jacket will last for years and ensure your safety in all circumstances.

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