What's the difference between a buoyancy aid and a lifejacket?

Image From RNLI By Nathan Williams

It's a question we often get asked and if you are wondering yourself, read on for a detailed explanation.....

It is recommended that you wear a lifejacket or a buoyancy aid unless you're certain you don't need one.
Factors that can help this decision include weather conditions, the type of activity you're doing and your experience or skill level in that activity.

When choosing your PFD (Personal Flotation Device) it is critical you select the correct personal buoyancy and that it is appropriate for the activity you're taking part in.

So what is the difference between a lifejacket and a buoyancy aid?

Although they are both types of PFD, there are some key differences between them.
A buoyancy "aid" is simply that, an aid in buoyancy that generally relies on assistance being at close hand. It assumes that the person wearing the buoyancy aid can help themselves to a degree by swimming to safety or keeping themselves afloat until additional help is at hand.
They are suitable for people using PWC (personal watercraft) for example, kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing, canoeing and water activities that require freedom of movement in the arms and shoulders.

A lifejacket, also called a life vest has a different design to buoyancy aids in that they will keep a person's head above water and if the person is unconscious on their front in the water, the lifejacket can actively turn them on their back into a safer floating position to prevent the possibility of water entering the airway and the casualty drowning. They often have straps and buckles to secure the device firmly to the person's body, reducing the risk of it slipping off in rough conditions.

Standards
All new lifejackets and buoyancy aids sold in the UK, Republic of Ireland and Europe are required to meet the International Standards Organisation standard ISO12402.
Buoyancy aids and lifejackets have different levels of buoyancy. The main levels are 50, 100, 150 and 275.


Images source: https://rnli.org/safety/lifejackets

Level 50
Level 50 is considered a buoyancy aid only and is designed for those who are undertaking watersports, swimming in sheltered waters or where help is at close hand. However, they do not have sufficient buoyancy to protect someone who cannot help themselves nor can they actively turn an unconscious person from their front onto their back.
Level 100
Level 100 PFDs are for people who may need to wait a little longer for help to assist in the rescue, likely in sheltered, calm water. It is not recommended for rough conditions and likely not be able to turn a casualty into a safer position.
See our ISO approved kid's Level 100 lifejacket from Peak Paddle Sport
Level 150
This level is designed for offshore and rough conditions. At this level, an unconscious person can be turned from their back into a safe position and requires no further action for the person to maintain this position.
Level 275
This is the highest level and is primarily used offshore in extreme conditions and for people who wear heavy protective clothing that may affect the self-righting capacity of lesser lifejackets. This level also assists in turning an unconscious person into a safe position with their mouth and nose clear of the surface of the water.

Make sure it's a good fit
When choosing your buoyancy aid or lifejacket, it is important to spend time trying on different styles from different brands to make sure it's the most comfortable and most suited to the activity you will be doing. Whilst trying them on, adjust the straps and buckles and ask someone to assist in pulling them up from the shoulders. If it moves or comes off easily, try going for a size down and repeat the test.

Maintaining your buoyancy aid/lifejacket
Equally as important as finding the correct fit, you must do your best to maintain the condition of your kit to help preserve its longevity. Cleaning sand and grit from zips and buckles, rinsing off the buoyancy aid and regularly checking its buoyancy. Over time the foam material it is made from can deteriorate losing its buoyancy. When this happens, it's time to replace your buoyancy aid.

We hope this blog has given you a better understanding of the types of buoyancy aids and lifejackets and helped you choose the correct one best suited to your activity.
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