Selecting the appropriate lifejacket or buoyancy aid for your activity can be a challenging task. With a wide array of options available and technical terminology that can be perplexing, there's a risk of opting for an unsuitable choice—or, even more concerning, not wearing one at all.
A personal flotation device (PFD) is an essential wearable item designed to keep you buoyant in case you find yourself in the water. There are various types of PFDs available, with buoyancy aids and lifejackets being the most prevalent.
Selecting the appropriate lifejacket for your specific water activity can be critical to your safety. Opting for an unsuitable lifejacket may lead to discomfort and limit your ability to enjoy the experience, increasing the likelihood that you might be tempted to take it off altogether
The Importance of Wearing a Lifejacket
Every year, approximately 200 individuals lose their lives to drowning in the coastal waters of the UK and Ireland. These heartbreaking incidents often occur during various water-related and waterside activities.
Studies indicate that donning a lifejacket can enhance your survival chances in cold water by as much as fourfold. Regardless of the activity you are engaged in, utilising a properly fitted, well-maintained, and appropriate lifejacket or buoyancy aid could ultimately save your life.
Falling Overboard
Falling overboard while unattached can lead to a quick and dangerous separation from the vessel. This scenario significantly complicates any rescue efforts, particularly during the night, which can reduce your chances of survival.
To maximise safety, it’s always best to remain on or close to your boat. Establishing a routine of securing yourself to designated points on the boat during nighttime, when you're alone on deck, or in challenging weather conditions is crucial. Be sure to use a harness line with hooks at both ends for added safety. This practice is especially vital on sailing boats due to their unpredictable motion and angle of tilt.
Whenever possible, use a lanyard that is short enough to keep you from falling overboard. In the unfortunate event that someone does fall over while secured to a safety lanyard, it’s imperative to stop the boat immediately, as being dragged through the water next to a moving vessel can pose serious risks.
Irish Legislation
In Ireland, legislation mandates that all vessels must carry suitable lifejackets or buoyancy aids for every person on board. For boats measuring less than 7 meters in length, individuals must wear personal flotation devices at all times while on open decks or when on deck of a vessel with sleeping accommodations. Additionally, all passengers under the age of 16 are required to wear personal flotation devices at all times when on open boats or on deck, regardless of the vessel's size.
Choosing A Lifejacket
Most level 150 and level 275 inflatable lifejackets are designed in a universal size suitable for adults weighing over 40 kilograms (approximately 6 stone 4 pounds). The primary consideration for fit is typically the length of the waist or chest belt, which can differ among various brands.
All adults, regardless of their body size, experience a net weight of roughly 5 kilograms when submerged in water due to buoyancy. Therefore, larger individuals do not require a lifejacket or buoyancy aid with increased buoyancy simply because of their size.
In contrast, buoyancy aids and level 100 lifejackets are available in a variety of sizes ranging from infants to adult XXXL. It's essential to select one that fits you properly.
Lifejacket Standards
All new lifejackets sold in the UK, Republic of Ireland and elsewhere in Europe are required to meet the International Standards Organisation standard ISO12402. Older lifejackets may carry the CE mark. This is numbered from EN393 to EN399, depending on the amount of buoyancy provided.
Caring for Your Lifejacket
Lifejackets have a limited lifespan, which makes it crucial to inspect yours regularly for any signs of wear and tear. Regardless of the type of lifejacket you own, consistent maintenance is essential for ensuring its effectiveness. The RNLI advises that you perform routine inspections of your lifejacket in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines and complement these checks with an annual servicing.
Modern 3D lifejackets can pose a challenge when it comes to repacking. If you find yourself unsure about how to do it correctly, it's best to take your lifejacket to a service agent recommended by the manufacturer for inspection and repacking.
Always remember: a lifejacket can only protect you if you wear it.
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