Buoyancy Aids

Understanding the Function of a Buoyancy Aid

Buoyancy aids, commonly known as buoyancy vests or jackets, are crafted to provide support by keeping you buoyant while in water. They are utilised across a wide array of water sports, such as paddle boarding, and are a crucial element of safety equipment.

It is important not to confuse buoyancy vests with life jackets. When using buoyancy aids, users are expected to be able to swim or maintain their buoyancy while awaiting help. Therefore, buoyancy aids are perfect for activities near the shore where entering the water is anticipated.

Whilst purchasing a buoyancy aid, the term “50N” often appears in the product description, indicating the level of buoyancy provided. 50N is typical for buoyancy aids, while life jackets usually offer 100N or 150N.

Selecting the Suitable Buoyancy Aid

Buoyancy vests are designed to be adaptable, offering ample freedom of movement. They are not tailored to specific sports, so it is important to consider your swimming skills and determine the level of buoyancy required for your activity.

To ensure the correct fit, you should know your weight and chest measurements. If uncertain about the size of the vest, a useful test is having someone lift the shoulders of the jacket once you have worn it. If the jacket rides up significantly (more than 5cm), it is too loose, and you should tighten it or choose a smaller size.

Should you require equipment with greater buoyancy, please visit our Life Jackets section.