Man putting a life jacket on a child

How to choose your life jacket

Life jackets are essential for safe sailing. Find out what buoyancy aids you need to stay safe in the open water.

Make sure you understand the difference between a life jacket and a buoyancy aid before hitting the water and choose yours carefully.

Small child wearing a life jacket on a yacht

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Life Jackets vs Buoyancy Aids

It's essential to avoid any confusion between life jackets and buoyancy aids, as the latter only helps with buoyancy which means that wearers must be able to swim. Life jackets turn the wearer over onto their back, so they can breathe if they're unconscious and ensure that they stay afloat.

Standards

Every life jacket sold in Europe must comply with the standard in force and bear the CE mark; this proves that it has been tested and approved. These standards validate the buoyancy indicated in Newton (N). Your life jacket must comply with at least the 100 Newton standard and be equipped with a whistle and reflective strips to make it easier to locate you in case of an accident.
There is a difference between the floating help jackets that comply with only 50 Newton standards and life jackets.

Types of jackets

There are two types of life jackets: foam and inflatable. They are equally effective, but inflatable jackets are recommended for regular use as they provide greater freedom of movement. Foam jackets are just as effective as inflatable jackets. Numerous models differ in terms of their fastening systems.

Locman ru life vest premium

See our life jacket range

Browse our life jacket range and enjoy the peace of mind you need to explore the waters. Find your fit below.

How to choose - UK Draft to copy

Cécile

Water sports specialist

"In order to lengthen the life of your life jacket, make sure you rinse it thoroughly every time you’ve used it and then dry it quickly. For inflatable models: remove the inflation system, rinse and then dry the jacket before replacing the inflation system."

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