Lifejackets: everything you need to know about safety at sea

Lifejacket: description & definition

Understanding to make the right choice

A lifejacket is considered to be individual protective equipment, designed and used according to legal standards, practical conditions and body shape. When sailing, its primary function is to keep the wearer's head above water so as to keep the airways clear. It is therefore the most essential class of equipment at sea.

Today's lifejackets are designed to meet very precise standards and devices, such as the ISO Standard or the Newtons, to guarantee the best possible protection for those on board their boats. The definition of a lifejacket is simple: if worn, it can save your life! That's the main purpose of a lifejacket.

The purpose of the lifejacket is not to support the entire weight of the castaway and keep him or her above water. It focuses solely on vertical thrust to support the wearer's airway out of the water. On average, an adult's head weighs between 6 and 8 kg, and a 150N lifejacket is sufficient to support it.

Lifejackets have always been indispensable

The inventor of the lifejacket was explorer and captain John Ross Ward, who in 1854 created the first flotation system in the form of a cork belt. This system ensured individual buoyancy at sea, whether in calm or rough waters, and thus the safety of crew members during navigation.

Its development on board British ships and boats led to the marketing of the various types of lifejacket we know today on our boats.

In France, the wearing of an automatic or foam lifejacket is compulsory during all nautical activities, and must be worn at all times to ensure your safety. This equipment increases your chances of survival in the event of a fall into the water, making it easier for you to float to the surface until help arrives. It's essential on board, whether you're a good (or bad) swimmer, adult, child, top-class professional skipper or freshwater sailor! Even your dog needs a lifejacket to save his life in case of distress.

Lifejackets, flotation devices, newtons: how do they work ?

If you're wondering how a lifejacket works, it's important to note that there are many different types of lifejacket and vfi, with different functions and compositions (bottle, cartridge, pellet...).

• Foam lifejackets are worn in enclosed waters or 2 miles from a shelter. The main function of this type of equipment is to ensure the buoyancy of people who fall into the water and know how to swim. However, unlike automatic lifejackets, this type of foam lifejacket does not allow the person to turn over in the event of a major problem.

• Inflatable lifejackets offer ideal buoyancy and excellent safety. In fact, this category of automatic lifejacket, which is triggered on contact with water by a UML or Hammar pressure system, is extremely effective and fast, enabling you to sail serenely and safely.

Lifejacket accessories and care

In addition to the lifejacket, many other items of equipment can be added to make it even more effective and efficient. Harnesses, for example, are accessories used to attach the lifejacket to a boat (ship, sail, fishing...).

Some full-featured lifejackets are equipped with pockets. Take the opportunity to carry your own equipment, such as a portable marine VHF. This class of electronic equipment is a lifesaver for your crew, enabling you to contact the emergency services quickly.

Last but not least, the maintenance of inflatable or foam lifejackets also has a major influence on their proper functioning and effectiveness during use.

Buying a lifejacket, essential for your safety

As we've seen, wearing a lifejacket is essential to your sea activities, regardless of the sailing program or the size of the wearer. That's why it's so important for you to choose the right Iso-standard lifejacket, in adult or child version, to suit your nautical activity.

At Nautisports.com, you'll find a wide selection of suitable models at the best prices, so you can get fitted and on board quickly for your next outing.

Lifejackets, also known as lifebelts, are personal buoyancy devices that can be inflatable or made of foam, to keep a person who has fallen into the water from sinking. This equipment is a buoyant, upper-body garment that increases the wearer's chances of survival in the event of an incident. It keeps your head out of the water and your airways clear for survival after an accident at sea.