Choosing the right Life Jacket?
There's a wide range of buoyancy aids to suit different activities and conditions. Here's how to choose the right one for you.
PFD's and life jackets are grouped into safety levels based on their buoyancy, performance and intended usage. These levels help you to choose the best one to suit your situation, type of activity and the conditions you might experience.
The rating terminology for life jackets are classified as LEVEL 50, LEVEL 50S, and LEVEL100 and above. It's important to note that for personal watercraft and wakeboarding you must use an approved Level 50 vest. Inflatable vests and Level 100 and above vests are not recommend for PWC and other related water sports activities.
LEVEL 50
These jackets are mainly used in enclosed waters and are designed to support you in the water but do not automatically turn you to a face-up position. They are made in high-visibility colours to make it easier to see you in the water and increase your chances of rescue. Level 50 jackets are perfect for PWC riders.
Level 50S jackets come in a wider range of colours and styles not in high-visibility colours. These jackets are the popular choice for watersports activities such as wakeboarding, wakesurfing and water skiing.
LEVEL 100 and above
Level 100 and above lifejackets have higher levels of buoyancy and are for use on boats in open water and smooth or partially smooth waters. This level of vest will help turn you to a face-up position. The different levels suit different situations:
Level 100
- intended for use when the shore is in sight.
- not intended for rough conditions.
- helps turn you into a face-up position .
Level 150
- intended for offshore and rough weather.
- helps turn you to a face-up position when unconscious.
Level 275
- intended for offshore and rough weather when you're wearing clothes that could trap air and stop the lifejacket from turning you to a face-up position or carrying heavy items that mean you need extra buoyancy.
- helps to turn and keep you in a face-up position with your mouth and nose above the water.
INFLATABLE LIFE JACKETS
Inflatable life jackets use carbon dioxide for buoyancy, which makes them lighter and less bulky. These can be either manually inflated by pulling a tab, or automatic when they come into contact with water. Excess spray can accidentally activate an auto-inflating lifejacket.
A person wearing a manual inflatable lifejacket needs the ability and knowledge to activate it in an emergency so is not recommended for:
- children under the age of 12 years
- personal watercraft drivers or passengers
- anyone being towed
Youth and Infant Vests
Keep your little ones safe in a youth or infant vest from Jetpilot. Made to supersede strict Australian safety standards, our vests are designed specifically for kids and infants so they are both comfortable and durable. Our infant vests feature a head rest and crotch strap for a secure fit.
Dog Vests
For your four legged friends that love the water as much as you do. Our dog PFD is available in a range of colours to suit your dogs style and personality.
Jetpilot Jackets
Our Jackets are made using premium quality materials and feature some amazing features to suit your watersports needs.
- Supergrip Handles: Perfect for your PWC passengers to hold on safely and can be zipped away when not in use.
- Reflective Taping: Increase the visibility for greater safety.
- Bevelled Edge Foam: greater comfort.
- Ecoprene: 30% lighter than standard neoprene and with improved sustainability.
Check out the complete range of Jetpilot vests online today.
For more information on approved types of life jackets
Check in with your states governing body for life jacket regulations.
