Lifejackets, also known as Personal Flotation Devices, include all garments or devices designed to keep their wearer afloat and can greatly increase chances of survival should they enter a waterbody unexpectedly. There are different designs, makes, models and buoyancy levels of lifejackets available for different activities and circumstances. Highly buoyant lifejackets with collars are designed to turn an unconscious person face up in the water and should therefore be used in open water or in rough weather. Lightweight lifejackets are designed to keep an individual’s head above the water line and are appropriate for keeping a conscious person afloat in calm conditions. Lightweight lifejackets may be appropriate for boat users when travelling in calm waters close to shore, or by water-sports participants. When selecting a lifejacket, it is important to consider what vessel it will be used on (for example, a power-driven boat, kayak, sailing boat or when riding a personal watercraft), where it will be used (for example, on coastal water or inland waters) and what activity will be undertaken while wearing it (for example, fishing, recreational boating or water sports).
Lifejackets can be made from foam or can be inflatable. It is important that inflatable lifejackets comply with the same safety standards as foam lifejackets, have a marked expiration date, and undergo regular servicing. It is important to physically try a lifejacket on before purchasing it to ensure it fits correctly and can carry the required body weight.
Lifejackets should be:
- Buoyant and water-proof
- Brightly coloured with reflective strips
- Secured with a zip and adjustable clips
- Fitted snuggly to prevent slipping off or riding up
- Worn by any individual travelling over water, at all times
- Worn in all conditions, whether calm or rough
- Able to be put on quickly (within 60 seconds) with minimal instruction
- Many designs of lifejackets are available to choose from to suit specific requirements;
- Are available in adult and child sizes: children’s lifejackets may come with a crotch strap to ensure that the lifejacket remains on the child when they jump into the water, it is very important not to put an adult size lifejacket on a child.
- Require low maintenance.
- Are compact in size for easy storage.
- Tend to be more buoyant than foam lifejackets.
- Initial purchase cost for users can be expensive.
- Users may forget or to choose not to wear a lifejacket.
- People with inflatable lifejackets may not service or maintain them.
A lifejacket should be worn by all individuals travelling over water, at all times. Boating situations are unpredictable with many factors beyond the control of an individual able to cause an accident. Some examples include unpredictable weather, machinery failure, or actions of other individuals for example, speeding in a vessel. Although an individual may be a competent swimmer, it can be difficult to stay afloat with the additional weight of water-logged clothing, the shore may be a significant distance away, or the individual may be knocked unconscious as they enter the water. Remember that it may not always be possible to put on a lifejacket when already in the water following an accident.
Life jacket laws
California, United States (PDF 1,296KB)
Guide to choosing a PFDs
UK - RNLI Guide to lifejackets and buoyancy aids (PDF 3,424KB)
Cummings, P., B. A. Mueller, and Li Quan. "Association between wearing a personal floatation device and death by drowning among recreational boaters: a matched cohort analysis of United States Coast Guard data." Injury prevention 17.3 (2011): 156-159.
Cassell E, Newstead S. Did compulsory wear regulations increase personal flotation device (PFD) use by boaters in small power recreational vessels? A before-after observational study conducted in Victoria, Australia. Injury Prevention 2015;21:5–22.
Lifejackets save lives! (PDF 440KB)
Set objectives and interventions