Useless unless worn!
Wearing a lifejacket significantly increased the chances of survival in a boating or watercraft accident.
In a 2023 study, nearly 78% of recreational boating fatalities were due to drowning and over 70% of these victims were not wearing a lifejacket.
Wearing a lifejacket not only keeps you afloat and can save your life, but it also makes you visible to other people surrounding you.
Some examples of a heightened risk that require a lifejacket could be:
- When there’s a gate, storm, severe thunderstorms, or other weather warning from the bureau of meteorology
- When there are passengers who are elderly, are non-swimmers or have a serious medical condition
- If the vessel is in danger of capsizing or being swamped by waves
- If people on the vessel are in danger of falling overboard or being forced to enter the water
- When cold water temperatures are likely
- If the vessel has broken down
- On sailing boats without safety barriers, lifelines, rails, safety harnesses, or jack lines
Buoyancy Guide
In Australia, first check the label on a lifejacket for the AS 4758 compliance mark to ensure it meets standards. (Life jackets have buoyancy ratings, different watercraft require different requirements, know the buoyancy required for what you’re doing)
Level 50
- Mainly used in enclosed waters, intended for people who can swim and are close to the bank or shore or have help nearby. Designed to support you in the water, but do not automatically turn you to a face up position. Ideal for water sports.
Level 100 and above
- Level 100 and above lifejackets have higher levels of buoyancy and help turn you to a face up position.
- Level 100 is suitable for enclosed or open waters and when the shore is within sight. They are designed with built in foam buoyancy that helps turn you to a face up position, including neck support. Not intended for use is rough conditions.
- Level 150 is intended for offshore and rough weather. It also helps to turn you to a face up position when unconscious.
- Level 275 is intended for offshore and rough weather when you’re wearing clothes that could trap air and stop the lifejacket turning you to a face up position or carrying heavy items that mean you need extra buoyancy. It helps turn and keep you in a face up position with your nose and mouth above the water.
When to wear a lifejacket
- Personal Watercraft (PWC) – Everyone must wear a Level 50S or above lifejacket at all times
- Towing – the person being towed by a vessel must wear a Level 50S or above lifejacket at all times
- Sailboards and kiteboards – People on sailboards or kiteboards must wear a level 50S or above lifejacket
- Paddle craft (Canoes and Kayaks) – People in canoes and kayaks must wear a level 50 or above lifejacket
- Surf ski – People on a surf ski must wear a 50 or above lifejacket
- Stand up paddle boards – Recommended that people using a stand-up paddleboard wear a 50 or above life jacket, where this is not possible, it is recommended that you use the leg rope, so you don’t get separated from your board
- Rowing Vessels – People in rowing boats, rowing dinghies, rowing skiffs, dragon boats, or small unpowered inflatable boats must wear a 50 or above lifejacket
