At Wake2o, we stock a range of Personal Flotation Devices. Buoyancy aids, life jackets, and impact vests are all important in keeping you safe when on the water, but what is the difference? Knowing this is crucial to ensure you choose the correct one for you. In this blog, we break down each PFD (Personal Floatation Device) to make it easier.
Buoyancy aids are designed to provide buoyancy and help a person stay afloat in the water, but they do not provide as much flotation as a life jacket. They are typically used for activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, and sailing, where the wearer is expected to be conscious and able to swim to safety if necessary. Buoyancy aids are also designed to be more comfortable and allow greater freedom of movement, making them suitable for active water sports
Life jackets, on the other hand, are designed to provide maximum buoyancy and keep a person's head above water even if they are unconscious. They are typically used in situations where the wearer is at risk of falling into the water, such as on boats, and may not be able to swim to safety. Life jackets are also required by law in certain situations, such as when sailing offshore or in rough conditions.
Impact vests are designed to protect from impact during water sports such as wakeboarding, kiteboarding, and windsurfing. They are typically made of neoprene or other materials that provide padding and impact resistance. Impact vests are not designed to provide buoyancy or keep a person afloat, but they can help prevent injury in the event of a fall or collision.
In summary, buoyancy aids are ideal for those who are confident swimmers and require assistance staying afloat, life jackets are designed to provide full support and are required in certain activities, and impact vests provide buoyancy and impact protection for specific water sports. It's important to choose the right type of flotation device based on your activity and individual needs and always wear it properly to ensure your safety.
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