Life jacket

When you head out on the water, a life jacket isn't just a good idea – it can be the difference between life and death. According to the Maritime Authority, everyone on board a boat must have access to a CE-marked life jacket, and it's always recommended to wear the jacket in open water (Source: Maritime Authority).

At Watery.ie, you'll find a wide selection of tested and certified life jackets for both children and adults, so you can safely enjoy your trips on the sea, in the fjord, or on the lake. We know that safety should never be compromised, which is why we only offer jackets that meet the highest standards in safety equipment.

With the right life jacket, you can sail with peace of mind, whether you're an experienced sailor, a beginner, or just enjoying a day on the water. Read on to find out which type of life jacket suits you best – and why it's so important to make the right choice.

The difference between a life jacket and a swim vest

Although a life jacket and a swim vest may sound the same, there's a crucial difference – and it can significantly impact your safety.

• Life jacket → Designed to save lives. It has high buoyancy and is made to turn an unconscious person onto their back, keeping the airways clear. Perfect for open sea, deep water, and longer sailing trips.
  
  
• Swim vest → Provides freedom of movement, but requires activity. It has lower buoyancy and only keeps you afloat if you move in the water. Suitable for activities close to the shore, where help is quickly accessible.

According to the Maritime Authority, you should always choose a life jacket if you're sailing in areas where there's a risk of falling into the water and losing consciousness. A swim vest, on the other hand, is better for activities like kayaking and water sports, where you need great mobility.

The life jacket is also a legal requirement to bring when you're out on inflatable paddleboards. Most serious sailing enthusiasts will always recommend this solution, and so do we, even though the swim vest is fine for other purposes.

Here's how to determine which type of vest you should choose:

• ✔ Are you sailing on open sea or deep water? → Choose a life jacket.
  
  
• ✔ Are you close to the shore or doing water sports? → A swim vest might be enough.
  
  
• ✔ Do children need a vest for safety? → A life jacket is recommended as it automatically turns them correctly in the water.
  
  
• ✔ Do children need a vest to learn to swim? → A swim vest is the right choice.

To make it easy to choose, we've gathered a large selection of both swim vests and life jackets – see the entire range here:

Find our selection of swim vests for children and adults

See life jackets for children

See life jackets for adults

This type of life jacket you should choose

All our life jackets are tested and approved for sailing use. You can therefore be completely sure when you wear one of them. However, you need to decide whether you want a fixed life jacket or an inflatable life jacket. Both types have undergone extensive testing and meet the highest safety standards, including CE marking and ISO 12402 certification. Safety is undoubtedly the top priority.

Fixed life jacket – maximum safety and stability

A fixed life jacket, such as those from Konfidence, is especially recommended for children and people who are not particularly good swimmers. It typically has:

• A large collar that automatically turns you onto your back in the water
• A crotch strap for extra safety
• High buoyancy, so you stay afloat without using energy

This type of life jacket is the classic choice often seen in movies and pictures. It provides maximum safety but also takes up more space than the inflatable model. If you're not entirely confident in your swimming abilities, or if you feel uneasy about sailing in deep waters, a fixed life jacket is the obvious choice.

Inflatable life jacket – light and flexible safety

An inflatable life jacket is a popular choice among adult sailors and water sports enthusiasts. It automatically inflates when it comes into contact with water, providing great freedom of movement.

• Light and comfortable to wear
• Inflates automatically when you fall into the water
• Offers greater mobility than a fixed life jacket

The inflatable life jacket is ideal for you if you're comfortable sailing and confident in your swimming. However, it requires regular maintenance and refilling of the CO₂ cartridge after activation.

How to choose the right life jacket

Now that you've read about the difference between a fixed and an inflatable life jacket, the next step is to ensure you choose the right size and fit. A life jacket must fit correctly to provide maximum safety – an incorrect fit can either make it uncomfortable to wear or, in the worst case, reduce its function if you end up in the water.

• A too large vest can slip off and thus not protect you optimally.
• A too small vest can feel tight and restrict your mobility, which can be impractical on the water.
• Always choose a vest that fits your weight and the purpose you need it for.

If you're sailing with children, a fixed life jacket is the safest choice, as it automatically turns the child over in the water and keeps the airways clear. For adults who sail or engage in water sports, an inflatable life jacket can be a good solution, as it offers greater freedom of movement without compromising safety.

No matter which type you choose, the most important thing is that it fits correctly and is comfortable to wear – because a life jacket is only effective if you actually use it.

How buoyancy works – Which amount of Newton should you choose?

You not only need to decide which type of life jacket you need but also how much buoyancy is required. Buoyancy is measured in Newton (N) and determines how well the jacket keeps you afloat in the water. How much buoyancy you need depends on your weight, where you're sailing, and how much safety margin you want.

Generally, the following applies:

Which level of Newton should you choose?

• 50N is not very much buoyancy and is typically found in swim vests. It should only be chosen if you're close to the shore and surrounded by other people who can help you.
  
  
• 100N is found in both fixed and inflatable life jackets and is an option if you're a good swimmer sailing in calmer waters. However, if you weigh 90 kg or more, it is not recommended as the vest will not be able to keep you safely afloat if unconscious.
  
  
• 150N is the buoyancy most life jackets have. It is strong enough to keep almost everyone afloat, whether you're sailing in calm or more demanding waters. Therefore, it is also the amount we typically recommend for most.
  
  
• 275N is the maximum level of buoyancy and the safest choice if you're sailing in extremely dangerous waters. However, this type of vest is significantly heavier and therefore not recommended for women and children.

We recommend 150N for most, as it provides a good balance between safety and comfort. If you're an experienced swimmer sailing in calm surroundings, you might consider a vest with 100N. If your weight is on the high side, or you're sailing in challenging waters, 275N might be the right choice.

What the law says about life jackets

Life jackets are not only an important safety measure – they are also legally required in Denmark. According to a law from 1992, everyone on board a vessel must have access to an approved life jacket, and it is the boat owner's responsibility to ensure there are jackets for everyone on board.

According to the Maritime Authority, the following rules apply:

• All vessels must have a CE-marked life jacket for each person on board.
  
  
• If you do not bring a life jacket, it can result in a fine of 750 kr. per missing jacket.
  
  
• The jacket must be easily accessible and in a size that fits the individual.
  
  
• When sailing on inflatable paddleboards, it is a legal requirement to bring a life jacket.

The Maritime Authority also recommends that the life jacket is always worn during sailing, especially in open water, where the risk of falling overboard is greater.

Although the fine can be a financial consequence, it is small compared to the safety a life jacket provides. A life jacket can save lives, and it's always better to be on the safe side.

When you buy a life jacket from us, you can be sure it meets current legal requirements, so you not only comply with the rules but also ensure the best possible safety for yourself and your fellow passengers.

Buy your new life jacket at Watery.ie

The feeling of freedom when you glide along the waves is unmistakable. And it doesn't diminish when you take the right safety precautions. When you've found the right life jacket for your needs here at Watery.ie, you'll get a range of benefits on top.

Order your life jacket now, and get your basic safety sorted. It's worth it, and you know it.