The RYA report that a good quality lifejacket or buoyancy aid is one of the most important parts of your boating safety kit, so it’s worth putting in some research before buying a product that you may rely on to save your life. There are lifejackets and buoyancy aids of varying prices and effectiveness on the market, and increasing reports of products available online that aren’t up to scratch or haven’t been tested to European or International specifications.
Collectively lifejackets and buoyancy aids are referred to as Personal Floatation Devices or PFDs; choosing the right one is essential if it’s to be of any use in a life-threatening event. Though many think any PFD is going to hold them up in the water that may not be the case.
