{"id":500,"date":"2020-05-07T17:28:07","date_gmt":"2020-05-07T16:28:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/blog\/?p=500"},"modified":"2026-07-22T17:08:54","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T16:08:54","slug":"do-i-need-a-life-jacket-or-a-buoyancy-aid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/blog\/do-i-need-a-life-jacket-or-a-buoyancy-aid\/","title":{"rendered":"Life Jacket vs Buoyancy Aid: Which Do You Need?"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>@import url(\"https:\/\/d88af436618eb577b5e2-f01cec007b719b5f79502bffd63464ad.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com\/sayuig\/newig\/coastwatersports\/B\/coast-water-sports-life-jacket-buoyancy.webflow.css\"); @import url(\"https:\/\/d88af436618eb577b5e2-f01cec007b719b5f79502bffd63464ad.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com\/sayu\/webflow.css\"); .sayu-ig .button {text-decoration: none;} .sayu-ig a {text-decoration: underline;} .w-col-4 {width: 33.33333333% !important;}.w-col {position: relative; float: left; width: 100%; min-height: 1px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px;}  .widget-area {display: none !important;} .site-content {float: none !important; width: 100% !important;} .sayu-ig p {margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0 !important;} .sayu-ig img {box-shadow: none !important;} a.button.w-button {color: #ffffff;} img.attachment-post-thumbnail.size-post-thumbnail.wp-post-image {display: none;} .div-block-4 {text-align: center; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 300; line-height: 27px;} .w-col-6 {width: 50% !important;} .w-col-7 {width: 58.33333333% !important;} .w-col-5 {width: 41.66666667% !important;}\n.sayu-ig .cws-faq { clear: both; max-width: 860px; margin: 40px auto 20px; padding: 10px 40px 30px; font-family: Lato, sans-serif !important; color: #222; text-align: center; box-sizing: border-box; }\n.sayu-ig .cws-faq h2 { margin: 28px 0 16px !important; font-family: Lato, sans-serif !important; color: #109b98 !important; font-size: 26px !important; line-height: 1.3 !important; font-weight: 700 !important; }\n.sayu-ig .cws-faq h3 { margin: 26px 0 8px !important; font-family: Lato, sans-serif !important; color: #111 !important; font-size: 18px !important; line-height: 1.35 !important; font-weight: 700 !important; }\n.sayu-ig .cws-faq p { margin: 0 auto 12px !important; max-width: 640px; font-family: Lato, sans-serif !important; color: #333 !important; font-size: 15px !important; line-height: 27px !important; font-weight: 300 !important; }\n.sayu-ig .cws-faq a { color: #109b98 !important; text-decoration: underline; }\n.sayu-ig .cws-faq-cta { clear: both; text-align: center; margin: 10px 0 40px; }\n<\/style>\n<p><script src=\"https:\/\/ajax.googleapis.com\/ajax\/libs\/webfont\/1.6.26\/webfont.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\"><\/script><br \/>\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">WebFont.load({  google: {    families: [\"Lato:100,100italic,300,300italic,400,400italic,700,700italic,900,900italic\",\"Oswald:200,300,400,500,600,700\",\"Amatic SC:regular,700\"]  }});<\/script><\/p>\n<div class=\"sayu-ig\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"div-block _1\">\n<h2 class=\"hh1\"><strong class=\"bold-text\">Do I need a Life Jacket or a Buoyancy Aid?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"div-block-copy _1\">\n<p class=\"main-text-top\"><strong class=\"h2-heading\">When should you use a&nbsp;buoyancy aid instead of a life jacket?<\/strong><strong><br \/>\n&#x200d;<\/strong>In simple terms, a buoyancy aid is to help you swim whereas a life jacket is designed to keep you afloat without the need for swimming. However, it is important to note that not all life jackets are the same and some are not guaranteed to protect you when in rough water conditions. Life jacket buoyancy is measured in Newtons (N) of which the ratings are relative to the weight of the intended user. Ten Newtons equal 1kg of flotation, therefore, human buoyancy means that all adults will have a net weight of just 5KG no matter how light or heavy they are. Therefore, you don\u2019t need more buoyancy than any other adult.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"div-block top\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d88af436618eb577b5e2-f01cec007b719b5f79502bffd63464ad.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com\/sayuig\/newig\/coastwatersports\/B\/divider-2.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d88af436618eb577b5e2-f01cec007b719b5f79502bffd63464ad.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com\/sayuig\/newig\/coastwatersports\/B\/divider-2-p-500.png 500w, https:\/\/d88af436618eb577b5e2-f01cec007b719b5f79502bffd63464ad.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com\/sayuig\/newig\/coastwatersports\/B\/divider-2-p-800.png 800w, https:\/\/d88af436618eb577b5e2-f01cec007b719b5f79502bffd63464ad.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com\/sayuig\/newig\/coastwatersports\/B\/divider-2.png 940w\" alt=\"Watersports safety guide divider\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"main-text padding\"><strong class=\"table-headings\">When not to wear a buoyancy aid?<br \/>\n&#x200d;<\/strong>Buoyancy aids should only be worn if you are a competent swimmer, in sheltered waters or where there is safety cover at hand. Children and anyone who can not swim should wear a life jacket.<\/p>\n<p class=\"main-text para\"><strong class=\"table-headings\">Newton Ratings<\/strong>*In order of least buoyant.<\/p>\n<p class=\"main-text padding\"><strong class=\"table-headings-copy\">Buoyancy Aids<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"columns w-row\">\n<div class=\"w-col w-col-4\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"column w-col w-col-4\">\n<p class=\"main-text-copy\"><strong class=\"table-headings\">50N<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"text-block\"><strong class=\"bold-text-3\">Usage<\/strong><br \/>\nDinghy Sailing<br \/>\nKayak &amp; Canoeing<br \/>\nPaddle Boarding<br \/>\nKite Surfing<\/p>\n<p>Only Suitable For Competent Swimmers\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"image-21\" src=\"https:\/\/d88af436618eb577b5e2-f01cec007b719b5f79502bffd63464ad.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com\/sayuig\/newig\/coastwatersports\/B\/symbol-50.png\" sizes=\"200px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d88af436618eb577b5e2-f01cec007b719b5f79502bffd63464ad.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com\/sayuig\/newig\/coastwatersports\/B\/symbol-50-p-500.png 500w, https:\/\/d88af436618eb577b5e2-f01cec007b719b5f79502bffd63464ad.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com\/sayuig\/newig\/coastwatersports\/B\/symbol-50.png 600w\" alt=\"50N buoyancy aid rating for watersports\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"w-col w-col-4\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"main-text padding\"><strong class=\"table-headings-copy\">Life Jackets<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"columns-2 w-row\">\n<div class=\"column-3 w-col w-col-4\">\n<p class=\"main-text-copy\"><strong class=\"table-headings\">100N<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"text-block\"><strong class=\"bold-text-3\">Usage<\/strong><br \/>\nDinghy Sailing (Not Automatic)<br \/>\nYacht Sailing<br \/>\nFishermen<br \/>\nSportsboat<br \/>\nPowerboat<br \/>\nSwimmers<br \/>\nNon-swimmers<br \/>\nIn Inshore &amp; Coastal Waters\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"image-22\" src=\"https:\/\/d88af436618eb577b5e2-f01cec007b719b5f79502bffd63464ad.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com\/sayuig\/newig\/coastwatersports\/B\/symbol-100.png\" sizes=\"200px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d88af436618eb577b5e2-f01cec007b719b5f79502bffd63464ad.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com\/sayuig\/newig\/coastwatersports\/B\/symbol-100-p-500.png 500w, https:\/\/d88af436618eb577b5e2-f01cec007b719b5f79502bffd63464ad.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com\/sayuig\/newig\/coastwatersports\/B\/symbol-100.png 600w\" alt=\"100N life jacket rating for inshore waters\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"column-4 w-col w-col-4\">\n<p class=\"main-text-copy\"><strong class=\"table-headings\">150N<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"text-block\"><strong class=\"bold-text-3\">Usage<\/strong><br \/>\nDinghy Sailing (Not Automatic)<br \/>\nSportsboat<br \/>\nPowerboat<br \/>\nFishermen<br \/>\nSwimmers<br \/>\nNon-swimmers<br \/>\nYacht Sailing<br \/>\nIn Inshore &amp; Coastal Waters\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"image-23\" src=\"https:\/\/d88af436618eb577b5e2-f01cec007b719b5f79502bffd63464ad.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com\/sayuig\/newig\/coastwatersports\/B\/symbol-150.png\" sizes=\"200px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d88af436618eb577b5e2-f01cec007b719b5f79502bffd63464ad.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com\/sayuig\/newig\/coastwatersports\/B\/symbol-150-p-500.png 500w, https:\/\/d88af436618eb577b5e2-f01cec007b719b5f79502bffd63464ad.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com\/sayuig\/newig\/coastwatersports\/B\/symbol-150.png 600w\" alt=\"150N life jacket rating for offshore use\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"column-2 w-col w-col-4\">\n<p class=\"main-text-copy\"><strong class=\"table-headings\">275N<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"text-block\"><strong class=\"bold-text-3\">Usage<\/strong><br \/>\nYacht Sailing<br \/>\nFishermen<br \/>\nSwimmers<br \/>\nNon-swimmers<br \/>\nOff-shore Waters | Ocean Voyages\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"image-24\" src=\"https:\/\/d88af436618eb577b5e2-f01cec007b719b5f79502bffd63464ad.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com\/sayuig\/newig\/coastwatersports\/B\/symbol-275.png\" sizes=\"200px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d88af436618eb577b5e2-f01cec007b719b5f79502bffd63464ad.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com\/sayuig\/newig\/coastwatersports\/B\/symbol-275-p-500.png 500w, https:\/\/d88af436618eb577b5e2-f01cec007b719b5f79502bffd63464ad.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com\/sayuig\/newig\/coastwatersports\/B\/symbol-275.png 600w\" alt=\"275N life jacket rating for extreme offshore conditions\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"div-block-5\">\n<p class=\"main-text-copy para\"><strong class=\"bold-text-2\">Newton Ratings<br \/>\n&#x200d;<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>50N:<\/strong> Foam buoyancy aids are rated 50N and are only suitable for competent swimmers and should be used in sheltered water where help is close at hand. 50N life jackets only provide support to conscious people who can help themselves.<br \/>\n&#x200d;<br \/>\n<strong>100N:<\/strong> Life jackets rated 100N are suitable for swimmers and non-swimmers in inshore &amp; coastal waters. They give a reasonable assurance of safety from drowning in relatively calm waters. This particular rating does not guarantee to self-right an unconscious user and should not be expected to protect the airway in rough waters.<br \/>\n&#x200d;<br \/>\n<strong>150N:<\/strong> 150N rated life jackets are for swimmers and non-swimmers and are for use in all but the most severe conditions. These particular life jackets give reasonable assurance of safety from drowning for people who are not fully capable of helping themselves.<br \/>\n&#x200d;<br \/>\n<strong>275N:<\/strong> Life jackets which are rated 275N are the most buoyant, for swimmers and non-swimmers. This particular rating is a high-performance jacket for offshore and severe conditions when maximum protection is required. While they cannot be guaranteed to self-right an unconscious user, this particular life jacket will provide great buoyancy in the majority of cases.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d88af436618eb577b5e2-f01cec007b719b5f79502bffd63464ad.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com\/sayuig\/newig\/coastwatersports\/B\/divider-1.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d88af436618eb577b5e2-f01cec007b719b5f79502bffd63464ad.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com\/sayuig\/newig\/coastwatersports\/B\/divider-1-p-500.png 500w, https:\/\/d88af436618eb577b5e2-f01cec007b719b5f79502bffd63464ad.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com\/sayuig\/newig\/coastwatersports\/B\/divider-1-p-800.png 800w, https:\/\/d88af436618eb577b5e2-f01cec007b719b5f79502bffd63464ad.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com\/sayuig\/newig\/coastwatersports\/B\/divider-1.png 940w\" alt=\"\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"div-block-4\">\n<p class=\"main-text-copy-new para\"><span class=\"bold-text-2\"><strong class=\"bold-text-2-copy\">What to look for when buying a life jacket?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Foam Life Jackets or Buoyancy Aids:<\/strong> Foam life jackets or also known as buoyancy aids do not inflate. However, the buoyancy comes from the foam and can be used in sheltered waters, this particular type is generally used by children.<br \/>\n&#x200d;<br \/>\n<strong>Manual Life Jackets:<\/strong> Manual life jackets inflate by pulling a tag upon entering the water. This, in turn, pushes a firing pin into the CO2 canister ensuring inflation. Manual life jackets are not suitable is the wearer is knocked unconscious.<br \/>\n&#x200d;<br \/>\n<strong>Automatic Life Jackets:<\/strong> Automatic life jackets will inflate when the firing system gets wet. This particular type of life jacket operates using small pellets and bobbins. Once the pellets make contact with water, they dissolve instantly, releasing a spring which pushes a firing pin into the gas canister.<br \/>\n&#x200d;<br \/>\n<strong>Hammar Life Jacket:<\/strong> A hammer life jacket will inflate automatically. Although similar to automatic life jackets, the hammer life jacket is trigged by the water pressure. The pellet is protected by a case which only lets the water in once below the surface and fully submerged. This means the hammer life jacket is less likely to trigger by accident in adverse weather conditions.<\/p>\n<div class=\"columns-3 w-row\">\n<div class=\"w-col w-col-6\">\n<p class=\"image-headings\"><strong class=\"image-headings-bold\">Life Jackets<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"w-inline-block\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/life-jackets-c-59_763_764.html\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"image-20\" src=\"https:\/\/d88af436618eb577b5e2-f01cec007b719b5f79502bffd63464ad.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com\/sayuig\/newig\/coastwatersports\/B\/life-jacket.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 479px) 96vw, (max-width: 618px) 97vw, (max-width: 767px) 600px, (max-width: 991px) 48vw, 450px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d88af436618eb577b5e2-f01cec007b719b5f79502bffd63464ad.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com\/sayuig\/newig\/coastwatersports\/B\/life-jacket-p-500.png 500w, https:\/\/d88af436618eb577b5e2-f01cec007b719b5f79502bffd63464ad.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com\/sayuig\/newig\/coastwatersports\/B\/life-jacket.png 600w\" alt=\"Life jackets for sailing and offshore watersports\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"column-5 w-col w-col-6\">\n<p class=\"image-headings\"><strong class=\"image-headings-bold\">Buoyancy Aids<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"w-inline-block\" href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/buoyancy-aids-c-59_763_765.html\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"image-19\" src=\"https:\/\/d88af436618eb577b5e2-f01cec007b719b5f79502bffd63464ad.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com\/sayuig\/newig\/coastwatersports\/B\/buoyancy-aid.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 479px) 96vw, (max-width: 618px) 97vw, (max-width: 767px) 600px, (max-width: 991px) 48vw, 450px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d88af436618eb577b5e2-f01cec007b719b5f79502bffd63464ad.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com\/sayuig\/newig\/coastwatersports\/B\/buoyancy-aid-p-500.png 500w, https:\/\/d88af436618eb577b5e2-f01cec007b719b5f79502bffd63464ad.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com\/sayuig\/newig\/coastwatersports\/B\/buoyancy-aid.png 600w\" alt=\"Buoyancy aids for kayaking paddleboarding and sailing\" \/><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"main-text-copy para\" style=\"text-align: center; margin: 20px 0;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/life-jackets-c-59_763_764.html\">Shop Life Jackets<\/a><br \/>\n|<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/buoyancy-aids-c-59_763_765.html\">Shop Buoyancy Aids<\/a><br \/>\n|<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/buoyancy-aids-life-jackets-c-59_763.html\">View All Safety Kit<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"footer-text-header\"><strong class=\"bold-text-2-heading\">Essential &amp; Recommended Features<\/strong>&#x200d;<\/p>\n<div class=\"columns-4 w-row\">\n<div class=\"w-col w-col-7\">\n<p class=\"main-text-copy-2\"><strong class=\"bold-text-2-heading\">&#x200d;<\/strong> &#8211; Your life jacket <strong>must <\/strong>carry the CE mark<br \/>\n&#8211; The buoyancy rating <strong>must <\/strong>be appropriate for your chosen activity<br \/>\n&#8211; The life jacket <strong>must <\/strong>have one or two crotch straps, to ensure it does not rise over your head when it inflates<br \/>\n&#8211; Reflective tape should be a feature as it allows to stay visible when hit by a searchlight<br \/>\n&#8211; Spray hoods are a good feature as it protects your face and airway<br \/>\n&#8211; Some life jackets come with attachable lights for attracting attention in poor lighting<br \/>\n&#8211; Some life jackets come with built-in harnesses so you can secure yourself onto the boat<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"column-6 w-col w-col-5\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"image-25\" src=\"https:\/\/d88af436618eb577b5e2-f01cec007b719b5f79502bffd63464ad.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com\/sayuig\/newig\/coastwatersports\/B\/bottom-image.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 479px) 98vw, (max-width: 767px) 415px, (max-width: 991px) 41vw, 300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d88af436618eb577b5e2-f01cec007b719b5f79502bffd63464ad.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com\/sayuig\/newig\/coastwatersports\/B\/bottom-image-p-500.png 500w, https:\/\/d88af436618eb577b5e2-f01cec007b719b5f79502bffd63464ad.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com\/sayuig\/newig\/coastwatersports\/B\/bottom-image.png 600w\" alt=\"Life jacket safety features including reflective tape and spray hood\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"cws-faq\">\n<h2>Life Jacket vs Buoyancy Aid FAQs<\/h2>\n<h3>What is the difference between a life jacket and a buoyancy aid?<\/h3>\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/buoyancy-aids-c-59_763_765.html\">buoyancy aid<\/a> helps you float while swimming. A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/life-jackets-c-59_763_764.html\">life jacket<\/a> is designed to keep you afloat automatically, even if you are unconscious.<\/p>\n<h3>Can non-swimmers wear buoyancy aids?<\/h3>\n<p>No. Buoyancy aids are only suitable for competent swimmers in sheltered water with help nearby. Non-swimmers and children should wear a life jacket.<\/p>\n<h3>What buoyancy rating do I need?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>50N<\/strong> buoyancy aids suit dinghy sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding and similar sports for competent swimmers. <strong>100N\u2013275N<\/strong> life jackets give increasing protection for coastal and offshore use.<\/p>\n<h3>Are life jackets required by law?<\/h3>\n<p>Requirements vary by activity and location, but wearing the right buoyancy for your activity is strongly recommended.<\/p>\n<h2>Shop This Guide<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/buoyancy-aids-c-59_763_765.html\">Buoyancy Aids (50N)<\/a> \u2014 kayak, SUP, dinghy, kite<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/life-jackets-c-59_763_764.html\">Life Jackets (100N+)<\/a> \u2014 inshore to offshore<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/buoyancy-aids-life-jackets-c-59_763.html\">All Buoyancy Aids &amp; Life Jackets<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"cws-faq-cta\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.coastwatersports.co.uk\/buoyancy-aids-life-jackets-c-59_763.html\" class=\"button w-button\">Shop Life Jackets and Buoyancy Aids<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do I need a Life Jacket or a Buoyancy Aid? When should you use a&nbsp;buoyancy aid instead of a life&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":501,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14,21,16,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-500","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dinghy-sailing-tips","category-kayaking-tips-and-information","category-stand-up-paddleboard-blog","category-latest-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Life Jacket vs Buoyancy Aid: 50N, 100N, 150N &amp; When to Wear Which<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Buoyancy aids (50N) help competent swimmers in sheltered water. Life jackets (100N\u2013275N) keep you afloat if you can\u2019t swim. 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