Buy a life jacket for boating, sailing and watersports
A life jacket is a certified buoyancy device with a high collar that automatically turns an unconscious person onto their back and keeps the head above water, unlike a buoyancy aid that only adds extra lift. The range includes life jackets from Helly Hansen, Secumar, JOBE and Besto, with buoyancy from 50N to 275N, in fixed versions with foam fill and in inflatable automatic versions with a CO2 cartridge. For children and specific Newton classes there are dedicated sub-collections such as child life jacket and life jacket 275N. A buoyancy aid by contrast is a flotation device without a collar for people who can swim and stay active on the water.
Which life jacket fits your boating?
| Buoyancy | Type | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50N | Buoyancy aid, not a full life jacket | Sheltered water, people who can swim | Secumar Free100 50N |
| 100N | Fixed with foam fill, basic life jacket | Inland water, tender boats, canoeing | JOBE Comfort 100N, Besto Racingbelt 100N |
| 150N | Full life jacket, fixed or automatic | Inland and coast, recreational sailing | Helly Hansen Sport 150N, Secumar Secufit 150N |
| 170N | Automatic inflatable, with harness | Coastal sailing, channel crossings | Helly Hansen Sailsafe 170N, Secumar Ultra 170N |
| 220N | Automatic, higher buoyancy | Offshore sailing, cold water | Secumar Arkona 220N, Survival 220N |
| 275N | Automatic, maximum buoyancy | Offshore with heavy clothing, ocean racing | Secumar Arkona 275N, Survival 275N, Scout 275N |
Rule of thumb: 100N is the minimum for inland water like IJsselmeer and Frisian lakes. From 150N upward you are looking at a real life jacket that still functions under heavier clothing. Offshore sailors and racers choose 170N to 275N, because heavy oilskins and boots reduce the effective buoyancy.
Fixed foam or automatic inflatable
Fixed foam life jackets work without any mechanism and are the most reliable choice for activities where water contact is normal, such as personal watercraft, fast motorboats, canoeing or SUP. They have the familiar orange look with collar and start around 50 euros. Automatic inflatable life jackets are compact as a harness that is barely noticeable on board, and inflate within 5 seconds on water contact via a salt tablet and CO2 cartridge. Ideal for sailors moving continuously and working freely on deck. Downside: sensitive to unintended inflation in heavy spray or rain.
Frequently asked questions about life jackets
What is the difference between a life jacket and a buoyancy aid?
A life jacket has a high collar that automatically turns an unconscious or exhausted person onto their back, with their head above water. A buoyancy aid lacks this collar and only keeps you floating face down. The difference is fundamental: a life jacket saves lives when you can no longer swim yourself, a buoyancy aid only gives extra security for those who can swim. On open water, for children without swimming certificates and in any form of boating where becoming unconscious is a risk, you always choose a life jacket. Life jackets are CE certified according to ISO 12402; buoyancy aids according to lower standards.
How much Newton do I need in a life jacket?
The minimum recommended buoyancy is 100N for adults on inland water. For 70 kg this means the jacket holds 70 kg of weight above water, plenty to keep mouth and nose above water. From 150N the jacket is suitable for longer hours on cold water or with thicker clothing such as oilskins. 170N to 275N is the choice for offshore sailors and racers, where effective buoyancy is reduced by heavy boots, oilskins and possible unconsciousness. For children: 50N to 100N depending on body weight.
When is a life jacket mandatory on board?
On Dutch inland waters a life jacket is not generally mandatory for recreational boaters, but in specific cases it is. Mandatory situations include: on board fast boats above 20 km/h for every occupant, when standing while steering a fast vessel, and on a personal watercraft or jetski. For offshore recreational boating stricter rules apply and life jackets are practically always mandatory. Special boat packages with 4 or 5 basic life jackets are sharply priced to easily meet the obligation for all on board.
How do you maintain an automatic life jacket?
An automatic inflatable life jacket must be annually checked for proper function of the salt tablet and CO2 cartridge. Open the harness and check whether the tablet is not damaged by moisture and whether the cartridge still has sufficient weight (a full cartridge weighs about 60 grams). Replace the tablet every two years. Rinse the jacket with fresh water after salt water contact and let it dry fully before refolding. Fold according to the manufacturer's instructions: an incorrectly folded jacket may not inflate quickly enough on water contact.
In stock? Order before 17:00 and it ships the same day. Otherwise, as soon as possible. Not sure about the right Newton class, fixed or automatic, or which brand fits? Our specialists in Joure are happy to help.
