Nowadays lifejackets come in as many styles as there
are watersports. Whether you’re a kayaker, a fisherman
or
a sailor – there’s a modern lifejacket style to suit your
specific need. Visit lifejacketwearit.com.au to
see the new generation styles of auto-inflating and
foam lifejackets, kayaking vests, yokes and bum bag
lifejackets available.
The activities you enjoy will help influence the lifejacket
you choose.
Auto-inflating lifejackets are less cumbersome than
regular lifejackets. They also inflate as soon as the
inflation mechanism comes in contact with water. This
means if you’re unconscious in the water, the lifejacket
will still work. But remember a large amount of spray
may also activate the jacket while on deck.
Manual inflating lifejackets are also less cumbersome
than regular lifejackets. But because the CO2inflation is
only activated by hand, it is recommended that children
under 12 years do not wear them.
Your inflatable lifejacket should be serviced in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions. If the manufacturer
has not specified, it must be serviced annually. It should
also be self-checked regularly between services to ensure
it works efficiently.
Servicing will ensure all parts of the lifejacket including
the bladder, inflation mechanism and CO2cylinder are
checked and in good working order.
THERE’S A LIFEJACKET FOR EVERY OCCASION
AUTOMATIC VS. MANUAL INFLATING LIFEJACKETS
SERVICING GUIDE
An inflatable lifejacket will only work if it’s in working order.
If it’s not, the user could be at serious risk of drowning.
It’s important to regularly check your lifejacket’s condition.
All it takes is a fish hook, or a loose or damaged CO2
cylinder to prevent your lifejacket from inflating.
Treat your lifejacket with care and follow the advice in this
guide. It may just save your life.
WEAR IT •INSPECT IT •SERVICE IT
9 OUT OF 10 PEOPLE
WHO DROWNED WHILE
BOATING IN NSW WEREN’T
WEARING A LIFEJACKET
Once activated, the CO2cylinder is pierced and cannot be
used again. If you’re using an auto-inflating lifejacket, the
auto-inflating components may also need to be replaced.
It’s a great idea to always have spare components on your
boat, just in case.
If you’re a skipper providing inflatable lifejackets to
passengers, it’s important that your passengers are made
aware of how they work and what they’re capable of (as
with all other safety gear aboard). It’s your responsibility
to make sure that all lifejackets have been serviced and
tested regularly and are in full working order.
Store in a dry, well ventilated place away from dampness
or water. It’s important to rinse your lifejacket with fresh
water after use and dry thoroughly prior to storage.
Remember, if your lifejacket is set for auto-inflation,
remove the auto-inflation cartridge prior to rinsing.
The lifejacket manufacturer may have specific
requirements, so read the instructions on the lifejacket.
WHAT IF MY INFLATABLE
LIFEJACKET HAS BEEN ACTIVATED?
SKIPPER’S RESPONSIBILITIES
HOW SHOULD I CARE FOR
MY INFLATABLE LIFEJACKETS?
