There a range of lifejackets available on the market worldwide suitable for a variety of aquatic activities.
They vary depending on the activity undertaken, situation, size, age and price you want to spend. There are a huge range of complexities that you need to consider before purchasing a lifejacket, and some are:
- Swimming capability
- Aquatic activity
- Undertaking activities alone or with others
- Size and age of person
- Risk of vessel capsizing
- Risk of falling from boat
- Tides / swell
- Weather conditions
- Location of activities
- Smooth rock – jagged rock
- Water temperature
- What other safety gear you have
- Restriction of movement with jacket on
- Servicing requirements
- Legal requirements
No wonder you’ve had a hard time determining what jacket is fit for purpose for you and your family.
There’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach to lifejackets so here at Recfishwest, we’ve done the work for you and detailed the features for lifejackets available to you in Australia.
We aim to provide you with enough information and knowledge to empower you to make your own decisions.
“Choosing the slim line crew saver PFD was an easy choice for me as it never gets in the way when I’m fishing and not long after putting it on, I completely forgot I’m even wearing it,” avid rock fisherman Jacob Crispe said.
Things you should know before purchasing your lifejacket
For the people that think purchasing a lifejacket is too expensive, consider how much you spend on fuel, bait, fishing gear or lunch – all deemed by some as essential items for your fishing trip. Purchasing a lifejacket is the same concept, it’s a given when venturing out for the day and is no longer deemed ‘just’ safety equipment.
Some people may not think lifejackets are the coolest part of their fishing kit, but if you don’t measure cool as whether you come home at the end of the day or not, then it’s time to reconsider.
“The technology has evolved so far from the old foam block jackets that you couldn’t physically wear when out fishing to these new slimline lifejackets that you put on at the boat ramp and leave on all day with no affect on my fishing,” Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland, Recfishwest said.
*Please note Level 100 and higher lifejackets provide a high level of buoyancy and are approved for use in unprotected waters (DOT). So please ensure your lifejacket meets this standard before purchasing
Try Before You Buy!! We offer over 160 FREE Loan Lifejackets across 21 locations throughout WA, where members of the public can borrow a lifejacket at no cost for the day! See where you can test one out here!
Ready to purchase your own life jackets please visit our Fish and Survive website.
Still like to know more? Read our debunking lifejacket myths article!
For more on legal requirements and the types of jackets, click here.
To read our position on mandatory wearing of lifejackets from the rocks click here.
To read our position on mandatory wearing of lifejackets while on a boat click here.
