Bouyancy Aids Must Be Worn
Loch Earn Sailing Club requires that you wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid whilst on the water or a jetty whilst taking part in any type of activity. This includes but is not limited to dinghy sailing, keelboat sailing, safety boat, swimming, windsurfing, foiling, even whilst wearing a wetsuit.
Loch Earn Sailing Club requires that you wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid whilst on the water or a jetty whilst taking part in any type of activity. This includes but is not limited to dinghy sailing, keelboat sailing, safety boat, swimming, windsurfing, foiling even whilst wearing a wetsuit.
Even if you are a beginner or still relatively inexperienced, it is a club rule that you must wear one at all times.
Selection of the correct personal buoyancy is critical and needs to be appropriate to the activity.
What sets buoyancy aids apart from lifejackets?
Buoyancy aids primarily serve as aids for buoyancy and rely on the availability of nearby assistance. They assume that the wearer is capable of helping themselves to some extent by swimming to safety or keeping afloat until help arrives if needed. Buoyancy aids are suitable for activities like personal watercraft (PWC), dinghies, windsurfing, and generally for situations where it's likely to end up in the water.
On the other hand, a lifejacket is designed for situations where a high level of performance is required. It automatically positions an unconscious person in a safe posture and doesn't require any further action from the user to maintain that position.
When considering a lifejacket, it's important to assess the type of boating activity you're undertaking and choose between an automatic lifejacket or a manual inflate lifejacket, both equipped with a sprayhood, light, and whistle. It's also recommended to select a lifejacket fitted with crotch straps to prevent it from riding up over your head, as well as consider options with dye-markers and a personal locator beacon for location assistance and a harness D ring for attaching a harness to prevent falling off.
Lifejackets are suitable for use on open boats such as powerboats or RIBs, when going ashore in a yacht tender, on a sailing yacht or motor cruiser, and generally in situations where entering the water is not expected.
Different styles and sizes of lifejackets are available, and it's important to test your lifejacket in a controlled environment whenever possible to ensure it works effectively for you.
Considering the level of buoyancy is also crucial when choosing between a lifejacket and a buoyancy aid. These two types have different buoyancy levels, and the selection should be influenced by the specific needs. The four main buoyancy levels are 50, 100, 150, and 275. Level 50 buoyancy aids are designed for situations where help is readily available, while Level 150 lifejackets are more versatile and suitable for offshore cruising and motor boating.
Additionally, there are specialized lifejackets available for infants and children.
Always remember that inflatable lifejackets and buoyancy aids are only useful if they function properly. Regularly check and service them according to the manufacturer's instructions.