Life jacket: How to choose the best in 2022

today we are going to talk about the lifejacket, an equipment that guarantees your safety in water sports and leisure activities. Choosing a good life jacket involves analyzing the context in which the equipment will be used.

You can find your own models for fresh, salt water and sports. In this article we will share tips on how to choose the ideal life vest model, teach you the correct way to put the equipment on and give some shopping suggestions.

First, the most important

• The first thing you need to understand is that in an accident it doesn’t matter if you know how to swim well, what will protect you is the life jacket.
• The life jacket can be orange, yellow or red. The striking color serves to locate you from a long distance.
• It is essential that the life jacket is suitable for your weight. The models are available in five sizes, from PP to GG, and serve people up to 150 kg.

Buying Guide

has 8,000 km of coastline and 35,000 km of rivers, one of the most extensive shipping areas in the world. And the tropical climate encourages use throughout the year.

To have fun on a boat, by the sea or on a river, the use of life jackets is essential. But, did you know that there are several models of life jackets? Check out this and other information in this Buying Guide.

What are the advantages of a life jacket?

The life jacket is a personal flotation device (DFP) that allows a person to keep floating in the water in an emergency or water accident.

The use of this equipment is mandatory, whether to sail (in small, medium and large vessels) or to practice water sports.

The main safety items of the life jacket are: reflective tapes, signal lights, rescue loop (used to lift castaways), whistle and castaway cable (used to connect people adrift).

The vest also has ribbons on the waist, chest and neck, used to adjust the vest so that the equipment does not generate discomfort or leave the body in the event of a sudden fall.

Benefits

• Models in five categories, with different indications for use
• Sizes vary from PP to GG
• The vest has no expiration date
• It is relatively inexpensive equipment

Disadvantages

• Some people have trouble attaching the vest
• Some models limit arm movements

What are the different lifejacket models?

Life jackets are classified into five categories, which vary according to the area of ​​navigation and indication of use.

This model should be used to navigate the ocean, whether  or international waters. Class I vest is generally used on oil platforms and transatlantic crossings.

The vest has the following safety items: collar, reflective stickers, signal light, rescue strap, castaway cable and whistle.

The collar leaves the castaway with the chest up and prevents an unconscious person from facing the water, avoiding drowning.

There are two models in this classification: “canga” (square) and “lab coat” (must be dressed like a jacket). Both models have the same performance and buoyancy, but the “lab coat” is more comfortable.

In both models, the mandatory safety items are: collar, reflective stickers and whistle.

It is indicated for people who work in situations of risk of falling in the water as workers who repair boats, build bridges, among other activities.

This model is manufactured to be used for long periods. Safety items vary according to the activity and risks that the worker will be subjected to.

For each of these activities, there is an appropriate model. Mandatory safety items vary from model to model, depending on the sport.

How much does a life jacket cost?

The price of a life jacket varies depending on the model:

• • Class I: on average R $ 290
  • Class II: on average R $ 45
  • Class III: between R $ 30 and R $ 35
  • Class IV: from R $ 90 to R $ 10
  • Class V: On average R $ 120

Did you know that on average 17 people drown each day in  This number is frightening, and these accidents can be avoided by wearing a life jacket for certain activities.

Where to buy a life jacket?

You can buy the life jacket at sporting goods stores You can also find a wide variety of models on Amazon.

Purchase Criteria: Factors for comparing lifejacket models

Knowing how to buy a life jacket will ensure much more safety in your aquatic leisure activities. To choose the ideal model, you must analyze the following characteristics:

• Model
• Material
• Size
• homologation

Check each item in detail below.

Model

Life jackets are classified according to where they will be used:

• Class I: use in open sea (national and international waters).
• Class II: navigation close to the coast (up to 200 miles / 320 kilometers).
• Class III: use in rivers, lakes and dams.
• Class IV: for those who work in situations where there is a risk of falling into the water.
• Class V: to practice water sports.

Material

The life jacket can be made of nylon or neoprene. Both offer the same level of security, but there are some differences between them.

The nylon vest is affordable. The equipment is cold, a good thing if the water is hot, but a disadvantage if the water is cold.

The Neoprene vest is manufactured with the same material used in diving suits, a type of rubber, which offers comfort, freedom of movement and has an isothermal function.

 

Size

It is essential to buy a life jacket with the right size for your body weight. The maximum limit of a vest comprises the diameter of the belt with the fasteners fitted.

• Size P: Must be used by children up to 25 kg.
• PP size: Must be used by children weighing between 25 and 35 kg.
• Size M: suitable for people between 35 and 55 kg.
• Size G: Must be used by people from 55 to 110 kg.
• Size GG: Ideal for people between 110 and 150 kg.

The minimum and maximum weight ranges are determined by the Engineering Department of the

Navy.

homologation

Require the DPC homologation certificate.

When buying a life jacket, require the approval certificate from the DPC (Directorate of Ports and Coast), an organ linked to the Navy. This is the guarantee that the vest has passed the performance and resistance tests required by the Navy.

Manufacturers are required to provide a copy of the certificate. You can also check this information on the website.