Sailing Life Jackets & Buoyancy Aids

Buoyancy Aids for Dinghy Sailing, Kayaking and Paddlesports

For club sailors and racers, Gill and Zhik buoyancy aids lead the range. The Gill Pursuit Pro Racer is the classic low-profile pull-on, while Zhik's Performance Racecut is cut specifically for racing sailors who want minimal bulk through the shoulders. For foiling and high-speed classes, the Zhik Kollition X adds impact protection to its 50N flotation.

Crewsaver buoyancy aids cover the widest spread of sailors, from the entry-level Response and Sport through to the snug-fitting Pro 50N, all available in adult and junior sizes. For paddlers, the Aztron and Aqua Marina flotation vests are built with kayaking and SUP in mind, with large arm cutaways and front entry that make them easy to live in at the water's edge.

Choosing Between a Life Jacket and a Buoyancy Aid

A 50N buoyancy aid supports a conscious swimmer while leaving you free to sail, paddle and climb back aboard, which makes it the right choice for active watersports in sheltered water. But a life jacket (150N and above, sometimes called a life preserver or PFD) will turn an unconscious wearer face up, which makes it the right choice for coastal and offshore sailing, and for anyone who isn't a confident swimmer.

Not sure what you need? Our buoyancy aid buying guide covers ratings, fit and sizing in full.

Kids' Life Jackets and Buoyancy Aids

Childrens' buoyancy aids need to fit the kid they're on, not the kid they'll grow into in a few months. A loose aid can ride up over a young swimmer's head in the water, so buy the size they are now. Use the lift test: straps done up, lift firmly from the shoulders, and if it rises more than 5cm then it's too big. Junior versions of the Crewsaver Pro and Sport come with crotch straps fitted as standard to keep everything where it should be, and the Yak Delta 50N is a solid junior option for paddling and general watersports.

Adult sizes start from around 40kg body weight, so older teenagers may fit adult small.

Shop similar collections: Sailing Gloves | Sailing Wetsuits | Sailing Drysuits | Sailing Shorts | Thermal Base Layers

Life Jackets & Buoyancy Aids FAQs

Do you have to wear a life jacket on a sailboat?

UK law does not legally require adults to wear sailing life jackets at all times, but the RYA and most offshore racing rules strongly recommend or mandate them in specific conditions. Wearing one is always the responsible choice, particularly offshore or in cold water.

What is a SOLAS approved life jacket?

A SOLAS approved life jacket meets the international Safety of Life at Sea convention standards, requiring a minimum of 150N buoyancy with the ability to turn an unconscious wearer face up within five seconds. These are mandatory on commercially registered vessels and many offshore racing yachts.

What size life jacket does my child need?

Match their current body weight and chest measurement to the manufacturer's size chart, never a size up for growing room. Junior buoyancy aids typically cover 30 to 40kg, and crotch straps are worth having for younger children as they stop the aid riding up. If it lifts more than 5cm at the shoulders when strapped in, it doesn't fit.

How long does a buoyancy aid last?

There's no fixed expiry on a foam buoyancy aid, but the foam and stitching degrade with UV, salt and general wear, so most sailors replace them every few years of regular use. Rinse yours in fresh water after each session, dry it out of direct sunlight, and check the buckles and seams before each season. If the foam has gone hard or the fabric is tearing, retire it.

Which buoyancy aid brands do you stock?

Gill and Zhik for performance dinghy sailing, Crewsaver across club, training and junior use, and Aztron and Aqua Marina for kayaking and SUP. All 50N rated, all ISO 12402-5 certified, with adult and kids' sizes across the range.