Life jackets and buoyancy aids

[DavidofMersea]

I needed a life jacket / buoyancy aid, as I am not a good swimmer, I bought a 100N Life Jacket.

I checked the Life jacket/buoyancy aid my 7 year old granddaughter was wearing, and I discovered that although it was 50N, it was marked as a buoyancy aid.

My question is this - As my granddaughter weighs about a quarter of my weight, why isn't her child size garment, marked as a life jacket?

Both garments are foam filled

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[SilverBreeze]

You might find some explanations here:
http://www.glenans-ireland.com/Resources/safety/lifejackets.htm


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[Solitaire]

The term lifejacket gets misused. Really anything under 150 newtons and that does not turn the wearer face up is a bouyancy aid. Have a look Boating is <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.powerboattraininguk.co.uk>Serious Fun

 

[Amphitrite]

Well, for an adult anything else than a 275N jacket can not be recommended. I recently took part in a survival training with the German Navy. When I jumped into the water face first with a normal 150N jacket and normal oilies, I just floated on my face, I didn't turn at all. So the experts advice was: Buy a 275 N jacket if you are out sailing in anything more than shorts and t-shirt, or it won't turn you when unconscious!!! Additionally, a hood is strongly recommended, as when you are in the water unconscious, your face turns towards the waves and you swallow more water than you imagine!

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