| A buoyancy aid is a specialist flotation device | | | | and maximize his/her safety as well. |
| designed primarily with the needs of dinghy sailing | | | | A further point worthy of mention is that many |
| and small boat sailing (such as kayaking and | | | | buoyancy aids now come equipped with elasticised |
| canoeing) in mind. Thus it is designed so as the | | | | sides and adjustable shoulder straps, such as the |
| free movement of the kayaker or boater is | | | | Crewsaver CSR Buoyancy Aid Adult jacket. This |
| minimized to the least possible extent. | | | | is an added advantage and the jacket may be |
| When selecting a buoyancy aid, it is VITAL | | | | adjusted to optimize safety and comfort of the |
| that it must be appropriate for the user’s | | | | user. |
| physique and the nature of the undertaking, | | | | Weight Range. The weight range is a concern |
| (i.e.-freshwater kayaking requirements may vary | | | | for reasons very similar to the above, thus, in |
| quite significantly from a sea fishing expedition | | | | order to provide information for prospective |
| requirements.) Buoyancy aids come with a set of | | | | buyers on which life jacket will have the ability to |
| specifications and the standards which they | | | | support their body weight, some online buoyancy |
| adhere to. Some of the main specifications are | | | | aids dealing sites mention the size charts including |
| - Chest size | | | | the body weight specifications as well. |
| - Weight range. | | | | Special care needs to be taken when choosing a |
| Almost all manufacturers will provide this | | | | child’s buoyancy aid as if it is too loose the |
| information, and it may be printed upon the | | | | child may slip out of the jacket during an |
| buoyancy aid itself. | | | | emergency. |
| Taking each of the specifications in more detail, | | | | Recent developments in technology has added |
| Chest. The chest size is a vital | | | | new extra features and has even taken |
| factor of selecting a buoyancy aid, as the proper | | | | ergonomics into consideration and have produced |
| fit of the aid is a vital part of the safety | | | | innovative designs like the dinghy sailing-high cut |
| assurance. Without achieving a proper fit the sailor | | | | and fleece lined hand warmer pockets. For |
| might feel discomfort if the jacket is tight around | | | | specialized sailing, such as competitive sailing, |
| the chest and his movements may be impeded. | | | | advanced buoyancy aids such as the Gill |
| This may lead to a poor sailing experience and | | | | Compressor Vests are available. This is a |
| may even serve to exacerbate the risk the sailor | | | | non-restrictive, streamlined and low bulk CE |
| faces as an ill fitting jacket may even impede his | | | | approved buoyancy aid offering the wearer a |
| ability to avoid dangerous situations. And in the | | | | complete range of motion and optimal comfort. |
| other extreme, a loose fitting buoyancy aid too | | | | Before you decide on buying a buoyancy aid, |
| big for the user has a risk of actually slipping off | | | | please check up on a range of buoyancy aids, and |
| during an emergency! To avoid this sort of | | | | which one will suit your specifications the best, |
| incident, high quality buoyancy aid manufacturers | | | | visit your local sailing store which can offer you |
| feature Size Charts which enables users to select | | | | quality advice on choosing and using these aids, or |
| which size aid can optimize his/her performance | | | | visit an online store for more convenience. |