Life Jackets
A life jacket (PFD or Personal Flotation Device) is a vest designed to keep a person afloat on the water’s surface. PFDs are secured using straps or buckles. The outer part of the vest is typically made of materials like neoprene, nylon, or polyester and is designed to provide buoyancy and support in the water. The inner part usually consists of a foam-like material, such as EPE or PVC.
You can find a variety of life jackets in our online store here >
Life jacket or impact vest
A life jacket keeps a person afloat and turns them onto their back if necessary (face up)
- Very high buoyancy (usually 100N–275N)
- Keeps even an unconscious person’s face out of the water
- Often brightly colored + reflectors + whistle
- Can be inflatable (automatic or manual)
Life jackets are typically used offshore, for boating, and in harsh conditions.
Impact vests protect the body from the impact of falling into the water at high speeds.
- keeps you afloat but does not turn you over and has lower buoyancy, usually 50N
- Soft padding (absorbs impacts)
- Very flexible and close-fitting
Used for activities like wakeboarding, kitesurfing, water skiing, and jet skiing.
Veesport.ee offers 50N buoyancy neoprene impact vests and 50N buoyancy nylon buoyancy vests for adults. There are also 100N life jacket options for children.
Differences between vests
The type of vest you need depends on several factors – the type of water activity, your body shape and size, the need for freedom of movement, and any potential special requirements. Here are some general guidelines for choosing a vest:
- Consider the type of activity. Different life jackets are designed for specific activities, such as boating, wakeboarding, or waterskiing. Choose a vest that suits you. For example, wakeboarding and waterskiing require more freedom of movement than tubing.
- Consider your body shape and size. Life jackets come in different sizes to fit various body types. Choose a vest that fits snugly and comfortably.
- Consider special requirements. Some life jackets are specifically designed for children or people with special needs.
It’s important to choose a life jacket that fits well and is designed for your activity. If the size is wrong or it doesn’t fit properly, the vest can be dangerous. In emergencies, using a life jacket (100N) is recommended – in some countries, it’s even mandatory. Always check local laws regarding buoyancy requirements.
To achieve the perfect fit, we have added several intermediate and plus sizes. These are similar to standard sizes but offer more room around the waist.
How should a vest fit?
- The vest should fit snugly and comfortably. It shouldn’t be too loose or too tight.
Tips for ensuring the correct fit:
- Adjust the straps so the vest fits tightly around the body. The vest should not shift during movement.
- Make sure the vest covers the chest and reaches the waist.
- Check that the armholes are not too large or too small – they should allow freedom of movement but not so much that the vest rides up.
- Raise your arms above your head – the vest should not shift or ride up.
Bonus tip: have a friend stand behind you and pull the vest up from the shoulder straps – if the vest stays roughly in place, it is the right size!
Note that different types of life jackets may fit differently – always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Can life jackets be washed?
Yes, life jackets (PFDs) can generally be washed, but specific instructions depend on the material and type.
General washing instructions:
- Check the care instructions on the vest or the manufacturer’s website. Some life jackets can be machine washed, while others are hand wash only.
- Use lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals, as they can damage the material and reduce buoyancy.
- Rinse the vest thoroughly to remove all soap.
- Allow the vest to air dry completely. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources.
A well-maintained and clean life jacket ensures the required buoyancy and extends the product’s lifespan.
Which life jacket suits me?
Jobe’s range of vests combines comfort and safety. The choice depends on what you need it for and how much flexibility you require. For example, wakeboarding or slalom skiing requires more freedom of movement than sitting on a tube. This is affected by the distribution of foam panels – the more divided the foam panels, the more flexible and comfortable the vest.
All Jobe life jackets have at least 50N buoyancy and are ISO certified. We also offer 100N life jackets, which are officially ISO certified and provide even greater buoyancy. In the American market, 70N is required, so 100N is the best choice there.
Life jackets for dogs
We don’t provide safety only for people, but also for our loyal four-legged friends. Dog life jackets are designed to keep them safe and afloat in water. They are especially useful for dogs that are not strong swimmers, tire quickly, or tend to panic in water.
Remember that a life jacket does not replace supervision – dogs should always be monitored. It is also good to teach basic water safety skills, such as exiting the water and swimming to shore or a boat.
