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