Author: Baltic Lifejackets

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CHOOSING THE RIGHT LIFEJACKET FOR SAILING

En segelbåt i solnedgången.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT LIFEJACKET

Choosing the right lifejacket for sailing is essential for both safety and comfort on the water. Whether you are heading out for an evening sail in the archipelago or planning a longer journey, a sailing lifejacket is a natural and important part of your onboard equipment.

There are many different types, sizes, and designs of lifejackets for sailing, which can make the choice feel overwhelming. Below are some key things to consider when choosing a lifejacket.

LIFEJACKETS FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF SAILING

Every sailing adventure is different, and so are lifejackets. When sailing, it’s important to choose a lifejacket that is designed for life on board. A sailing lifejacket offers good freedom of movement for the shoulders and upper body. This makes it easier to raise sails, handle ropes, and move safely around the boat. For dinghy sailing and more active sailing, flexibility and low weight are especially important. Longer trips often place higher demands on comfort and practical features.

Safety on the Water

Safety always comes first. All lifejackets from Baltic meet the requirement of at least 50N buoyancy, which is suitable for adults who can swim in sheltered waters. If you sail longer distances or spend time in more open waters and tougher conditions, a lifejacket with higher buoyancy is a wise choice. In these situations, an inflatable lifejacket is often a very good option.

For children and people who cannot swim, a lifejacket with at least 100N buoyancy is always recommended. These jackets help keep the wearer on their back with the airways above the water, which greatly increases safety.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW:Some models are specially designed for more demanding sailing, such as our SLA lifejackets. These often include extra features like a sprayhood, emergency light, and AIS attachment, and are approved according to World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations (OSR). This means they meet strict safety requirements for offshore sailing and longer distances from land, perfect if you want extra peace of mind at sea.

FIT – FOAM OR INFLATABLE LIFEJACKETS

A proper fit is crucial for the lifejacket to work as intended, whether you choose a traditional foam lifejacket or an inflatable model. The jacket should feel secure on the body without being bulky or restrictive.

  • Foam lifejackets should offer the right balance of comfort, ventilation, and freedom of movement.
  • Inflatable lifejackets should sit stable and comfortable even when not inflated.

Many lifejackets are available with or without an integrated safety harness. The harness allows you to attach a safety line and adds extra security, especially when moving on deck in rough conditions. Lifejackets without a harness can be more flexible and easier to adjust, which can be a good choice for motorboating.

Key Features to Look For

Just like other equipment, lifejackets come in both simple and more advanced versions. Think about which features best suit your type of sailing:

  • Pockets: For a phone, energy bars, or other small items.
  • Crotch straps: Help keep the jacket in place, especially important for children and in rough conditions.
  • Safety harness: For attaching a safety line and increasing safety on board, especially on sailboats and in rough seas.
  • SLA: Models with extra equipment such as sprayhood, emergency light, and AIS attachment, approved according to World Sailing OSR.
  • Inflatable lifejacket: High buoyancy with low weight and excellent freedom of movement.
  • Reflectors and whistle: Increase visibility in an emergency.

The best lifejacket is always the one that is actually worn. Choose one that suits your sailing, wear it on board, and enjoy your time on the water.

A smiling girl looking out over the sea from a sailing boat.

Dinghy Sailing

In a dinghy, freedom of movement is everything. Our lifejackets for dinghy sailing are light, flexible, and sit close to the body without getting in the way. Easy adjustments and a smart fit allow you to focus fully on sailing and having fun on the water.

Offshore Sailing

On open water and longer passages, extra safety is essential. Our offshore lifejackets are robust, offer high buoyancy, and include features that increase safety in tougher weather. Comfort and stability help you stay focused on sailing, even when the waves are high.

Leisure Sailing

On holiday, it’s all about feeling safe and comfortable on board. Our lifejackets for leisure sailing are easy to use, comfortable to wear all day, and provide natural freedom of movement, whether you are sailing with family, friends, or enjoying a relaxed trip along the coast. Easy to put on. Easy to enjoy.

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Dinghy Pro lifejacket for dinghy sailing.

DINGHY SAILING

DINGHY PRO

Force 190 Sele SLA flytväst

OFFSHORE

FORCE 190 SELE SLA 

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LEISURE SAILING

ATHENA 165 SELE

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FLOTATION CLOTHES FOR WARMTH AND SAFETY ON THE WATER

En man går på bryggan med en flytväst.

Choosing the right flotation clothing makes a big difference for both safety and your experience on the water. Whether you’re fishing, sailing, or enjoying a day on a motorboat with your family, flotation clothing provides the right combination of warmth and buoyancy. A flotation suit helps keep your body temperature stable if you end up in cold water, while a flotation jacket or vest mainly keeps you warm when you’re on land or in the boat. This way, you get both safety and comfort, wherever you are.

Flotation Suit

A flotation suit covers the entire body, offering both warmth and buoyancy, making it essential for longer periods on the water or when there’s a risk of falling in. It’s approved according to EN ISO 15027-1 for thermal protection. Tests show that body temperature drops by only 1.1°C on average over two hours in 10°C water – a factor that can be critical for survival.

Note: A flotation suit does not automatically turn an unconscious person into a safe position in the water. That’s why we recommend always using it with an inflatable lifejacket to help keep the wearer in a safe position.

FLOTATION JACKET

A flotation jacket is lightweight and flexible, making it ideal for active days on the water. It keeps your upper body warm on land or in the boat, while also providing reliable buoyancy if you end up in the water. The jacket is a great choice when you need comfort and mobility without compromising safety.

FLOTATION VEST

A flotation vest is light and comfortable, making it ideal for active days on the water. It helps keep you warm and provides buoyancy if you fall into the water, while allowing you to move freely on land or in the boat.

Note: All flotation clothing is classified as buoyancy aids, not life jackets.

 

Fit, Care, and Durability

For best performance, flotation clothing should fit well, but not be too tight. Try it on with the clothes you plan to wear underneath.

Rinse the clothing in fresh water once a year or after getting wet. Hang to dry completely and store in a dry place, protected from direct sunlight. Do not tumble dry. Check regularly that the materials and flotation elements are in good condition so it continue to function properly.

With the right flotation clothing, you get both safety and comfort all year – on the water, in the boat, or while fishing.

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