Basics

Functionality: Life jackets are designed to provide buoyancy to keep a person afloat in the water. They typically contain materials such as foam or inflatable chambers that help the wearer remain on the surface.

Types of Life Jackets:

• Foam Life Jackets: Offer permanent buoyancy without the need for inflation.
• Automatic Inflatable Life Jackets: Automatically inflate upon contact with water, providing buoyancy via inflatable air chambers.
• Manual Inflatable Life Jackets: Require the wearer to manually activate inflation, also using air chambers for buoyancy.
  
  

Fit and Adjustment:
Life jackets should fit snugly to ensure effective buoyancy support, while still allowing freedom of movement. Adjustable straps help customize the fit to the individual body shape.

Areas of Use:

• Professional applications, such as rescue services, fishing vessels, and offshore work platforms.​
• Water sports like sailing, kayaking, rowing, and jet skiing.
• Recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating.
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Maintenance 

Life jackets should be regularly checked for damage. After use, rinse with fresh water and allow to air dry. Inflatable life jackets require regular inspection of the inflation mechanism and CO₂ cartridge.

Information Sheet from Fachverbandes Seenot-Rettungsmittel:

Download:

Legal Requirements

In many countries, the use of life jackets is legally required—especially for children and in certain types of boats or water-based activities. It’s essential to be aware of and comply with these regulations. 
Life jackets are essential safety equipment for anyone spending time in, on, or near the water. They can save lives by keeping individuals afloat until help arrives.

How to Choose the Right Life Jacket

To select the most suitable life jacket for your specific needs, consider the following tips:

• What is the intended use or environment?
• How much buoyancy is required?
• Do you need any additional accessories?
  
  

The FSR provides guidance on these key questions

A life jacket is the most important piece of personal protective equipment for safety onboard. 
In this video the Fachverband Seenot Rettungsmittel e.V. explains:

• How to select the right life jacket model?
• How emergency transmitters can be integrated into life jackets?
• Why buying used life jackets, especially via eBay, can be risky?
• The importance of regular maintenance intervals?
• What issues can arise with materials and mechanisms due to aging—and the potential risks in emergencies?