Do you have to wear a life jacket?
Transportstyrelsen recommends that everyone on board has a correctly sized lifejacket, comparing it to a seatbelt. A lifejacket significantly improves your chances of survival if an accident happens. All lifejackets sold in Sweden and the EU must be CE marked.
Types by buoyancy
| Class | Type | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| 50 N | Buoyancy aid, often called a sailing vest (also fishing, canoe and water-ski vests, flotation jackets, flotation suits) | Competent swimmers only, in sheltered waters with help close at hand |
| 100 N | Life jacket with collar, usually fixed foam buoyancy | Children, non-swimmers and open water where help may take time |
| 150 N | Inflatable life jacket with gas cylinder and lifting loop | When you need freedom of movement; requires regular servicing |
| 275 N | Life jacket with the highest buoyancy, its own part of the standard | See the manufacturer's instructions for intended use |
The number indicates buoyancy in newtons. A person needs 20–30 N of extra buoyancy to stay afloat. Only life jackets help turn you face-up in the water. All life jackets have reflective tape and a whistle, and 100 N jackets must be yellow, orange or red.
Marking: CE and EN ISO 12402
Life jackets are tested to the EN ISO 12402 standard, which has separate parts for different types. The standard's number and which part the jacket complies with must be shown on the label. Class 275 life jackets are covered in part 2 (SS-EN ISO 12402-2).
Choose the right one
- Children and adults who can't swim should wear a lifejacket.
- Inflatable jackets are only for people who can swim.
- Choose based on weight, waters and activity – the jacket must fit well and be comfortable, otherwise it won't be worn.
- On boats with jackline or tether points: use a harness or a buoyancy aid with a built-in attachment.
- A flotation suit both keeps you warm and provides buoyancy.
Check inflatable life jackets
Several accidents have involved lifejackets that failed to inflate in the water. Inflatable lifejackets are the most technically complex and need regular servicing and inspection. Check before each season and before use:
- that the gas cylinder is intact and screwed in firmly,
- that the automatic firing mechanism is intact,
- that the bladder is airtight and the buckles are intact.
Follow the manufacturer's service intervals. A lifejacket with fixed foam buoyancy (100 N) is a good alternative if you don't want to follow a strict service schedule.
Also remember that an inflated lifejacket makes it harder to swim and climb back aboard. It's worth practising getting out of the water with a lifejacket on.
Before the season
Go over the life jackets when you do your spring commissioning: right number and sizes, intact buckles and checked cylinders. See also the spring commissioning checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Which life jacket should I choose, 100 N or 150 N?
100 N with solid foam buoyancy suits children, non-swimmers and anyone who doesn't want to service an inflatable vest. 150 N is inflatable, gives better freedom of movement but needs regular servicing and should only be used by swimmers.
What does 275 N mean?
Lifejacket with the highest buoyancy class. It has its own part in the standard, SS-EN ISO 12402-2.
Does the life jacket have to be CE-marked?
Yes. All life jackets sold in Sweden and the EU must be CE marked.
Can children use an inflatable life jacket?
No, inflatable buoyancy aids should only be used by people who can swim. Children should wear a lifejacket.
Sources
- Använd flytväst, Transportstyrelsen transportstyrelsen.se
- Säkra flytvästar, Konsumentverket konsumentverket.se
- SS-EN ISO 12402-2:2020 Räddningsvästar klass 275, SIS sis.se