Do you have to wear a life jacket?
No. No law says you must wear a lifejacket in a leisure boat, but Transportstyrelsen recommends that everyone on board has a correctly sized lifejacket. The Riksdag has voted down motions for mandatory lifejackets. Transportstyrelsen compares the lifejacket to a seatbelt: your chances of survival are much better if an accident happens. All lifejackets sold in Sweden and the EU must be CE marked.
Manuals and care advice for common lifejackets from Baltic, Spinlock and others are under Equipment: Safety.
Types by buoyancy
| Class | Type | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| 50 N | Buoyancy aid, often called a sailing vest (also fishing, canoe and waterski vests, flotation jackets, flotation suits) | Swimmers only, in calm water with help close at hand |
| 100 N | Lifejacket with collar, usually solid foam | Children, non-swimmers and open water where help may take time |
| 150 N | Inflatable lifejacket with gas cylinder and lifting loop | When you need to move freely. Must be serviced regularly |
| 275 N | Lifejacket with the highest buoyancy, its own part of the standard | What the manufacturer specifies |
The number is the buoyancy in newtons. A person needs 20 to 30 N extra to stay afloat. Only lifejackets turn you face up in the water. All lifejackets have reflectors and a whistle, and a 100 N 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 lifejackets are only for swimmers.
- Choose by weight, waters and what you do on board. A lifejacket that chafes or is too warm ends up left in the locker.
- On boats with jackline fittings, use a harness or a buoyancy aid with a built-in attachment point.
- A flotation suit gives both warmth and buoyancy.
Check inflatable life jackets
There have been several accidents where the life jacket did not inflate in the water. Inflatable life jackets are the most complex type and must be serviced. Do this during spring commissioning and before you put the jacket on:
- Check that the gas cylinder is intact and screwed in firmly.
- Check that the automatic firing mechanism is intact.
- Check that the bladder is airtight and that the buckles hold.
- Count the life jackets so there is one in the right size for everyone coming aboard.
Follow the manufacturer's service intervals. If you want to avoid servicing, choose a life jacket with fixed buoyancy foam (100 N).
With an inflated jacket it is harder to swim and climb back into the boat. Practise getting aboard with the jacket on. 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.
Is it a legal requirement to wear a lifejacket in a leisure boat?
No. There is no such requirement for adults in leisure boats. The Swedish Transport Agency still recommends that everyone on board has a correctly sized life jacket, and children and non-swimmers should wear a lifejacket with a collar.
Sources
- Använd flytväst, Transportstyrelsen transportstyrelsen.se
- Säkra flytvästar, Konsumentverket konsumentverket.se
- Motion 2017/18:249 Obligatorisk flytväst i fritidsbåt (avslagen), Sveriges riksdag riksdagen.se
- SS-EN ISO 12402-2:2020 Räddningsvästar klass 275, SIS sis.se