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A life jacket is the most important piece of gear for anyone spending time on the water. West Coast Sailing offers a great selection of comfortable and durable life jackets and bouyancy aids that fit great for both adult and junior sailors.
Shop Sailing Life Jackets from Astral, Rooster, Stohlquist, and Zhik
Best selling sailing life jackets from your favorite brands so you can make the most of your time on the water. Not sure which style is right for you? Check out our guide below.
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Sailing life jackets are an essential part of your apparel kit and the one piece of gear that can truly save your life. The importance of a life vest, especially for kids, is obvious and cannot be taken lightly by anyone who gets on a small sailboat. Be safe and enjoy your time on the water with these comfortable and stylish life jackets. We carry US Coast Guard approved life jackets as well as CE approved Buoyancy Aids and Inflatable PFDs. Options available for men, women, and kids in a variety of styles, colors, and price points, so we have something for every budget.
US Coast Guard Approved Life Jackets
These are US Coast Guard approved, Type III life jackets (sometimes called personal flotation devices or PFDs), and meet all requirements for US Sailing. Type III life jackets are the most common among small boat sailors. They have more foam buoyancy than a buoyancy aid and are designed to keep a person facing upwards in the water, even when unconscious. This is the primary safety benefit over a buoyancy aid and why a proper USCG approved life jacket is recommended for most sailors, particularly youth sailors and those who are poor swimmers.
Buoyancy Aids
Popular in Europe, buoyancy aids are typically lighter and more slim fitting than USCG approved PFDs. They have less foam buoyancy than a proper life jacket and will not keep a person upright in the water if unconscious. These should only be used by experienced swimmers and in conditions where there is access to quick rescue and/or sailing in sheltered water.
Inflatable PFDs
Designed for larger boat sailing, these vests automatically inflate in water. Popular among keelboat and offshore sailors. They are not recommended for dinghy sailors who may more routinely enter the water in the event of a capsize as this will trigger the inflation. They offer similar flotation properties to a standard Type III life jacket.
Pinnies & Spandex Vests
Typically worn over a life jacket or buoyancy aid, these stretchy spandex tops help prevent snags. They are often decorated for team sailing. By no means a required piece of gear, they have become popular among many dinghy sailors to represent clubs and sailing teams.