Water Safety In Summer: Life Jackets and Buoyancy Aids
Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or you’re just starting to explore outdoor watersports, it's always important to brush up on your water safety. Life jackets, buoyancy aids and tow floats can be lifesaving, so we’ll take you through best practice using this equipment to stay safe in outdoor water this summer.
Paddle Boarding
Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Boarding has become much more popular over the recent years, and it’s a great way to explore calmer lakes and stiller waters. Ranging from completely beginner friendly boards with a wider base and thicker body, to more elite level and streamlined equipment, it can offer an experience for everyone.
When paddle boarding it is easy to wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid. It doesn’t restrict your range of motion too much and makes a big difference if you unexpectedly fall into the water, which can be more common among people who are learning but can occur at any skill level. We recommend the Helly Hansen Rider Vest Buoyancy Aid. With a high range of motion it gives you the ability to easily move your body, yet is certified to international safety standards. It keeps you safe without compromising your experience.
Kayaking and Canoeing
Kayaking and canoeing are great ways to explore the local lakes and scenery, while staying close to the water’s surface. With the ability to paddle in groups, it can also be a great day out for families or larger groups looking for a fun activity in The Lake District summertime. Usually when hiring kayaks or canoes, buoyancy aids are provided for you. However, if you’re bringing your own equipment, it is vital to remember to also wear a buoyancy aid.
We have watersports specific recommendations, ranging from adult to youth sizes. If you’re taking a young person onto the water, they will need a smaller buoyancy aid to fit their specific needs. We recommend the Jobe Neoprene Vest Youth for children who are going out onto the water, provided they have basic swimming skills. We recommend the Jobe Neoprene Vest for adults, which comes in both a women’s and men’s specific fit.
Sailing
There are many opportunities, especially on Lake Windermere, to hire sailing boats provided you have a certain experience level and qualifications. Whether you’re going out onto the water with friends or family, it’s important to wear the right kit to keep everyone safe, regardless of experience level.
For recreational use, we recommend the Crewsaver Crewfit 165N Sport Manual Life Jacket for adults. Given that this is a life jacket, it will keep you buoyant and is designed to turn you onto your back even if unconscious. It is the least restrictive, and is a safety essential when recreationally sailing or boating. There is also a youth version, the Jobe Comfort Boating Life Vest Yellow, giving a full cover life jacket that is brightly coloured with an attached whistle for full safety even in the water.
Outdoor Swimming
Outdoor swimming in The Lake District is beautiful, and in the warmer summer months it becomes more popular than ever. Taking in the scenic views while cooling off after a long walk is an amazing experience, and one that many people seek out in the summertime. If you’re a new swimmer it is highly recommended to stay close to the shoreline, and whatever your level we always recommend to swim with an experienced buddy.
It can be difficult to swim with a buoyancy aid or life jacket, as they often keep swimmers too buoyant in the water which prevents them from being able to move through the water efficiently. While this is true, it is still essential to have some form of buoyancy aid with you, so we recommend the Swim Secure Tow Float Elite. This not only makes you more visible to boats or kayaks, but provides a way for you to rest and float with minimal effort in case of an injury or unforeseen fatigue.
Dog Life Jacket
Taking your furry friends onto the water can be lots of fun, and a great experience for your dog. It wouldn’t be a family trip without them!
It’s still important that they get the same level of care and attention to safety as everyone else, especially as lakes can be colder than the water your dog may be used to. Suitable for paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, and trips to the lake shore, the Crewsaver Pet Float helps to keep all of your family safe whether in or around the water.
