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Zwei Personen auf einem Segelboot tragen weiße Segeljacken und rote automatische Rettungswesten. Eine Frau sitzt an der Seite, ein Mann steht am Steuer und hält das Steuerrad. Im Hintergrund ist ein bewölkter Himmel zu sehen.

Choosing the right life jacket – brands, models and decision-making aids

Life jackets are available from renowned brands such as Secumar, Spinlock, awn, and Marinepool. They vary not only in price, but also in fit, size, and weight class. Choosing one can therefore be challenging, as not every life jacket is equally suitable for every purpose. Among other things, the wearer of the life jacket, the intended use, and the clothing worn underneath are crucial. These factors influence the comfort and safety of the jacket. To make the best choice, it's worth carefully considering your individual requirements and paying attention to quality and a good fit.

About the life jackets
Nahaufnahme des aufgedruckten Logos „awn a.w. niemeyer“ auf einem roten, leicht zerknitterten Stoff – vermutlich eine Rettungsweste.

The importance of the buoyancy class of a life jacket

The buoyancy rating of a lifejacket is measured in Newtons (N) and describes the force with which the jacket keeps a person afloat. Lifejackets are divided into different buoyancy classes, with the intended use playing a greater role than body weight. For offshore sailing, for example, a lifejacket with a buoyancy rating of 275N is recommended, as it provides reliable buoyancy even in rough seas and with heavy clothing. In calmer or shallow waters, however, a lifejacket with lower buoyancy is sufficient. The right choice ensures optimal protection and increases safety on the water.

Discover now: awn automatic lifejacket 275N Black Edition

Our top-selling life jackets

Our tip:

Only purchase certified life jackets with the appropriate markings that indicate a type test has been carried out. These include, among others, the CE mark or the ship's wheel symbol. If the life jacket is marked with a GS test number, this provides proof of regular production monitoring.

Detailansicht einer maritimen Sicherheitsausrüstung – ein dunkelblauer Gurt mit roter Naht und Metallschnallen, vermutlich Teil einer Rettungsweste oder Sicherheitsleine auf einem Boot.

How does a life jacket work?

Life jackets ensure that people remain safely on the surface and their heads above water in the event of a fall. Even if they are unconscious, a properly fitted life jacket will rotate the body into a safe position, keeping the face above water and the airway open. Reliable rotation and the necessary buoyancy depend on several factors, including the buoyancy of the jacket, body weight, clothing worn, and water conditions. A suitable life jacket can therefore save lives and should always be selected according to individual requirements.

What types of life jackets are there?

A variety of life jackets are available for safety on the water, each offering different advantages depending on its intended use. The most common types include the classic solid life jacket, as well as semi-automatic, automatic, and manual life jackets. Each type offers specific features that can be crucial depending on the body of water, activity, and personal needs.

Mehrere farbenfrohe Rettungswesten in Gelb, Orange und Grün hängen ordentlich nebeneinander an einer Reling – bereit für den Einsatz an Bord.

The solid vest – the inexpensive classic

Solid life jackets are filled with closed-cell soft foam, which provides the necessary buoyancy. They offer a simple, reliable safety concept and are usually equipped with bright, high-visibility colors, reflectors, and a whistle to quickly attract attention in an emergency. With a buoyancy rating of 50N to 100N, they are particularly suitable for use in coastal and inland waters. Since they are not designed for extended periods in the water, they are often used as regatta vests or as buoyancy aids for water sports such as kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).

About the solid vests

Our top seller: awn Black edition

awn Regatta Vest 50N Black Edition – Life jacket for SUP, kayak, sailing, canoe, kite – Ergonomic design for optimal freedom of movement - 30 – 90+ kg
Ein älterer Mann mit weißem Haar und Sonnenbrille segelt bei Nebel auf dem offenen Meer. Er trägt eine grün-blaue Rettungsweste und sitzt aufmerksam im Cockpit eines kleinen Segelboots.

Automatic life jackets with automatic release

Automatic life jackets inflate automatically upon contact with water or when manually activated. A gas cartridge fills the buoyancy chambers with air, which automatically turns the wearer into a safe supine position, keeping the airway clear and stabilizing the head. After activation, the gas cartridge must be replaced with an original spare. It is recommended to always have spare cartridges on board to ensure the life jacket is immediately ready for use again.

To the automatic vests
Ein Kind mit Helm, Schwimmweste und bunter Badehose steht auf einem Wakeboard am Rand eines Holzstegs und hält sich an einem Zugseil fest, bereit ins Wasser zu starten. Im Hintergrund sind Bäume und ein See zu sehen.

Life jackets for children – safety with an optimal fit

Children's life jackets must be perfectly tailored to the child's size and weight to provide maximum protection. They are brightly colored to ensure children are highly visible in the water. Available as rigid or automatic life jackets, many models also feature a whistle that the child can use to alert them in an emergency. A well-fitting life jacket is essential to ensure safety and comfort.

To the children's vests
Ein Hund mit mittellangem Fell trägt eine orangefarbene Rettungsweste mit schwarzen Gurten und läuft über einen Holzsteg am Wasser. Im Hintergrund liegt ein Boot mit blau-weißer Bordwand im Hafen.

Life jackets for dogs – safety for your four-legged friends

Pets also need reliable protection on board. AWN's specially designed life jackets for dogs and cats provide optimal buoyancy and increased safety on the water. Thanks to their comfortable fit and practical carrying handles, you can quickly retrieve your pet from the water in an emergency. This way, you can enjoy relaxing trips while your four-legged friend is optimally protected.

To the dog vests