LIFE JACKETS

 

Floating life jackets conform to the EN ISO 12402 standard as Personal Buoyancy Devices – life jackets and flotation aids for special needs. The life jackets used by boaters meet the minimum buoyancy standard of 50 N. They require the user to swim and, by their own movements, maintain a face-up position.

The law mandates the use of a life jacket for school trips, for children under 15 years, and on rivers with WW2 conditions or heavier. We strongly recommend that everyone, even in winter, on very cold water, on large bodies of water, on gentle rivers, when navigating weirs, during high water levels, and when traveling with children, wears a life jacket. Remember that a life jacket frees your hands and aids in rescuing people or objects. Water may carry you away, but the foam beneath a weir won’t support even a good swimmer. Swimming in wild water is entirely different from swimming in a pool.

A life jacket will only help if it is properly sized for your body and securely fastened. An unfastened life jacket will get in your way and float away. Besides assisting with swimming, it also protects you from impacts against the bottom and rocks. In cold weather, a life jacket provides excellent insulation against hypothermia.

Do not use a life jacket as a cushion for your seat – the foam meant to provide buoyancy will become compressed when wet, significantly reducing its buoyancy.

For canoes and rafts, we use longer life jackets; for kayaks, a shorter life jacket – one that ends above the waist. For children who have not yet learned to swim properly, a life jacket with a strap between the legs and a collar is recommended. There are even special life jackets for dogs.

In our rental, we offer life jackets from the Hiko brand.

 

CLASSIC LIFE JACKET

A classic, simple life jacket suitable for touring on canoes and rafts on rivers up to WW2 conditions. It features a front zipper closure and a lower strap, with one or two tightening straps on the sides. Life jackets are available in 4 sizes:

XXL: height over 190 cm, chest circumference over 110 cm, waist circumference over 90 cm, buoyancy 50 N
L-XL: height 180–190 cm, chest 100–110 cm, waist 80–100 cm, buoyancy 50 N
S-M: height 150–180 cm, chest 80–100 cm, waist 60–80 cm, buoyancy 40 N
XS: height 120–150 cm, chest 60–80 cm, waist 50–70 cm, buoyancy 35 N


CHILD LIFE JACKET

A child’s life jacket should be designed to help the child turn over onto their back, with a collar that keeps the head above water. It fastens on the front with two straps and a crotch strap to prevent the child from slipping out. Do not underestimate the importance of fastening it – it is vital for safety. The bright orange color will help you quickly locate the child in the water. Child life jackets are available in 3 sizes:

I: weight up to 15 kg, height 80–105 cm, buoyancy 30 N
II: weight 15–30 kg, height 100–130 cm, buoyancy 40 N
III: weight 30–40 kg, height 125–150 cm, buoyancy 50 N


CINCH LIFE JACKET

A short life jacket suitable for wild water for kayakers, canoeists, and rafters. The zipper closure and front fasteners allow for comfortable donning. You can easily adjust the proper fit by tightening the straps on the shoulders and sides. The jacket fits well, allows free movement, and is very durable. A small camera and snack can easily fit in the front pockets. You can also rent a chest safety strap with an attachment loop – which is not standard on these jackets! Cinch life jackets are available in 2 sizes:

L-XL: height 170–190 cm, chest 100–110 cm, waist 80–100 cm, buoyancy 70 N
S-M: height 150–180 cm, chest 80–100 cm, waist 60–80 cm, buoyancy 50 N


DOG LIFE JACKET

A simple life jacket for dogs with a handle on the back for easy grip when lifting out of the water. We offer these jackets in 3 sizes:

L: for large breeds – e.g., Bernese Mountain Dog
M: for medium breeds – e.g., Border Collie
S: for small breeds – e.g., Fox Terrier