Do I need to wear a Life Jacket when I am Kayaking or Stand up Paddleboarding?
Life Jacket Requirements whilst on a SUP or Kayak
A stand up paddle board is not a vessel and so you are not required to wear a life jacket.
With Kayaking or Canoeing, on 1 November 2010, new compulsory life jacket requirements came into effect. Life jackets are required to be worn in the following circumstances and this covers kayaks and canoes:
Children Less then 12 years of age:
- Required to wear an appropriate life jacket at all times. This can be a Type 1, Type 2 or Type 3.
Any Person over 12 years of age:
- Required to wear a life jacket on enclosed waters more than 100 metres from shore.
- On open (coastal) waters, including when crossing a coastal bar or on white water at all times.
- This can be a Type 1, Type 2 or Type 3.
What is a Life Jacket Type 1, 2 or 3:
Type 1– Designed for the highest level of safety and for use on open waters, Level 100+ (also known as Type 1) lifejackets provide extra buoyancy, keeping the wearer’s head above the water even if unconscious.
Type 2 – A Level 50 (also known as Type 2) life jacket is designed to keep a conscious person afloat, suitable for boating on sheltered waters where help is generally close at hand. These lifejackets are considered to be more comfortable than a Type 1 life jacket and usually a bright colour which make search and rescue easier.
Type 3 The Level 50S (also known as Type 3) has the same buoyancy characteristics of Type 2 lifejackets, but without the highly visible colours. These lifejackets provide great comfort and style. Best used where help or the shoreline is nearby.
Do not compromise your safety by buying an un-certified life jacket. We only sell Yak and Ultra brand products which are Australian standard approved and designed to keep you safe and comfortable.
For more information about Life Jacket regulations you can visit Maritime NSW for the most current information.
We stock Inflatable Life Jackets and Yak 50N Kayaking Life Jackets.
Tags: Life Jacket Kayaking
