Flatwater: Protective equipment
Paddle Australia recommends that all participants wear an appropriate Lifejacket. The construction of which must always meet or exceed Australian Standards for Lifejackets Level 50 while on the water.
Lifejackets should be the correct size for the wearer and be adjusted correctly whilst on the water.
Level 50 has less buoyancy than a Level 100 Lifejacket and may not rotate you to a “face up” floating position. Normally used for sailing, waterskiing, paddling, windsurfing and on personal watercraft. Level 50 Lifejackets are made in bright safety colours such as yellow and orange.
Level 50s has a similar buoyancy as Level 50 Lifejacket but is manufactured in a wider range of colours such as black and blue. Favoured by water skiers and Personal Water Craft PWC riders.
Level 100 is designed to keep you in a safe “face up” floating position. They are not a practical choice for paddle sports due to the bulk of the jackets as well as the collar and length.
Inflatable Lifejackets are not considered suitable. They provide no buoyancy without action by the wearers, who may be incapacitated and therefore unable to inflate them.
