Buoyancy Aids and Life Jackets
Ben Hamilton • 25 November 2025

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Buoyancy Aids and Life Jackets

The RNLI has released a serious warning after a recent rescue of three experienced sailors in Devon. While all three were saved, only one of their lifejackets worked correctly. A recent RNLI survey in the South West of England uncovered a shocking statistic: out of 803 lifejackets checked, 523 had faults.


Based on reporting from the BBC News article.


To help keep paddlers safe on the water we recommended following our guidance on buoyancy and lifejackets as found in our Paddle Safer document 2.2 Buoyancy Aids.


Buoyancy Aids

In most cases of paddlesport activity a buoyancy aid is worn and that regular checks are needed to be carried out to ensure it remains in good working order. Here is some useful information on how to check and maintain your buoyancy aid.


Lifejackets

In some circumstances lifejackets are worn, and that the appropriate checks need to be completed to ensure it remains in good working order.


The RNLI have produced some guidance on 
How to check and maintain your lifejacket.


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