Life Jackets & PFDs

STAY SAFE IN & AROUND THE WATER WITH PFDs & LIFE JACKETS AT ANACONDA

Anaconda's range of life jackets provide essential safety gear so you and your family can enjoy time around the water with peace of mind. Whether you need an X-large life jacket, a kids' life jacket, a buoyancy vest or other personal flotation device, you can find some of the best safety equipment that comply with Australian standards under one roof at Anaconda. Some models also come with whistles built in to make calling for help and attracting attention much easier. Australia is a paradise surrounded by amazing waterways, so take advantage of Anaconda deals on life jackets and enjoy your water sports to the max!

How To Choose The Right Life Jacket

Inflatable life jackets are rated for different levels or types which determine their buoyancy characteristics, visibility and intended use. Life jackets or PFDs that are primarily designed for smooth waters won't be very effective at keeping your head above water in rough open water or in coastal waters where weather conditions can be unpredictable. Boating safety is essential, and boaties are expected to follow boating safety laws, including wearing appropriate boating life jackets and buoyancy vests at all times while enjoying time on the water.

• Type 1 or Level 100 Life Jackets: Type 1 life jackets have ratings of Level 100 or above. These are an absolute minimum requirement whenever you venture out into open waters where rough weather conditions and the possibility of being stranded are more likely. Like our fishing life jackets, these are also recommended whenever you're boating alone. Compared to lower-rated life jackets, these are bulkier to help keep the body afloat for a considerable amount of time.
  Aside from having inherently higher buoyancy ratings, type 1 PFDs are designed with collars to help keep your head above water even in rough seas and open waters. The design of these inflatable life jackets also helps keep your face up and away from the water even when you're unconscious. High visibility colours and special purpose reflective tape are also used to increase the chances of being spotted by search and rescue teams.
• Type 2 or Level 50 Life Jackets: Type 2 life jackets have a Level 50 rating and are well suited for inland waters or sheltered waters near the land where help is more readily available. PFDs with a Level 50 rating have less inherent buoyancy than those rated at Level 100 or more. Level 50 life jackets are also less bulky, making them more comfortable to wear even in non-emergency situations. Once in the water, however, you'll likely have to actively tread water in order to keep your head above water.
  Using Type 2 PFDs in rough water will be extremely difficult and not recommended. These life jackets are also designed with high visibility colours to make search and rescue efforts much easier. Convenience features like storage pockets and special compartments for hydration bladders are also fairly common across Level 50 life jacket models from different brands.
• Type 3 or Level 50S Life Jackets: Type 3 life jackets with a Level 50S rating have the same buoyancy as Type 2 or Level 50 PFDs, but are not guaranteed to offer features such as high visibility colours and unassisted face up floatation. Nonetheless, what it lacks in safety, it makes up for in comfort and style. Level 50S life jackets typically allow for greater freedom of movement, which makes them an excellent choice for many types of competitive water sports, such as our range of water skiing life jackets. You'll also have more options when it comes to picking out styles, colours and designs ranging from kid-friendly prints to trendy patterns and colour combinations.

Life Jackets & PFDs FAQs

When do you have to wear a life jacket?

In Australia, the rules and regulations surrounding the mandatory wearing of PFD life jackets varies from state to state. Make sure you check your state's regulations on life jackets to ensure you comply in all boating and water sports situations. Ensure you select a life jacket that is compliant for your chosen activity. On the spot fines can apply for not having the right safety gear - but more importantly, you want to make sure you and your passengers are safe in any emergency situation.

How to fit a life jacket

1. Start by checking your size and comparing it to your chosen life jacket. Life jackets are generally sized by weight capacity and chest size (circumference).

2. Test the fit by putting the life jacket on over your clothes, and fastening the buckles. It should fit snugly around your chest and underarms. Your arms should be able to move freely but the life jacket should not lift up when you move.

3. Adjust the fit and test the fit. Adjust the straps until it is snug but comfortable - it should not be too loose or too tights. Test the fit by standing up and jumping up and down, ensuring that the life jacket stays in place and will keep your head above water.

How does a life jacket work?

Life jackets keep you afloat by displacing the water around you to create buoyancy, Life jackets are filled with very light materials that can displace a lot of water compared to its weight.

SHOP ESSENTIAL LIFE JACKETS & WATER SPORTS GEAR AT ANACONDA

Ensure your safety and that of your family with the right life jackets from Anaconda. Our extensive range of life jackets includes boating life jackets, water skiing life jackets, fishing life jackets and kids' life jackets. Explore the extensive selection of PFDs and safety gear online, where you can enjoy the convenience of home delivery or click & collect for your order. You can also shop the range in person at your local Anaconda store, where our friendly and knowledgeable team can help you find everything you need for your water sports activities. Anaconda Adventure Club members also benefit from exclusive deals and membership prices, so if you're not already a member make sure you sign up today!