Safety requirements have been brought into the marine legislation to keep you safe and prevent the number of drownings every year. Even if you are an excellent swimmer, you could still be caught in an unknown situation where a life jacket will save your life.

Personal Flotation Devices (PFD)

PFDs are a legal safety requirement for everyone that participates in boating or water sport activities. Three different types are Australian Standard Approved. Ensure that your life jacket meets the conditions before heading out on the boat.

Level 50s (PDF Type 3)

These jackets are commonly used for watersports, waterskiing, wakeboarding, wakesurfing, tubing, and other activities behind the boat. Designed for smooth water, they will cover you for most lakes, rivers, and damns. Level 50s tend to be lighter and less bulky. That is why they are ideal for waterskiers and wakeboarders, as the vest does not restrict their movement—intended for individuals in enclosed waters close to the shore or bank.

Level 50 (PDF Type 2)

Level 50 is very similar to Level 50s. However, not only can they be used in smooth water but also partially smooth waterways. These jackets can also be used in open channels, ideal for freestyle jet ski riders. The significant difference between Level 50 and Level 50s is the colour of the life jacket. Level 50s can be any color, whereas Level 50 has to be bright, such as red, yellow, or orange over the shoulders.

Level 100 & 150 (PDF Type 1)

Level 100 is the minimum requirement for general coastal use and shouldn't be used for towable watersports as they provide high buoyancy and head support, thus are more restricting. Further, they are not suitable for high impact at speeds, therefore watersports are not ideal for Level 100 PDFs and over. They are designed for offshore and coastal use, and they help turn the user into a face-up position.

Having a life vest that fits you correctly is crucial to your safety. We have all the sizing details in the descriptions of our life jackets online for you to double-check before purchasing. As a general rule, when you put on your vest, you should have roughly 5-10cm to zip it up. Most life jackets are neoprene and stretch when they get wet, thus it should be tight-fitting on land, and once you enter the water, the stretch will give way slightly, and you will be comfortable all day. You do not want your life jacket riding up when you are swimming. This indicates that it is too big, or you need to do the bottom buckle up tighter. To ensure you are getting the right life vest for you, come into Auski, and we can help you get fitted correctly with one of our experienced team members.