Frequently asked questions

The buoyancy of a lifejacket is expressed in Newtons. This is the performance category of the lifejacket: the higher the number of Newtons, the more buoyancy and the higher the performance level.

The Newton category shows what the lifejacket is suitable and safe for: which sailing area and which type of clothing. Want to know more? Take a look at the categories.

Buoyancy aid (50N) – A buoyancy aid gives you extra buoyancy, making it easier to stay afloat. It will not turn you onto your back automatically, so you need to be able to swim and be conscious to keep your head above water. A buoyancy aid is intended for competent swimmers in sheltered water where help is close at hand, and it gives you plenty of freedom of movement. Think canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, water skiing or dinghy sailing.

Lifejacket (100N, 150N and 275N) – A lifejacket is designed to turn you onto your back and keep your mouth and nose above water, even if you are unconscious or unable to swim. The higher the number of Newtons, the better the lifejacket does this, even in heavier clothing and rougher water. A lifejacket always has a collar that supports your head.

In short: a buoyancy aid helps you float, while a lifejacket can save your life when you are unable to help yourself. If in doubt, choose a lifejacket. Take a look at the categories to see which one suits you.

Weight – You weigh much less in the water, so your weight matters less than you might think. That said, we do give the sizes of our lifejackets by weight.

Use – What matters more is where and how you use the lifejacket. Do you sail in fair weather on inland waters, where help is quickly at hand and you want plenty of freedom of movement? Or do you sail at sea, in full sailing gear and in tough conditions? That makes a big difference to your choice.

Clothing – Air can get trapped in heavy, waterproof clothing, for example in the legs and on the back. The lifejacket then needs more buoyancy to turn you onto your back. Do you wear heavy sailing or work clothing? Then we recommend a 275N lifejacket.

Take a look at the categories and products for a full overview, or browse the Leisure brochure and the Professional brochure.

The basic advice is the same as when choosing by weight, use and clothing. In addition, looser clothing can trap more air, which can affect how the lifejacket performs. We therefore recommend a 275N lifejacket.

Fit – For a good fit, the length of the waist strap is important. Besto has special lifejackets with an extended waist strap. Get in touch with us for personal advice.

For children, a good fit is even more important than the weight range shown on the lifejacket.

• Put the lifejacket on your child and adjust the chest strap properly: you should still be able to fit two fingers between the strap and their body.
• The lifejacket must fasten above the crotch strap and fit snugly below it.
• Check that the lifejacket fits closely and is not too loose.

Here's how to choose the right size: see the explanation in our brochure.

We strongly advise against it. In a lifejacket that is too big, your child can slip out and the lifejacket can ride up over the body. This means it works less effectively: for example, the mouth may not come far enough above the water. That is dangerous.

Foam lifejacket (recommended up to age 5–6)

• Practically maintenance-free and no service needed.
• The bright colour is easy to spot, so you can always keep an eye on your child.
• Modern foam lifejackets are light and comfortable to wear.
• The buoyancy is there straight away, and your child can still swim in it.

Inflatable lifejacket (from 15 kg)

• Inflates automatically in the water, brings your child to the surface and turns them onto their back.
• Better turning ability thanks to active inflation.
• It is not possible to swim in an inflated lifejacket.
• Can feel a little stiffer and heavier on small children.
• It is still a technical product, so it is less suitable for the very youngest children, and it needs a service at least every 2 years.

Also take a look at the foam or inflatable overview in our brochure.

Please note: never let your child wear a disposable nappy under a lifejacket; always use a swim nappy. A disposable nappy soaks up water and can prevent the lifejacket from turning your child onto their back properly.

• Foam lifejackets: up to 15 years.
• Inflatable lifejackets: up to 10 years. If you have the lifejacket serviced by us every year from its 11th year, you can use it for up to 15 years. We no longer service lifejackets older than 15 years.

This is the maximum lifespan. Depending on how it is used and its condition, your lifejacket may need replacing sooner.

• SOLAS/MED lifejackets: yes, an annual service is a legal requirement.
• ISO lifejackets: not a legal requirement, but we strongly recommend it.

If an accident happens with a lifejacket that has not been serviced, the responsibility lies with you. It is about your own safety. Read more at Service & maintenance.

Pre-wear check – do it yourself
Regularly check that your lifejacket is ready for use: is the gas cylinder full, is it securely fitted and free from rust? Is the bobbin still within its expiry date? Follow the instructions in the user manual.

Full service – by an approved service station
A complete service including a pressure test and replacement of seals, among other things. This requires special tools, original parts and technical manuals. Afterwards, you will receive a certificate of approval.

You can find more information at Service & maintenance. The pre-wear check for each system is shown step by step in our brochure.

• Always follow the storage and washing instructions in the user manual first.
• Is the lifejacket dirty, or has it come into contact with salt water? Rinse it with lukewarm water. For an inflatable lifejacket, rinse the inside too; remove the bobbin first.
• Let the lifejacket dry completely, then fold it up again.
• Store it in a dry, well-ventilated place.

Yes. According to IATA (International Air Transport Association), you may take two inflatable lifejackets, including two spare CO2 cylinders, in your hand luggage or hold luggage.

Not all airlines follow these rules, so always check with your airline beforehand. Failing to declare dangerous goods is an offence, and you may be refused travel until you have removed all CO2 cylinders from your lifejacket. Our advice: remove the cylinders before you check in.

More about the rules: IATA, TSA (USA) and FAA (USA).