You do not have permission to edit this page, for the following reasons:

This IP address has been blocked from editing Wikipedia.
This does not affect your ability to read Wikipedia pages.
Most people who see this message have done nothing wrong. Some kinds of blocks restrict editing from specific service providers or telecom companies in response to recent abuse or vandalism, and can sometimes affect other users who are unrelated to that abuse. Review the information below for assistance if you do not believe that you have done anything wrong.

The IP address or range 44.201.0.0/16 has been blocked (disabled) by ‪ST47‬ for the following reason(s):

The IP address that you are currently using has been blocked because it is believed to be a web host provider. To prevent abuse, web hosts may be blocked from editing Wikipedia.
You will not be able to edit Wikipedia using a web host provider because it hides your IP address, much like a proxy or VPN.
We recommend that you attempt to use another connection to edit. For example, if you use a proxy or VPN to connect to the internet, turn it off when editing Wikipedia. If you edit using a mobile connection, try using a Wi-Fi connection, and vice versa. If you are using a corporate internet connection, switch to a different Wi-Fi network. If you have a Wikipedia account, please log in.
If you do not have any other way to edit Wikipedia, you will need to request an IP block exemption.

How to appeal if you are confident that your connection does not use a web host's IP address:
If you are confident that you are not using a web host, you may appeal this block by adding the following text on your talk page: ((unblock|reason=Caught by a web host block but this host or IP is not a web host. My IP address is _______. Place any further information here. ~~~~)). You must fill in the blank with your IP address for this block to be investigated. Your IP address can be determined here. Alternatively, if you wish to keep your IP address private you can use the unblock ticket request system. There are several reasons you might be editing using the IP address of a web host (such as if you are using VPN software or a business network); please use this method of appeal only if you think your IP address is in fact not a web host.

Administrators: The IP block exemption user right should only be applied to allow users to edit using web host in exceptional circumstances, and they should usually be directed to the functionaries team via email. If you intend to give the IPBE user right, a CheckUser needs to take a look at the account. This can be requested most easily at SPI Quick Checkuser Requests. Unblocking an IP or IP range with this template is highly discouraged without at least contacting the blocking administrator.

This block will expire on 23:54, 31 July 2024.

Even when blocked, you will usually still be able to edit your user talk page, as well as email administrators and other editors.

For information on how to proceed, please read the FAQ for blocked users and the guideline on block appeals. The guide to appealing blocks may also be helpful.

Other useful links: Blocking policy · Help:I have been blocked
Your IP address is in a range that has been blocked on all Wikimedia Foundation wikis. The block was made by ‪AntiCompositeNumber‬. The reason given is Open proxy/Webhost: Visit the FAQ if you are affected .
- Start of block: 13:55, 18 August 2022
- Expiry of block: 13:55, 18 April 2025
Your current IP address is 44.201.28.123. The blocked range is 44.201.0.0/16. Please include all above details in any queries you make. If you believe you were blocked by mistake, you can find additional information and instructions in the No open proxies global policy. Otherwise, to discuss the block please post a request for review on Meta-Wiki. You could also send an email to the stewards VRT queue at stewards@wikimedia.org including all above details.

You can view and copy the source of this page:

((short description|Flotation aid worn by kayakers, canoeists and dinghy sailors))
((More citations needed|date=February 2013))

[[File:Buoyancy aid.jpg|thumb|A person wearing a buoyancy aid with a reflective strip]]
[[File:CanyoningTeamVorarlberg.JPG|thumb|A group carrying their inflatable [[raft]] to the start of a river rafting tour. They wear buoyancy aids typical for the use in various paddle sports.]] 
'''Buoyancy aids''' are a specialist form of ''[[personal flotation device]]'' (PFD) used most commonly by [[kayak]]ers, [[canoe]]ists, people practicing [[rafting]], and [[dinghy sailing|dinghy sailors]]. They are designed as a flotation aid, rather than merely a life-saving device and have several key differences to other PFD's and [[lifejacket]]s. Some buoyancy aids may not provide the same high level of protection as lifejackets.

Canoeing and kayaking buoyancy aids are designed with mobility in mind. A buoyancy aid that does not fit properly can restrict a paddler's (kayaker's) range of movement, which could cause them to tire or prevent them from paddling properly. They typically have front and back foam buoyancy, with none or very little around the sides to allow for better arm movements.

== Types of Buoyancy Aid ==

All canoeing and kayaking buoyancy aids are made with a [[Personal flotation device#Buoyancy aid (foam core)|foam core]], instead of being inflatable like some life jackets. This removes the possibility of them bursting or not being activated in the case of an incapacitated paddler. The foam used is typically closed cell PVC (polyvinyl chloride), although some manufacturers are now starting to use less [[toxic]] and more [[recyclable]] materials. Older designs used vertically aligned ribs of foam all around the body, but more modern designs typically feature front and rear slabs of foam buoyancy, with the sides left clear to allow unrestricted rotation and arm movement. Most buoyancy aids are one of three basic designs:

*'''Over the head vest''', where the one-piece vest is pulled on over the head.
*'''Front zip jacket''', where the buoyancy aid is worn like a regular [[jacket]], zipped up at the front. This design limits the front-buoyancy as it requires two separate blocks of foam and a gap for the [[zipper|zip]].
*'''Side zip''' is a combination of the other two, with a zip on the side rather than along the front. The added gap in one side makes it easier to get the vest on, and means that the front buoyancy can be one whole piece.

All buoyancy aids include some form of strap for tightening the buoyancy aid, preventing it from coming off in the water. Many white water designs feature multiple straps on the shoulders and waist to ensure the buoyancy aid can not be swept off in fast water. They may also include pockets for storing equipment and a range of safety and rescue features. Some lower quality ones only offer a belt, and these are often poor fitting and may be designed for generic water sports rather than specifically canoeing/kayaking.

There is a large variety of designs to fit every figure and purpose. It is important to have a buoyancy aid that fits comfortably, allowing freedom of movement. It is also important that it is suitable for the chosen discipline and the [[Grade (slope)|grade]] of water being paddled. Each discipline has different requirements and although one buoyancy aid can be used for multiple disciplines, there are several factors to consider which type to choose.

=== Canoe polo and slalom ===
These are designed with high maneuverability as a key feature, often at the expense of buoyancy. Minimalistic designs which tend to hug the body tightly and are well cut around the arms aim to allow the wearer complete freedom of motion (something important to both [[Canoe slalom|Slalom]] and [[Canoe polo|Polo]] paddlers as well as [[playboat]]ers). These vests may not be fully suitable for other purposes, such as whitewater paddling where additional buoyancy is required due to the higher flow of water. Canoe polo rules specify that the buoyancy aids must  have protective buoyancy at the sides of the garment,  resulting in a garment that has more overall coverage

=== Sea and touring ===
Buoyancy aids for sea and long-distance touring often feature several large pockets for storing essential equipment, and many also accommodate [[hydration pack]]s. They have to be comfortable to wear whilst paddling for long distances, and so typically have very low cut sides to allow the arms free movement. More recently they are being designed more and more like whitewater vests, with low cut fronts to allow the paddler to lean forward easily.

=== Whitewater ===
[[File:AREA 47 Rafting Imster Schlucht, 2018 (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[Rafting]] is a watersport where buoyancy aids worn over a [[wetsuit]] are mandatory and often required by law, due to the constant risk of falling off the boat and into the wild water]]
[[Whitewater]] buoyancy aids are designed to provide enough buoyancy in fast whitewater rivers, should the paddler [[capsize]] and leave the kayak. They are often more bulky than Slalom/Polo vests, but are usually cut short at the front to allow the paddler to lean further forward despite the thicker foam and allow good [[torso|trunk]] rotation for quick turns. They always have shoulder and side straps to ensure they are not swept off in fast [[rapids]].

They typically feature one or two pockets to store basic essentials such as a [[Knife|rescue knife]], [[carabiner]] and tow-line. Many often also feature [[#Harnesses|harnesses]] for use in rescues, however these are often used without proper training and can become more of a danger to both the rescuer and the swimmer if used incorrectly.

As an example, WW harnesses require a significant load to release effectively, (usually provided by the force of the water, when a rescuer in the river is held by rope from the bank). Without this load the harness may not release. So it is not a good idea to use these for low load situations, (e.g. towing kayaks), and in an incident it is necessary to get the rescuer to release from the harness, and not allow the person on the bank to release their end as the rescuer would end up swimming down river with 30+ metres of slack rope on their back. Training therefore is vital to avoid such situations.

== Specifications ==
Buoyancy aids come with a set of specifications detailing their sizing, weight range, and the standards they adhere to. This is often in a table printed onto the inside of the buoyancy aid, or a label on the bag/box. Most companies give the specifications for each of their models on all of their buoyancy aids, to simplify the manufacturing process, so it is important to check the model and size range of any particular buoyancy aid.

Buoyancy aids should detail:
* '''Chest size''': Usually a range either in inches or centimetres.
* '''Weight range''': Either in kilograms or pounds.
* '''Force provided''': The buoyant force provided by the buoyancy aid.
For a buoyancy aid to be sold in the European Union, it must be '''C.E.''' tested and approved.

*In the US, a buoyancy aid may be approved by the ''United States Coast Guard'' (although this is not a requirement). Most canoeing and kayaking buoyancy aids class as ''"Type III Flotation Aids"'', which means they provide a minimum of 15.5&nbsp;lbf ([[pounds-force]]) (69 N) of buoyancy.

=== The 50N Buoyancy aid ===
Buoyancy aids with providing only 50 [[Newtons|N]] of force should only be used by swimmers in sheltered waters when help is close at hand. They are not guaranteed to turn a person from a face-down position in the water.

== Ageing ==
The foam used in buoyancy aids does degrade with age. Manufacturers add additional foam to ensure that their buoyancy aids will still provide enough force even after years of use. A rough life expectancy is three years of use, although buoyancy aids exposed to polluted water may degrade faster than normally expected.
In practice buoyancy aids far exceed a 3-year service life expectancy, and can be tested for buoyancy using a weight.
The other issues are damage, stitching and wear. Buoyancy aid and personal flotation devices need regular and routine inspection of any belts, stitching and other parts. This wear and damage serve as valuable indicators on when to retire a personal flotation service or buoyancy aid. 
<ref>((cite web |url=http://www.hse.gov.uk/aala/guidance/703-personal-buoyancy-watersports.htm |title=Personal buoyancy in recreational watersports - AALA - HSE |accessdate=2013-05-09 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509093841/http://www.hse.gov.uk/aala/guidance/703-personal-buoyancy-watersports.htm |archivedate=2013-05-09 ))</ref>
<ref>((Cite web |url=http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/facts/pdfs/fs120603.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2013-05-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110806032234/http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/facts/pdfs/fs120603.pdf |archive-date=2011-08-06 |url-status=dead ))</ref>

== Harnesses ==
Many [[white water]] buoyancy aids, as well as some sea kayak ones, feature a safety harness. These fit around the buoyancy aid below the arms and can be used for Live Bait Rescues (where a rescuer swims out into the river on a line to rescue a swimmer) or for anchoring a [[belayer]] onto the bank. They feature quick-release buckles to quickly remove the harness, and these are often (but not always) designed to release automatically past a certain load/pressure. Often harnesses have a metal ring at the back for attaching a rope with a [[carabiner#Locking carabiners|screwgate carabiner]]. Use of a non-locking carabiner can allow the carabiner to accidentally clip onto other straps on the buoyancy aid during use, thus preventing the harness from being released, and as such are not designed to be used for attaching to a harness.

Many harnesses feature a metal friction plate which stops the belt from slipping under high-load situations, however these can also prevent the harness coming off when swimming and as such present more of a hazard than an aid. It is often recommended that the belt be removed from within the friction plate and only threaded back through if the situation requires an anchored [[belay]].

Improvised harnesses (ropes around the waist, belts, or attaching ropes directly onto the buoyancy aid itself) can present a serious danger to the wearer, as they can not be released or may not be strong enough to withstand the load required.

== Pet buoyancy aid ==
In recent years pet buoyancy aids have become quite popular. A web search or visit to a pet supply store will reveal many types and brands of pet buoyancy aids including full life jackets, vests, and flotation collars. The purpose, design, and composition of these buoyancy aids are very similar to the human version with the major difference being that pet buoyancy aids are not usually required by law, also they are generally not certified by the Coast Guard or any other government department.

== History ==
((Main|Personal flotation device#History))
Ancient instances of the life jacket can be traced back to simple blocks of wood or cork used by Norwegian seamen. The modern life jacket is generally credited to one Captain Ward, a Royal National Lifeboat Institution inspector in the United Kingdom, who, in 1854, created a cork vest to be worn by lifeboat crews for both weather protection and buoyancy.

== References ==
<references />

[[Category:Safety equipment]]
[[Category:Buoyancy devices]]
[[Category:Canoeing and kayaking equipment]]

Pages transcluded onto the current version of this page (help):

Buoyancy aid (edit)
Template:Ambox (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Cite web (view source) (protected)
Template:Find sources mainspace (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Main (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Main other (view source) (protected)
Template:More citations needed (view source) (template editor protected)
Template:Pagetype (view source) (protected)
Template:SDcat (view source) (protected)
Template:Short description (view source) (protected)
Template:Short description/lowercasecheck (view source) (protected)
Module:Arguments (view source) (protected)
Module:Category handler (view source) (protected)
Module:Category handler/blacklist (view source) (protected)
Module:Category handler/config (view source) (protected)
Module:Category handler/data (view source) (protected)
Module:Category handler/shared (view source) (protected)
Module:Check for unknown parameters (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1 (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/COinS (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/Date validation (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/Identifiers (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/Utilities (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/Whitelist (view source) (protected)
Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css (view source) (protected)
Module:Disambiguation/templates (view source) (protected)
Module:Find sources (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Find sources/config (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Find sources/links (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Find sources/templates/Find sources mainspace (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Format link (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Hatnote (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Hatnote/styles.css (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Hatnote list (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Labelled list hatnote (view source) (template editor protected)
Module:Message box (view source) (protected)
Module:Message box/ambox.css (view source) (protected)
Module:Message box/configuration (view source) (protected)
Module:Namespace detect/config (view source) (protected)
Module:Namespace detect/data (view source) (protected)
Module:Pagetype (view source) (protected)
Module:Pagetype/config (view source) (protected)
Module:Pagetype/disambiguation (view source) (protected)
Module:Pagetype/setindex (view source) (protected)
Module:Pagetype/softredirect (view source) (protected)
Module:SDcat (view source) (protected)
Module:String (view source) (protected)
Module:Unsubst (view source) (protected)
Module:Wikitext Parsing (view source) (protected)
Module:Yesno (view source) (protected)

Return to Buoyancy aid.

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buoyancy_aid"