Life jackets and life vests are both water lifesaving equipment, and they have the following differences:
1. Appearance design
● Life jackets:
Usually thick and heavy, similar in appearance to a short jacket. It is relatively large in size and has a more obvious collar design, which can provide certain support and protection for the user's neck. Some life jackets also have a headrest, which can make it easier for the user's head to stay above the water in the water, avoiding the head from sinking due to physical exhaustion.
For example, the professional life jackets equipped on some ships are brightly colored, have thick padding, and may have adjustable ropes at the collar to fix the position.
● Life vests:
Relatively light, and look more like a vest. It is close-fitting and does not have a protruding collar or headrest like a life jacket. The overall design is relatively simple and compact, which allows users to be more flexible and free when moving in the water.
For example, the life vests used by some water sports enthusiasts may simply cover the chest and back, and the appearance is more in line with the style of a vest, without too many complex auxiliary structures.
2. Buoyancy distribution
● Life jacket:
The buoyancy distribution is relatively uniform, and there is generally enough buoyancy material in the front and back of the body to ensure that the user can float easily in the water whether facing up or facing down. Its buoyancy is relatively large, and it can carry heavier objects or ensure the safety of the user in relatively harsh water conditions. Usually the buoyancy can reach more than 150N (Newton), which is enough to keep an adult's head above the water.
For example, for the life jackets worn by fishermen working at sea, the buoyancy design must take into account the carrying of certain fishing gear and the possibility of encountering large winds and waves, so the buoyancy will be relatively large and evenly distributed around the body.
● Life vest:
The buoyancy is mainly concentrated on the chest and back, focusing on keeping the user floating in the vertical direction. Its buoyancy may be smaller than that of a life jacket, and the general buoyancy is around 75-100N, mainly to provide auxiliary floating in relatively calm waters or when the user has a certain swimming ability. For example, the life vest used in water activities in swimming pools or some inland lakes provides enough buoyancy to prevent the user from sinking in the water in the event of a temporary loss of balance.
3. Applicable scenarios
● Life jackets:
It is more suitable for long-term operations or navigation in open waters, such as in ocean-going fishing vessels, large passenger ships, offshore oil drilling platforms and other places. Once danger occurs in these places, the water conditions are complicated, and reliable life-saving equipment is needed to ensure the safety of personnel. The powerful buoyancy and comprehensive protection function of life jackets are particularly important.
At the same time, when rescuers conduct water rescue operations, life jackets are usually used because they can provide better protection and stability, making it easier for rescuers to work in complex water flow environments.
● Life vests:
It is suitable for use in some safer water environments, such as swimming, boating and other leisure and entertainment activities in swimming pools, water parks, and small lakes. Because the waters in these places are relatively calm and there are relatively more safety measures, the lightness and flexibility of life vests can better meet the needs of users, allowing them to have a certain degree of safety while enjoying the fun of water activities.
