Inshore Life Jackets

Inshore Life Jacket - Coastal Life Jacket

Life jackets designed for inshore and coastal use are specifically made for environments where help is likely to be close at hand, but conditions can still vary from calm to moderately rough. These life jackets typically offer a balance between buoyancy, comfort, and freedom of movement, making them suitable for activities like coastal cruising, inshore sailing, power boating, and fishing near the shore.

For inshore waters—such as lakes, rivers, harbours, and areas just off the coast, 100N buoyancy aids and life jackets may be sufficient, depending on the specific activity and conditions. A 100N buoyancy aid is typically used by confident swimmers in sheltered waters, offering good flotation while allowing ease of movement for paddling or active sailing. However, for general inshore boating or for less experienced swimmers, a gas life jacket provides greater flotation and includes features like a collar to help keep the wearer’s head above water, even if unconscious.

For coastal use, where the water may be colder and the sea state more changeable, a 150N+ automatic or manual inflation life jacket is often recommended. These life jackets are designed to turn an unconscious person face-up in the water and offer better performance in rougher conditions or when wearing heavier clothing. Automatic inflation mechanisms activate when submerged, providing rapid buoyancy when needed most, whilst manual life jackets require you to manually pull a toggle to inflate the life jacket.

Modern life jackets for inshore and coastal use are lightweight, comfortable, and often come with safety-enhancing features such as crotch straps, reflective panels, built-in harnesses, spray hoods, and whistle attachments. Coastal users who spend longer periods offshore or in unpredictable weather often opt for these upgraded models, which strike the right balance between everyday wearability and emergency protection.

Ultimately, the best choice of life jacket depends on your specific activity, swimming ability, expected conditions, and how far from immediate help you may be. Inshore and coastal environments may seem relatively safe, but having the correct life jacket can make a critical difference in the event of a fall overboard or unexpected weather change. 

If you're unsure which coastal life jacket is most suited to your requirements, then contact us today. We provide expert, unbiased advice that is backed by years of experience on the water. We only sell life jackets from the industry's most trusted brands, including Baltic, Crewsaver, Seago and Spinlock - these are life jackets we have and will continue to trust our lives with, out on the water.