You still see a lot of people on the water without lifejackets and while some cite discomfort as a reason to leave them in the locker, the most recent examples are very useable indeed.

The Ocean Safety Kru Sport Pro waistcoat, for instance, looks about as comfortable and stylish as lifejackets get. It is unobtrusive and lightweight, allowing it to be used just as effectively over a T-shirt in the summer, as over a full set of foulies in a winter gale. It features an integral sprayhood and can be specified with automatic or manual inflation and either with or without a harness. It also exceeds the regular 150 Newton standard by 25 Newtons, courtesy of a high-capacity 38g inflation gas cylinder. It’s another example of a modern jacket that makes a mockery of the traditional excuses. Buy it, wear it, job done.

www.oceansafety.com

Don't miss our guide to buying a lifejacket.