| The RNLI and RIB International both ran trials with different drysuit, lifejackets and helmets. They showed that in calm - ish water a 150kn gas lifejacket may not roll over an unconscious casualty wearing a drysuit or heavy foul weather clothing. A 275kn jacket is recommended. They also found that many lifejackets and helmets are not compatible as the jacket pushes up hard on the underside of the helmet.
In rough seas the rolling action of the waves tended to roll the casualty but a 150kn jacket does not lift the head as much as the 275kn.
That said - something is better than nothing!
Mike |