We all want to be safe on the water, but it’s not always a requirement, or practical, to wear a PFD. Heat, cold, comfort and the type of activity are all factors in what jacket you choose to wear or are allowed to wear in accordance with your state or territory regulations.
Waist belt inflatable PFDs aren’t new; they have been around a long time, but as standards and regulations have evolved, the jacket has had to keep up. The requirement for ID windows and new donning regulations has meant that only a few manufacturers have kept up.
We’ve spoken with many anglers, boating enthusiasts and general watersport lovers and the flexibility and safety a waist belt provides is both a comfort and a luxury.
It’s a 35-degree day, late afternoon, no wind and you want to take the paddle board out to get some of the last sun of the day…. You’re up north fishing for barra with 95% humidity and 38 degree temperature… You’re standing on a bass boat platform and making a thousand casts a day… You’re on the Murray River trolling for cod, it’s a 40-degree day, the lures are out, and you are admiring the scenery as you snake your way up the river… It’s a summer afternoon and you’ve decided to hit your favourite rock fishing platform, shorts, t-shirt and rod in hand.
The requirement for waist belt ID windows and new donning regulations has meant that only a few manufacturers have kept up.
All the above scenarios are perfect for a waist belt PFD: it is both fit for purpose and comfortable, and will satisfy most safety requirements.
If you’re reading this, you might be thinking: but I already have an inflatable PFD. Yes, the fit is light and comfortable, as it should be, but how many of you have taken your PFD off when the day started to heat up, or you decided to have a relaxing sit back? In many ways, an inflatable waist belt is an added luxury, but it’s also a great safety device that will give you peace of mind on the water.