Lifejacket policy 

The RYA's policy on the wearing of lifejackets and buoyancy aids is:  

Wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid unless it is safe to take it off.

At an RYA recognised training centre, the supervising instructor will make the decision based on experience, the RYA training centre guidance notes and relevant instructor handbooks.

Dinghy sailors, beginner windsurfers, users of open powerboats, personal watercraft and yacht tenders should wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, as appropriate, at all times.

On board a sailing yacht or motor cruiser, the skipper or instructor should decide, taking into account the weather conditions and experience of the crew. Crew are not expected to wear personal flotation when securely moored or when below deck. There will also be many occasions underway when the risk of entering the water is low, and an experienced skipper may decide that lifejackets are not required.

If you have any queries, please contact us.