What is the difference between a buoyancy aid and a lifejacket?

There is a lot of confusion on the difference between a life jacket and a buoyancy aid because both are exist to help your float.

Buoyancy aids are an “Aid” intended to help you stay on the surface; on its own it will not help you under all circumstances.

If you are unconscious or unable to tread water, a buoyancy aid will keep a conscious person afloat with your help but it cannot be guaranteed to turn an unconscious body over and it will not support your body in the water. We do sell buoyancy aids but you just need to make sure you choose the right product for your circumstance!

Lifejackets, if properly worn and in good condition, are designed to keep your airways clear of water, even if you are unconscious or injured.  When they are inflated to sufficient buoyancy, they are able to turn your body over and bring your head and face out of the water, when conscious or unconscious, keeping you protected. The design of the life jacket also holds you at a position which allows you to be carried over waves so they

If there is a facial splashguard fitted, this can be brought over your face to shield you from sea spray and inhaling the water in this way.

Buoyancy aids are great when worn inland waters when participating in water skiing, tubing or other water sports, when the wearer is in sight of the shoreline and will be continuously in and out of the water.