Life buoy

A life buoy is an important piece of safety equipment designed to help keep a person afloat if they enter the water unexpectedly.

Life buoys can provide immediate flotation while help is on the way and may play a vital role in a man-overboard emergency. If your boat is fitted with a rail, the life buoy should be securely attached in an easy-to-access location. However, it must be released quickly and easily, as every second counts when responding to someone in the water. Regularly checking that the life buoy is in good condition and ready for use can help ensure it performs effectively when needed most.

Types of life buoys

Some life buoys will also have a dan buoy connected, which in a seaway will help identify where the life buoy is to enable rescue. The life buoy should be of a conspicuous colour and stored below when on the mooring or in the marina.