The right lifejacket depends on your activity, location, and personal needs. Hutchwilco offers options for boating, fishing, water sports, and general recreational use. Each product is categorised by activity and safety rating to help you choose the best fit.

Lifejackets marked as NZ Standard Approved meet the safety and performance criteria set by New Zealand regulations. These jackets are suitable for all recreational boating use in NZ waters and are often a legal requirement.

Lifejackets provide head support and are designed to turn an unconscious wearer face-up in the water. Buoyancy vests (or personal flotation devices – PFDs) offer flotation support but don’t guarantee face-up positioning. They’re typically used for watersports and confident swimmers.

Yes. Inflatable lifejackets require regular maintenance and should be serviced annually, or as recommended by the manufacturer, to ensure reliability. Hutchwilco provides guidance and approved service agents to support ongoing compliance.

Each lifejacket includes a size chart indicating chest size and weight range. For children, always choose based on weight rather than age. A secure fit is essential for safety, so follow the fitting instructions carefully.

Yes, but it must still fit snugly. Test the fit while wearing typical on-water clothing to ensure the lifejacket remains effective. For inflatables, ensure nothing obstructs inflation or access to the pull cord.

Manual inflatables require you to pull a cord to inflate, while automatic inflatables activate when submerged. Both styles have advantages depending on the environment and user confidence—automatic is often preferred for those less experienced.

Some models are suitable for commercial use and meet Maritime NZ or SOLAS (international) requirements. Refer to the product specs or contact Hutchwilco directly for specific advice on commercial compliance.

inse with fresh water after use, especially in saltwater. Dry thoroughly before storing in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. For inflatables, regularly check the CO₂ cylinder and automatic mechanisms for corrosion or damage.

Yes. All Hutchwilco lifejackets are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty, with terms varying by product. Refer to the product or warranty documentation for full details.