What is the difference between L50 and L50S life jackets (personal floatation devices).)?Updated 2 months ago

Both L50 and L50S life jackets meet the Australian Standard AS 4578 and are recognised as compliant PFDs in Australia. However, there are key differences in where and how they can be legally used:

• L50 Life Jackets

  • Suitable for both smooth and partially smooth waterways and open waters (e.g. coastal conditions).

  • Designed with high-visibility colours (typically red, yellow, or orange on the upper section/shoulders) to improve visibility in rescue situations.

  • Required in certain states when operating in coastal or offshore environments.

• L50S Life Jackets

  • Approved for enclosed and smooth waters only (such as lakes, dams, calm rivers, and estuaries).

  • Offer greater flexibility in design, colour, and style, making them popular for tow sports like wakeboarding or waterskiing.

  • Not suitable or compliant for partially smooth or open waters. (Depending on which state your are in, always check with the maritime authority in your state or region). 

Important:

• The rules around where L50 and L50S jackets can be worn can differ between states and territories (e.g. NSW vs QLD vs VIC may have slightly different definitions of "smooth" or "partially smooth" waters).

• Always check with the maritime authority in your state or region before heading out. For example:

  • NSW: Roads and Maritime Services (RMS)

  • QLD: Maritime Safety Queensland

  • VIC: Transport Safety Victoria

  • WA: Department of Transport

  • SA, TAS, NT: Local maritime authorities

At Jetpilot, we provide this as a general guideline only.