Now boaters can be safe on the water and in style with a new line of life jackets and personal floatation devices offered by Salus Marine Wear of Kitchener, Ont.

The company, which is a supplier to the Canadian Sailing Team, offers a complete line of stylish jackets, which come in a range of colors, including teal, forest, bright red and gold. They are available at leading chandleries and boat supply stores.

Two of the popular lines for sailors are the Abacus Sailing Vests which fit comfortably and allow for lots of arm movement, and the Antigua OffShore Pullover, a cross between a foul-weather jacket and a PFD, which can extend the boating season into the late fall.

Other lines include the Darwin Kayak Vests and the Comfort Fit Sports Vests, with a mesh design and soft foam that is ideal for action sports like tubing and wakeboarding. All of the vests and PFDs are CCG approved.

The Abacus Sailing Vest comes with a large pocket with zipper at the front and a comfortable fit to allow for the maximum movement of the arms to manage the boat while sailing.

A high cut accomodates a trapeze harness for dinghy sailors, and eight neoprene-backed buckles and harness system to tailor the fit to anyone. There is also tapered foam on the front panel for quick access back into the boat from the water.

The Antigua OffShore Pullover is an unique mix of windbreaker, rain coat and PFD. It’s stylish and offers many neat extras, like an easy-access pocket on the front panel, foam that is contoured to the body, and a comfortable, loose fit.

When the weather gets nasty, there’s the elastic cuffs with velcro closures and a hood with an elastic draw cord. A fleece-lined collar is a bonus in comfort and protection, along with an elasticized bottom hem with adjustment on both sides. When the hands are cold, you can warm them in a fleece-lined compartment in the front panel.

Thin sections of Ensolite soft floatation foam is in the front and back panels, and you don’t have to look like a “marshmallow man” when wearing this pullover PFD. The arms and shoulders are free of foam to allow for easy movement. Check with your local marine supply store.