Do I need a life jacket for the Aareböötle?

Group of people wearing life jackets on the Aare between Thun and Bern during the Aareböötle boat race

Why we strongly advise you to do so

When boating on the Aare, fun is the main priority—but safety must never be neglected. Especially if you are traveling with children or are not an experienced swimmer, a life jacket can save lives. In this blog article, you will learn when a life jacket is mandatory on the Aare, what requirements it must meet, and how you can easily rent a jacket from us.

Legal requirements in Switzerland

In Switzerland, the following applies to inflatable boats on rivers such as the Aare:

  • Each person must carry a buoyancy aid (minimum buoyancy 75N).

  • The vest must also have a collar that keeps the head above water in an emergency.

💡 Important: Life jackets must be available on the boat, but they do not have to be worn.

Our recommendation:

Wear a life jacket! Even though wearing one is not required by law, we strongly recommend that you put on a life jacket—especially:

  • when the water level is high or the current is strong

  • if children or non-swimmers are traveling with you

  • for longer trips or in uncertain weather conditions

A fall into the water can happen quickly, and then every second counts. With a life jacket, you automatically stay on the surface and can remain calm.

Simply rent life jackets from us

Do you have your own boat but no suitable life jacket? No problem!

We rent certified life jackets with 75N buoyancy and collars, suitable for adults and children.

➡️ Click here for life jacket rental

Our vests are tested, comfortable, and available in various sizes. So nothing stands in the way of your safe Aare experience.

Conclusion:

Even if wearing a life jacket is not (yet) mandatory, it is a small extra that can make all the difference in an emergency.

Stay safe, wear a life jacket, and enjoy your boat trip on the Aare to the fullest!

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Thun or Uttigen? Why starting in Uttigen is smarter for the Aare boat trip experience

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Aareböötle from Thun to Bern - Everything you need to know