Any recommendations on where to buy something reasonably cheap so the bailiff is happy with me and I will be safe?

Worth getting an automatic. You can get a Seago for about 50 quid.

https://www.force4.co.uk/department/safety/life-jackets/automatic-life-jackets#page=1&filters=%7B%7D&sort=asc

In reply to Post #2
Wanted to avoid that amount really as I'll rarely use it,but I will have a look thanks

In reply to Post #1
Go on eBay search Crewsaver buoyancy aid around £25/£30

In reply to Post #3
Worth the money to be safe IMO, particularly if you are going out in winter.

In reply to Post #1
Lidl have life vests in their middle aisle at the moment

Daz

In reply to Post #3
£50 to not die sounds pretty cheap to me

In reply to Post #7
I completely agree
much better to buy something that you can wear and not hardly notice your wearing it than some bulky cheap crappy one thats uncomfortable or make you sweat like a rapist
and of course quality ones will save your life even if you passed out they will float you face up just buy a decent one forget the price your life is worth it and you can resell a good one too

In order to guarantee the correct operation of any life jacket you need a strap between your legs. This will ensure the object in question will not ride up your body and not turn you onto your back. Cost is minimal and essential in my view.

automatics are a gamechanger IMO

as gerry mentioned - you hardly notice you are wearing it whilst the standards are big, bulky & make me sweat a lot.

I agree with everyone else
Self inflating jacket with strap is the way to go there is no cost to your kiss or kin to your loss.
You do need to change the canisters every couple of years though otherwise they are pointless.

What about a
Spin lock alto belt pack would he be happy with that.
Very small and unobtrusive.
I keep a couple of these in the van.

https://www.piratescave.co.uk/spinlock-alto-75n-belt-pack.html

In reply to Post #11
Thanks for all the comments chaps,exactly what a site like this is here for.