potentially life-saving issue?

What's the real difference between bouyancy aids and the Type III pfd's we wear in the US? Nothing...neither one is going to save your life. Most drownings occur within 60 to 75 seconds of hitting the water. If you're unconscious you'd better have on a Type I or V or your chances of drowning are high.

If we were really serious about live saving we'd take a lesson from the kayakers and wear helmets, if we insist on wearing pfds with all the mobility requirements.