The FloatSuit offers both solar and thermal protection to the wearer. Our suits are made from fabrics which have been tested for their abilities to block out the harmful Ultra Violet Radiation found in the sun's rays, which causes sunburn and skin cancer. All of our fabrics have been given a rating of UPF 50+. FloatSuits provide children with thermal protection. The FloatSuit insulates the wearer from direct contact with moving water and wind which can quickly cause a child to become cold. We also offer FloatSuits combined with Neoprene for children who become cold quickly, or for use in more temperate climates.

Of the many types of radiation emitted by the sun, mainly visible (light) and infrared (heat) reach the earth's surface. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is also present but we cannot see it or feel it. Ozone in the atmosphere absorbs much of the dangerous UVR before it reaches the ground but we can still receive enough to cause sunburn and more serious health problems.

Published in July 1996, AS/NZS 4399 describes standard laboratory procedures for measuring the SPF of fabrics and for labelling SPF rated clothing. Fabrics are assigned a UPF rating number and also a protection category depending on how much UV radiation they block out. This table shows the rating system.

The Standard states that the highest SPF rating garments may be labelled with is 50. Garments made from fabrics with ratings higher than 50 are labelled as SPF 50+.