The RNLI’s lifejacket campaign, first
launched in June 2007, aims to encourage all who go to sea in their leisure
time to always put their lifejackets on when going to sea, and then decide
when (if at all) to take it off.
The RNLI’s Sea Safety Manager, Peter Chennell,
explains:
‘A lifejacket is useless unless worn, if it
is worn incorrectly or if it is not in full working order. It’s much safer
to get into the habit of wearing a lifejacket at all times when afloat,
because it means you’ll be familiar with your particular lifejacket and how
to operate it should an emergency situation unfold. In the summer months
when boat owners may take family and friends who don’t often go afloat, it’s
even more crucial to ensure that all on board, including babies and
children, are wearing a well-fitted lifejacket.
A correctly fitting lifejacket will keep you
afloat so that, should you end up in the water, you have time to overcome
the initial shock and you can begin to think about survival. It will also
keep your airways clear of the water, which is absolutely crucial because it
only takes just a cup full of water in the lungs to make survival difficult
and just over a litre to drown. A lifejacket also buys you time, this will
allow for the search and rescue services to come to your aid. Our advice is
not meant to spoil the fun of water users, but it is founded on the years of
experience of RNLI lifeboat crew who know how unpredictable the weather can
be and how quickly things can go wrong at sea.’
A recent rescue by RNLI Lifeguards and
volunteer lifeboat crew based in Teignmouth, South Devon, serves to
demonstrate the importance of not just carrying lifejackets aboard, but
wearing them at all times when afloat.
On Saturday 6 June the Teignmouth RNLI
inshore lifeboat and lifeguards responded to reports of three people in the
water after their small boat was swamped in choppy conditions off Teignmouth
beach. Visibility was poor due to rain and those onboard the boat had no VHF
radio or means of calling for help, so an onlooker had raised the alarm. A
group of kayakers managed to help the casualties to the shore where the
lifeboat crew and lifeguards provided medical assistance because the
casualties were suffering from mild hypothermia.
Rory Smith, RNLI Area Lifeguard Supervisor
who supported the lifeboat volunteers that day as they dealt with the
situation on the beach, says:
‘I noticed that the people had lifejackets onboard the boat but they were
still in the packets that they had been purchased in and had automatically
inflated inside the bags, clearly proving the point that lifejackets are
useless unless worn. We provided back-up for the lifeboat crew and operated
as a team to ensure there was a successful conclusion to what could have
been a very different outcome had a member of the public not raised the
alarm so quickly.’
Lifejackets should not only be worn, but they
need regular maintenance checks too. They should be stored in a dry,
well-aired area when not in use. RNLI Sea Safety managers and volunteers
around the coast of the UK and Ireland found that almost 35% of lifejackets
they’ve looked at during RNLI Sea Checks would, in their opinion, fail to
operate.
To keep your lifejacket in full working order
it should be given regular checks throughout the boating season. Lifejackets
should be sent off for a full service (which can cost from around £10 per
lifejacket) in line with the manufacturers recommendations.
RNLI Sea Safety Manager, Peter Chennell says:
‘I urge all boaters to get familiar with their lifejackets and safety kit,
and to look after it, so that it can look after you!
On inspection, should you feel that your
lifejacket might not perform then it is time to send it for a service or to
invest in a new one. The things to consider if you’re going to buy a new
lifejacket are the type of inflation system. The RNLI also recommends that
crotch straps, spray hood and lights should be fitted, although these do not
always come as standard, and it’s worth considering buying a pouch for
day-night flares too.’
For full advice on choosing, caring and
wearing your lifejacket please see:
www.rnli.org.uk/wearone
