RNLI ‘lifejacket locker’ safety initiative helps take the stress out of safety

Lifejacket lockers were introduced at three locations across the south west in 2014 following RNLI research that showed boat users can often be put off wearing their lifejacket aboard their tender because of the ‘hassle factor’ of having nowhere secure to store them once ashore.

The initiative was trialled at Salcombe, Fowey and the River Yealm and has been so successful it is being rolled out at several new locations across the south west over the summer.

The RNLI supply the lockers to harbours and locations free of charge providing they meet the criteria, along with signage. It’s hoped the scheme, aimed at visiting sailors and motor cruisers coming ashore in tenders, will help curb preventable accidents between moored vessels and the shore.

Jon Oxenham from the RNLI’s Community Safety team is leading the trial. He said: ‘It’s not only important to wear a lifejacket whilst on your boat, but also while in your tender and going to and from your vessel. We know that lifejackets can be bulky to carry around once on land and that’s why we provide these lockers. It’s really positive to know that more boat users are taking the RNLI’s advice and not removing their lifejackets before they reach the shore. It will help towards the charity’s goal of ending preventable loss of life at sea.’

RNLI research has shown that boat users can often be put off wearing their lifejacket aboard their tender because of the ‘hassle factor’ of having nowhere secure to store them once ashore.

For more information on lifejacket lockers, and tips for staying safe on or near the water, visit www.rnli.org/boating.

Notes to editors

Interviews available with Commmunity Safety Product Manager at the RNLI Jon Oxenham.

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