RNLI takes action to reduce accidents around Lerwick harbour

In Summer 2013 the RNLI launched its Respect The Water campaign, aimed at putting prevention of drowning at the heart of everything the Institution does. This year, the campaign's message is "Can you float", aimed at making people think of the dangers of, not just of the sea but lochs too.

This time of the year sees an increase in water-related activities, and the LPA and Lerwick RNLI hope that their posters will remind people of the potential dangers, and to stay safe.

Iain Derbyshire, Community Safety Officer at Lerwick RNLI said " We'd like to thank the LPA for allowing us to display the posters around the harbour, and we hope that they will help encourage people of all ages to stay safe around the water."

Ally Simpson, Deputy Harbour master at LPA said "The RNLI have done excellent work analysing the factors that improve the chances of survival when unexpectedly entering the water, it is important that we all take note and ensure that message is understood to better protect ourselves while working on and enjoying the water"

Information on the Respect the Water campaign can be found at www.rnli.org/safety.

RNLI media contacts:

Peter Kerr, Local Press Officer, Lerwick Lifeboat Station

01595 693827 07853 336596

Iain Derbyshire, Lerwick RNLI Community Safety Officer 07717 061107

Or Richard Smith, RNLI Public Relations Manager for Scotland on 01738 642956, 07786 668903 or [email protected]

Or Henry Weaver, RNLI Press Officer for Scotland, 01738 642946, 07771 943026, [email protected]

Or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.