New RNLI and GJW Direct Lifejacket Clinic association announced
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and GJW Direct have announced a new association, which will see GJW Direct become an official supporter of the RNLI’s Lifejacket Clinics.
The RNLI has over 400 active volunteer Community Safety Officers who are specifically trained to provide safety advice on a wide range of topics. They run free Lifejacket Clinics at sailing clubs, youth groups and events around the country which include a lifejacket inspection and show owners how to carry out their own checks in between annual manufacturer services .The charity’s recent Lifejacket Clinics have found that more than 30% of lifejackets brought in for inspection would not have worked in an emergency. The relationship will see GJW Direct promoting the RNLI Lifejacket Clinics to its members, with GJW Direct also being present at some of the larger Lifejacket Clinics around the country.
The announcement was made at 11:30am on Friday 14 September at the GJW Direct stand (stand E047) at The YachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show. Four special RNLI Lifejacket Clinics will also take place at the stand during The YachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show to celebrate the launch of the relationship, and will be offered to customers of GJW Direct.
Brian Robson, Community Safety Manager for the RNLI said, ‘This is a really important relationship for the RNLI and is the first time we have had an association of this type specific to one of our direct community safety initiatives. With over a third of lifejackets tested at our recent lifejacket clinics not suitable for use in an emergency, this new association with GJW Direct will help us to raise awareness amongst the boating community about our Lifejacket Clinics and the importance of regularly checking your lifejacket to ensure it will help you in an emergency.’
Lev Osman, Chief Executive Officer, GJW Direct added, ‘GJW is committed to making sure our customers and audience are fully aware of the importance of staying safe at sea, whether racing enthusiasts, leisure sailing, living on board a boat, or taking the family on a sailing holiday - everyone should know the basics of staying safe on and around water and maintaining their lifejacket(s) in full working order. The RNLI’s Respect the Water campaign plays a significant role in this, and we are very proud to be working in conjunction with the RNLI on this initiative.’
The important safety messaging will also feature on GJW Direct’s dedicated MyBoat website, a digital organiser for boat owners with latest news, views, weather and more.
The collaboration will also see GJW Direct customers being offered the opportunity to add a donation to the RNLI when signing up or renewing their insurance policies, which will help the charity in its mission of saving lives at sea.
Notes to editors
- TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show RNLI Lifejacket Clinics at the GJW Direct stand will be happening on the following days: Saturday 15th September at 11am, Tuesday 18th September at 11am, Friday 21st September at 11am, and Saturday 22nd September at 11am.
Media contacts
For more information please contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or email [email protected]
For further information regarding GJW Direct, please contact Lillian Ng, Marketing Manager, Munich Re Speciality Group 020 7886 3952 or email [email protected]
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 over 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 142,200 lives.
About GJW Direct
GJW Direct is the UK’s leading marine insurance provider and has specialised in insuring vessels since 1826, when it traded as John Groves Westrup. With offices in Liverpool and Southampton, GJW Direct has a 50-strong team, many of which are RYA qualified and keen sailors themselves. The company is part of Munich Re Specialty Group, which is owned by Munich Re Group, one of the world’s leading reinsurers. Operating in all lines of insurance, with over 43,000 employees throughout the world.
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
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.