New Kit For Lifesaving Volunteers

The new kit, which will be worn on the all-weather lifeboat, is the first change in the charity’s distinctive ‘yellows’ for almost 30 years, and the new clothing has a number of changes and improvements which will aid the crew when they are out on rescues.

The kit, presented today (Saturday 23 February) was designed and produced by Helly Hansen. It was selected from many options, and was trialled for six months by selected stations across the country.

The new apparel is lighter and will be ‘easier’ for the crew to wear. The fabrics used are designed to be breathable, and as well as keeping the crew warm and dry during bad weather, it will help keep them cooler in the warmer days, something the outgoing kit did not.

Another big change is that there are now male and female options for the kit. The new female option is better fitted and will keep the female crew warmer and drier as a result.

There is also an option of lengths, so now volunteers will have a choice which suits them better.

The clothing system also features reinforced fabric around the knee and torso area, and top of the welly area of the legs, all of which suffer a lot of wear and tear while on shouts.

Speaking of the new kit’s arrival in Holyhead, deputy launching authority David Owens said:

‘The crew have already expressed their delight with the new kit, which will allow them to operate safely and more comfortably in all weathers. The volunteers give so much commitment to the RNLI, and having the right equipment is an essential part of saving lives at sea.’

He added,

‘It’s huge thanks to the donations from the communities like Holyhead that these welcome advancements are funded, and this helps ensure the safety of lifeboat volunteers at sea.’

Pictured wearing the new kit are Holyhead RNLI volunteers Stuart Cramp, Holly Owen and Russ Clarke

For further information, please contact Vicki Owens, Holyhead RNLI lifeboat press officer, on 07531 681409.

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.

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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.