Largs RNLI host successful lifejacket clinic
On Saturday 2 July the Water Safety Team from Largs RNLI were joined by members of Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team, Largs RNLI Fundraisers and Face2Face Fundraisers to hold a successful lifejacket clinic and water safety event at Largs Yacht Haven.
Research has proven that wearing a lifejacket can increase your chances of survival up to four times if you are immersed in cold water. Whatever your activity wearing a well fitted, well maintained and suitable lifejacket or buoyancy aid could save your life.
A total of 41 lifejackets were checked during the event. Of these 41 lifejackets no fewer than 75 percent failed the basic safety checks, two of these had fired cylinders so would not activate if required.
During the event there were also some excellent conversations with water users and the boating community around a range of key subjects including maritime distress flares, personal locator beacons, water sports and sharing experiences and stories.
A range of water and coastal safety advice was shared by the RNLI and Coastguard Teams including Float to Live, always having a means to call for help and crucially knowing who to call in an emergency.
Thanks to everyone who attended on the day. Learning more about the work of the RNLI and Coastguard, taking part in the lifejacket clinic and supporting our fundraising.
Claire McRae, Water Safety Volunteer at Largs RNLI, said, ‘A lifejacket is a vital piece of lifesaving equipment for those taking part in water based activities.
‘It can be easy to assume lifejackets are always up to the job, but like all safety equipment they need to be regularly checked. Someone’s life could depend on it.
‘In a coastal emergency, or if you see someone in trouble at sea, you should dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
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 142,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.