Lifejacket campaign
Whether they’re training or out on a shout, RNLI crew members always wear lifejackets. It's a rule informed by years of experience. They know that, whatever the weather, the sea is extremely unpredictable and can turn at a moment's notice. They see people caught out all the time, people who’ve risked or even lost their lives. A lifejacket will buy you vital time in the water and could save your life, but only if you're wearing it.
RNLI research has found that 98% of people surveyed carry a lifejacket. In our 3rd full year of the lifejacket campaign people that say they wear their lifejacket all the time has risen from 41% to 49%. Wearing a lifejacket was at number six in the safety priority list of the boat owners surveyed. On top of this over 1/3 of lifejackets our Sea Safety volunteers have seen, in their opinion, would fail to work due to poor maintenance.
Our latest research, in conjunction with the MCA shows that boaters are unaware of the risk of ‘cold water shock’ if you fall in. A lifejacket will double your chances of survival and will aid you being located and our new campaign advertising helps promote this.
This website has all the information you need to choose, fit and maintain your lifejacket. We can also run live lifejacket clinics at your club free of charge and give you a chance to go through your own lifejacket.
This website has all the information you need to choose and wear a properly fitted lifejacket.
View The Complete Guide.
Lifejackets - all you need to know
Boating can be extremely unpredictable. It is vital to wear a lifejacket. It could buy you time and save your life, but only if you ensure that it is the correct size and type for you, that it is properly fastened and that you understand how to operate and maintain it.
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Lifejacket demo
You carry a lifejacket but do you know how to fit and adjust it properly, what you can add to it and how to perform simple maintenance checks? Our highly trained and experienced team of lifejacket volunteer presenters can come along to your club armed with the equipment and knowledge to show you the importance of your lifejacket. This practical and interactive demonstration highlights one of the most important pieces of safety kit and how to get the most from it.
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RNLI's position on lifejacket wear
Given the circumstances in which people may find themselves in the water, certainly without the time to don a lifejacket, it makes sense to wear one all the time.
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Lifejacket testimonies
Email us with your real-life stories of how a lifejacket has saved your life.
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