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Salcombe RNLI remind people to get their lifejackets checked

Lifeboats News Release

Most people who get into difficulty at the coast do not anticipate ending up in the water itself.

Wearing a properly functioning lifejacket can be crucial for survival. In 2024, through lifejacket clinics in the southwest, 803 lifejackets were checked by the RNLI with faults found in 523 of these lifejackets.

Salcombe RNLI volunteers were recently called to an incident involving three experienced sailors, whose boat capsized within sight of the lifeboat station and ended up in the water. Luckily, they were all wearing lifejackets, but only one of the three lifejackets inflated correctly.

The RNLI is urging people to learn how to maintain their own lifejackets effectively.

For those in the Salcombe area interested in learning how to properly check and maintain their lifejackets, please contact our Water Safety Officer Simon at [email protected]

To find out more about lifejackets visit Lifejackets And Buoyancy Aids - Choose And Maintain Yours

Also, before you take to the water this season, the RNLI recommends people to complete necessary training, check and service your boat, equipment and safety devices, and check and service your engine, fuel and filters.

If you do get into difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 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.

About the author

David Dancox
Lifeboat Press Officer, Salcombe Lifeboat Station

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