NEWS FROM THE DART LIFEBOAT “HOW TO KEEP YOUR HEAD ABOVE WATER”
hen it comes to life Jackets you helped us and we can help you. Crewsaver and the rnli have worked jointly for two years to design new life jackets for their all-weather lifeboat and inshore lifeboat crews. the new design is less bulky than the current 1997 design and will provide increased safety for all sizes and shapes of volunteers with a comfortable, secure fit leading to increased ef- ficiency and effectiveness in lifesaving. they are fitted with crotch straps, which prevent the lifejacket riding up over the wearer’s head when in the water, and an integrated harness, designed to pull the lifejacket away from the neck allowing greater freedom of movement while rescuing people. there are also zipped pockets for a casualty care kit, torches, gloves or knives and a spray hood designed to protect the wearer from sea spray. Ultimately, the improved lifejackets should lead to increased effectiveness in lifesaving. the new life jackets will be rolled out over the year and should be available for the Dart volunteers in August, our busiest month last year with twelve call
outs.the money to pay for them was raised by our SOS activities at the end of January. the students at Dart- mouth Academy had chosen the rnli as their Charity of the year and raised enough for one and a quarter life jackets. the pupils at the other primary schools in Stoke Fleming, blackawton, St John the baptist, Dartmouth and St John the evangelist, totnes raised enough between them for another. the adult fund raising activities at the lifeboat station and other events raised enough for another four at the time of going to press.
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How can we help you? the Dart rnli life Jacket Clinic will be held again at the lifeboat station on Coronation park on Saturday 14 April from 10am to 3pm. supported by Ocean Safety of plymouth and Shipmates Chandlers of Dartmouth. the examination and inflation of the jackets by Ocean Safety is free.
A donation to the rnli would always be appreciated.
if your jacket needs attention Chris robinson, of Ship- mates Chandlers will be on hand to supply any replace- ment parts or arrange repairs if required. Chris will also be selling a range life jackets and buoyancy aids for all ages if yours is beyond repair or your children have grown and require increased buoyancy. the Clinic is open to all; you do not have to be a mem-
ber of the rnli although the opportunity to become an rnli Member or to become a Friend of the Dart lifeboat will be available.
Fit it and Wear It it is amazing how few people the Dart lifeboat has rescued were actually wearing a lifejacket! in some cases they were on board but not being worn when the accident happened. every craft should have enough life jackets on board to suit all sizes and weights, including children. without attaching the crotch straps the buoyancy aid or life jacket will ride up over the wearer’s head once in the water.
A buoyancy aid is often used during water sports activities where help is close at hand. However, it will not turn an unconscious casualty from being face down in the water. the rnli recommends that when you use your tender and your boat everyone wears a buoyancy aid or lifejacket. Further information on the principles of choosing a lifejacket for adults and children are available on the station web site in the Sea Safety section.
For up to date news of the Dart lifeboat please visit the local website of
www.dartlifeboat.org.uk (where news of recent launches as well as social events can be found).
John Fenton RNLI Press officer
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