Please remind all in our clubs to ensure that lifejackets are fitted and worn in such a way as to work when they are needed.
Over the summer we have all done a lot of rowing and, as schools are back and we go into the winter season it is a good time to remember that lifejackets are no protection unless that are fitted properly. In August the British Rowing HRSA issued a Safety Alert – Take Care To Fit Your Lifejacket providing great guidance on avoiding common mistakes.
Amongst the most important are that a lifejacket (or buoyancy aid) should be an appropriate size for the user and that crotch straps should be used if at all possible.
You can see a good demonstration of what happens if you fail to fit a crotch strap here and here is a comprehensive description from the RYA, RNLI and MCA
For a comprehensive list of monthly reports and safety alerts please bookmark our Safety page