RACE DAY: 29th June 2019
Helly Hansen and RNLI Lifejacket Checks
Last year, Helly Hansen announced its strategic partnership with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and is committed to helping to increase safety on the water.
To ensure that Round the Island Race competitors are race-ready and prepared with the right kit, RNLI experts are offering free safety checks and advice.
Specially-trained RNLI volunteers will be joining the Helly Hansen team at the Round the Island Race and performing lifejacket checks free of charge.
Competitors in the race are also being offered 30% discount on Helly Hansen Lifejackets on the Helly Hansen website; simply add the discount code HH30RTIRLV19 at the checkout.
Helly Hansen are also running a competition for a £500 voucher to spend on HH products. To enter you simply have to attend the lifejacket clinic. A winner will be picked after the race on Saturday 29th June 2019 (T&Cs apply).
Of the recorded 6485 lifejackets checked by the RNLI from January 2018 – June 2019, 21% would not have worked, due to faults serious enough to prevent their operation.
To address this, the RNLI hold lifejacket clinics to check for faults, to show how to correctly wear the jacket and how to carry out monthly and annual inspections.
Visit the Helly Hansen marquee in the RTIR Race Village on the Parade. The RNLI volunteers will be running the lifejacket clinics between 3-7pm pm on Friday 28th June.
Advice for safety on the water from the RNLI
Always wear a lifejacket on deck and a harness where appropriate. If you use a dinghy or tender to access your boat make sure you always wear your lifejacket.
Always carry a means of calling for help. Ensure everyone onboard knows how to use it. Consider having an alternative source to call for help, such as a mobile phone with the SafeTrx app.
Develop your skills. Practice man overboard procedures with everyone on board and conduct a safety briefing.
Get the right training. Contact your national governing body, club or sailing centre to get the best training for your needs.
Always check the weather forecast and tide times.
Tell someone else where you’re going and when you’ll be back. They can raise the alarm with the Coastguard by calling 999 or 112 if you are overdue.
