RNLI safety clinic a success

AT the recent Angling Ireland Show, held over two days at the National Show Centre, Swords, 367 anglers from all over Ireland visited the RNLI stand for lifesaving tips and sea safety advice, and to avail of the free lifejacket clinic.

Out of the 37 lifejackets brought to the clinic, 31 of them were found to have safety issues.

John McKenna, Coastal Safety Officer with Howth RNLI, said a lifejacket is useless if you don’t wear it, but it’s also important to maintain it properly. Mr McKenna said:

“Three simple steps could help to save your life – check that the gas canister is in good condition and screwed in properly, the firing head is within its expiry date and that a crotch strap is attached securely.

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As spring approaches more people will soon be taking to the water. Last year was the busiest year ever for Howth RNLI which had 62 launches and brought 107 people to safety. It was the busiest coastal lifeboat station in Ireland in 2014.

Mr McKenna said they want everyone to enjoy the water, but also to respect it too.

“By maintaining and wearing a lifejacket properly, anglers and boat-users will give themselves the best possible chance of survival in the case of an emergency,

? he added.

Last year the charity marked 190 years of lifesaving and the RNLI is aiming to reduce coastal drowning significantly by 2024.

To do this, the charity will be expanding its preventative work and will launch

‘Respect the Water’, engaging with water users on how to stay safe and maintain their equipment. Water Safety advice is available on www.rnli.org/safety

Meanwhile, if any angling, sailing or boating clubs would like a member of the RNLI Sea Safety team to give a sea safety presentation and carry out a lifejacket clinic, contact John McKenna at [email protected]