Dún Laoghaire RNLI try out new life-saving equipment

MEMBERS of Dún Laoghaire RNLI are among the first from six lifeboat stations across Ireland who have trialled new gear that is designed to save lives.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) recently announced a new strategic partnership with global technical sailing brand Helly Hansen to support the lifesaving charity.

Founded in Norway in 1877, Helly Hansen has committed to supporting the RNLI for the next five years through a variety of life-saving activities.

These include delivering drowning prevention messages to their customers, generating income, supporting fundraising and safety campaigns, product innovation and supplying the very best kit to the RNLI’s lifesavers. 

Helly Hansen has worked with the lifesaving charity to ensure the professional-grade gear will meet the demanding needs of the RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crews. The new clothing is due to go on service from September.

RNLI Chief Executive, Paul Boissier, said: “We are delighted to announce this partnership with Helly Hansen, a highly respected and trusted global technical apparel brand. Through this new alliance, we’ll be able to reach even more people with our vital safety messages.

“Helly Hansen will provide our lifesavers with the very best kit to wear when they’re saving lives at sea.

“Our new all-weather lifeboat kit is due to start going on service from September and our beach lifeguards will receive their new kit next year.”

Designed to allow greater freedom of movement, the new all-weather lifeboat kit provides better endurance levels and comfort for the charity’s crew members.

Waterproof, breathable and considerably lighter than the kit it will replace, the technical layering system will ensure crew members will keep warm and dry when they’re out saving lives in all conditions.

The kit comes in a wide range of sizes, with versions tailored to fit male and female crew members.

Kieran O’Connell, lifeboat mechanic at Dun Laoghaire RNLI, was one of 60 crew members from six lifeboat stations across Ireland and the UK who trialled the new Helly Hansen gear.

He said: “The new all-weather lifeboat kit is fantastic. It’s much lighter than the old kit and uses breathable fabric, which is ideal for the more demanding tasks we often need to carry out.

“While trialling the kit it was reassuring to find that it kept you both warm and dry, even while out at sea in harsh conditions.”

The new kit also has a version tailored for female crew members. This ensures the clothing is a better fit and is comfortable to wear for hours spent at sea.

The new kit will be rolled out to all RNLI stations with an all-weather lifeboat, including the 25 that are based  across the coasts of Ireland.

As well as the new all-weather lifeboat crew gear and the lifeguard kit, Helly Hansen will also supply corporate clothing and uniforms for RNLI staff.