Shock Lifejacket Safety Clinic Uncovers Alarming Failures Ahead of Big Race
Just before the famous Round the Island Race, a lifejacket safety check at Cowes revealed a scary truth: most jackets on yachts won’t protect crews as expected.
75% of Lifejackets Failed Crucial Safety Tests
On Friday 6 July, Cowes RNLI teamed up with sports gear giant Helly Hansen for a free lifejacket clinic at Cowes Yacht Haven. Of the 32 jackets tested, a whopping 75% failed safety standards.
“Maybe fewer people showed up because little wind was forecast for the race,” said Tony Reeve, Community Safety Officer at Cowes RNLI. “Then there was World Cup football distracting everyone.”
Those who brought their jackets got a rude awakening. Two jackets were outright condemned. One had a rusty, corroded CO2 cylinder barely able to inflate the bladder. Fourteen jackets had outdated inflation systems, with the worst expired back in March 2008. Six were missing essential crotch straps, and two lacked saddle clips.
In total, 24 out of 32 lifejackets had serious defects compromising their safety.
Salt Water and Neglect Are Lifejacket Killers
“Many don’t realise salt water severely damages fabric and mechanisms,” warned Tony. “Defects only show up if jackets are regularly opened, inspected, and manually inflated. That’s the vital message we need to get out to everyone using lifejackets.”
To encourage checks, Helly Hansen rewarded the first 30 participants with free coastal lifejackets. Following the clinic, local chandlers saw a rush of sailors hunting for replacement parts.
More Clinics Planned as Awareness Grows
Despite a modest turnout, Tony insists the exercise was invaluable. He thanked Helly Hansen for their vital support and confirmed more clinics are set for Cowes Classic Week (23–29 July) and Cowes Week (4–11 August).
“We expect more people to take part as the message spreads,” Tony predicted.
Station Operations Officer Mark Southwell added:
“Modern lifejackets are well-designed and comfortable, and more people are wearing them. Tony and his volunteer team give their time to remind boaters that regular maintenance is essential. It’s easy to assume lifejackets are always ready to save a life, but just like smoke alarms, they need checking. Someone’s life could depend on it!”
