TAKE SAFETY SERIOUSLY – GET A FREE CHECK, AUTHORITY URGES

If you have anything to do with boats and being on or near the water, having a lifejacket and wearing it isn’t enough – you also have to check that it works.

That’s the stark message of a new campaign from Milford Haven Port Authority, which is urging people whose lives revolve around the water too make sure their lifejackets and personal floatation devices are fully working as they check their equipment ready for the winter.

The Authority says it is concerned about a noticeable increase in the number of people who use the marina and go about their business near the water without wearing proper protective equipment.

In a joint initiative with the RNLI, it has set up a free lifejacket clinic at Milford Haven Marina on 11th & 12th October from 10.30am to 4.30pm, where experts will give equipment a thorough once-over.

The move follows success of the Authority’s hard-hitting campaign last year designed to educate local youngsters about the dangers of playing around the town’s marina and docks, which it delivered in a series of powerful posters and by giving talks in local schools.

This latest campaign is being publicised with posters locally, and people who take up the free check and find their lifejacket needs to be repaired can take advantage of special deals which have been arranged with local suppliers.

Emma Lewis, who manages the dock and marina for Milford Haven Port Authority, said it was part of the organisation’s responsibility to make users of the waterway aware of the dangers of the water.

“Along with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, we recommend all leisure users wear a lifejacket that is maintained, correctly worn and fit for purpose,” she said.

“More people than ever before are coming into contact with the water, and there have certainly been a number of incidents this year where people have been lucky not to have serious accidents because they weren’t properly dressed, or their lifejackets weren’t in working order.

“A panel of UK experts recently reviewed 49 drowning incidents and concluded that in 29 cases, lives may have been saved had the person been wearing a suitable lifejacket or personal flotation device.

“We very much hope that boat users will take their safety seriously, and take advantage of the free checks this week.

“The MCA has a slogan, “Don’t Think – Sink”, which we fully endorse. But unless your lifejacket works when you put it on, it won’t help you. So our message is: get it checked.”