New RNLI and GJW Direct Lifejacket Clinic association announced
by GJW Direct 15 Sep 2018 12:00 BST
14 September 2018
(l-r) Jez Entwistle, Brian Robson, Mark Jardine & Ben Archibald at the new RNLI and GJW Direct Lifejacket Clinic association announcement © Tim Olin /
www.olinphoto.co.uk
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and GJW Direct have announced a new association, which will see GJW Direct become an official supporter of the RNLI's Lifejacket Clinics.
The RNLI has over 400 active volunteer Community Safety Officers who are specifically trained to provide safety advice on a wide range of topics. They run free Lifejacket Clinics at sailing clubs, youth groups and events around the country which include a lifejacket inspection and show owners how to carry out their own checks in between annual manufacturer services.The charity's recent Lifejacket Clinics have found that more than 30% of lifejackets brought in for inspection would not have worked in an emergency. The partnership will see GJW Direct promoting the RNLI Lifejacket Clinics to its members, with GJW Direct also being present at some of the larger Lifejacket Clinics around the country.
The announcement was made at 11:30am on Friday 14 September at the GJW Direct stand (stand E047) at the Southampton Boat Show. Four special RNLI Lifejacket Clinics will also take place at the stand during the Southampton Boat Show to celebrate the launch of the relationship, and will be offered to customers of GJW Direct.
Brian Robson, Community Safety Manager for the RNLI said, "This is a really important partnership for the RNLI and is the first time we have had a partnership of this type specific to one of our direct community safety initiatives. With over a third of lifejackets tested at our recent lifejacket clinics not suitable for use in an emergency, this new association with GJW Direct will help us to raise awareness amongst the boating community about our Lifejacket Clinics and the importance of regularly checking your lifejacket to ensure it will help you in an emergency."
Lev Osman, Chief Executive Officer, GJW Direct added, "GJW is committed to making sure our customers and audience are fully aware of the importance of staying safe at sea, whether racing enthusiasts, leisure sailing, living on board a boat, or taking the family on a sailing holiday - everyone should know the basics of staying safe on and around water and maintaining their lifejacket(s) in full working order. The RNLI's Respect the Water campaign plays a significant role in this, and we are very proud to be working in conjunction with the RNLI on this initiative."
The important safety messaging will also feature on GJW Direct's dedicated MyBoat website, a digital organiser for boat owners with latest news, views, weather and more.
The collaboration will also see GJW Direct customers being offered the opportunity to add a donation to the RNLI when signing up or renewing their insurance policies, which will help the charity in its mission of saving lives at sea.