A chance to ensure your safety aid is in perfect condition

A lifejacket ‘clinic’ aimed at ensuring that the safety aid is in perfect condition to save lives is to be held by the RNLI during Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week.

The clinic is being organised by Mike McAlpine, volunteer Community Lifesaving Officer with the RNLI in Lyme Regis. It will be based at a lifesaving gazebo on the slipway by the entrance to the RNLI boathouse on Tuesday July 31.

Mike McAlpine said: “The tragedy in Missouri recently where eleven people drowned reminds us of the importance of lifejackets.

‘Unfortunately, many people do not check the condition of their lifejackets from one season to another, and in many cases the inflation device fitted may not work when it is needed.

‘The message is to have your lifejacket examined by a qualified professional every year and conduct your own checks on a regular basis.’

Among the tips for lifejacket users is to inflate the aid manually with a hand pump every six months and to leave it inflated for 24 hours to ensure there are no leaks or damage.

Lifejacket owners are urged to visit the slipway gazebo on July 31st where RNLI experts will demonstrate how to ensure a lifejacket is in a serviceable condition to save a life.