"Lifejackets save lives"

Correctly maintained, worn and fit for purpose Lifejackets and Buoyancy Aids should be worn at all times when at sea

One of the MCA's current three year safety themes is a Lifejacket Awareness Campaign

We aim to work with our partner organisations, including the RNLI and the RYA, to promote the carriage and wear of lifejackets within the leisure sector.

Watch the new MCA Lifejacket Video

On 4th July 2008 an expert panel review, comprising of staff from the RYA, RNLI, MAIB, and industry, was convened to analyse fatal maritime incidents in 2007 and assess whether a lifejacket would have made a difference in saving a person’s life.

After reviewing each incident, the panel had to choose from whether it was Probably, Possibly or Unlikely that the person would have been saved by wearing a lifejacket that was suitably maintained, correctly worn and fit for purpose, or alternatively, that it was Not Appropriate for the person to have been wearing a lifejacket in the particular incident under review.

From a total of 133 fatalities, 91 were deemed as Not Appropriate for the casualty to be wearing a lifejacket. These deaths covered recreational activities such as Diving and Coastal Walking where there is no call for the participant to wear a lifejacket, and other ‘misadventures’ where a person ended up drowning despite not taking part in any maritime activity.

Of the remaining 42 fatalities, it was agreed that in 29 cases (69%), a lifejacket would have had a more positive outcome, either probably or possibly saving a person’s life.


Click here for more information on lifejackets from the RNLI
Click here for more information on lifejackets from the RYA

For more information about any aspect of the MCA's Lifejacket Campaign contact Richard Jackson or Joanne Groenenberg.