River Hamble Harbour Authority

Notice to River Users 35 of 2008

Lifejackets for Recreational Boaters

A recent review of drowning incidents by a panel of UK experts found that lives might have been saved in 69% of incidents had the person been wearing a suitable lifejacket or personal floatation device.

The River Hamble Harbour Board supports the national lifejacket awareness campaign that has been launched by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in collaboration with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and the Royal Yachting Association. It is strongly recommended that all recreational boaters wear a lifejacket that is maintained, correctly worn and fit for purpose whilst at sea.

The use of a lifejacket is recommended when transiting the harbour in small tenders.

Local Notice No.1, 12, 13 and 20 of 2008 contains further safety information for small craft. More information is available at

• www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga07-home/leisurenandtheseaside
• www.rnli.org.uk/what_we_do/sea_and_beach_safety/sea_safety
• www.rya.org.uk/safety/lifejackets

A G Clatworthy
Harbour Master
Shore Road, Warsash, Hampshire SO31 9FR

2 August 2008