RNLI and GJW Direct join forces to keep water users safe

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and GJW Direct have renewed their partnership, which will see GJW Direct continue to support the charity by sharing vital water safety advice with their clients.

With lockdown restrictions expected to ease further over the coming months, the RNLI are anticipating an increase in the number of people heading out onto the water to enjoy the warmer weather. It is vital that water users take the appropriate measures to keep themselves safe and know what to do in an emergency.

The collaboration with GJW Direct, who are the UK’s leading marine insurance provider, will allow the RNLI to reach their audience of boat users and deliver water safety advice, specifically around the importance of wearing a lifejacket and making sure it’s in working order.

Samantha Hughes, RNLI National Water Safety Partner, said:

"The RNLI’s relationship with GJW Direct has provided us with the opportunity to share water safety advice with an audience who regularly spend time out on the water. Their support since 2018 has made a real difference, and by working together, we have educated people on how they can keep themselves safe when enjoying time on the water.

"We are pleased to continue our partnership with them and reach more people with our advice."

Lev Osman, Chief Executive Officer of GJW Direct, added:

"Since 2018, we have promoted the RNLI’s lifejacket clinics to our customers, which are run by the charity’s water safety volunteers at sailing clubs, open days and events around the country. The free clinics show owners how to inspect and identify possible problems in-between manufacturer-recommended services.

"Due to the pandemic, face-to-face lifejacket clinics had to be cancelled and with no immediate plans for them to resume, the RNLI are working on plans to deliver virtual lifejacket clinics with the first one expected to be rolled out in April."

The RNLI are encouraging anyone who is planning a trip on the water to take the necessary steps to keep themselves safe by following their advice:

• Wear a lifejacket
• Carry a means of calling for help and keep it within reach
• Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks
• In an emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

The partnership will also see GJW Direct customers 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. To date, over £80,000 has been raised by GJW Direct customers, which will enable the RNLI to continue its vital work.

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Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of the Coastguard and the government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.