Penlee Lifeboat Station Supports National RNLI Campaign to Boost Boating Safety

Published On: 26 March 2025Last Updated: 26 March 2025By CornishStuff

Free checklists released to help boaters stay safe this season

Penlee Lifeboat Station is backing a new nationwide safety campaign urging recreational boaters to refresh their knowledge and prepare their vessels before heading out to sea.

The ‘Reduce the risk, boost your skills’ campaign is a joint effort between HM Coastguard, the RNLI and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA). Aimed at encouraging safer boating habits, it includes a set of free downloadable checklists covering everything from emergency procedures to tide times and safety gear. Laminated versions of the checklists will also be available to order from the RNLI webshop in April.

Penlee Lifeboat supports campaign

Penlee Lifeboat coxswain Patch Harvey offered local support for the campaign, highlighting a common issue faced by crews in Cornwall:

“We get occasional issues with recreational boaters who have failed to correctly maintain their vessel which can mean the lifeboat being called out to a poorly serviced engine which may delay a call to someone urgently in need.”

📷Penlee Lifeboat coxswain Patch Harvey

Why this campaign matters

Derrick Jones, Assistant Chief Coastguard for HM Coastguard, said:

“Through this important campaign, we’re pleased to work alongside partners from the RNLI and RYA to raise awareness of the risks involved in recreational boating.

“We hope that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time on the water, but it’s essential that all levels of boater, from beginner to experienced, are properly equipped to handle emergency situations that can occur at any time of year, and in any conditions.

“From the effective use of Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) to lifejackets, essential checklists and crew drills such as man overboard procedures, we want to highlight that safety should be the first consideration before taking to the water this season.”

Stay safe with onboard checklists

The checklists include reminders to:

Check the weather and tide times
Inspect onboard safety equipment
Ensure the crew are appropriately dressed
Conduct a crew briefing with a passage plan
Check lifejackets are correctly fitted

There are also guidance cards for when a vessel is underway and in case of emergency, including instructions for using a VHF radio in distress situations.

Sarah Pennicard from the RNLI Water Safety Team said:

“We always want people to enjoy our coastline, but things can quickly go wrong at sea, which is why it’s so important to be prepared.

“By keeping our essential checklists onboard, you’ll be reducing the risks of incidents occurring or increasing in severity.”

Experienced boaters urged to brush up too

Richard Falk, Director of Training at the RYA, added:

“We’re delighted to join forces with the RNLI, HM Coastguard and Irish Sailing through this campaign. No matter how long you’ve been boating, an element of planning is required for even the simplest and shortest of journeys.

“The start of the season is also a great time to refresh your knowledge and expand your skills with an RYA training course whether on shore or on the water.”