Boaters Warned: Are You Ready for the Water? New RNLI Checklists Could Save Lives

As the boating season kicks off, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is urging boat owners to check their skills and equipment before heading out to sea. In a move to improve safety, the lifesaving charity has teamed up with the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), HM Coastguard, and Irish Sailing to create a series of essential checklists.

1,900 Lifeboat Launches Last Year

In 2024 alone, RNLI lifeboats were launched 1,900 times to assist powered boat users and sailors. These rescues helped 1,447 people and saved 42 lives. The RNLI’s latest effort aims to reduce these emergencies by ensuring boaters are well-prepared before leaving shore.

The checklists, which are free to download from the RNLI website, provide a step-by-step guide for vessel checks, safety briefings, and emergency procedures.

📷RNLI launches 'Boost Your Skills' campaign for boaters - Credit: RNLI

What’s Included in the Checklists?

The resources cover a range of essential preparations, including:

• Pre-departure checks – Weather forecasts, tide times, and safety equipment.
• Crew briefing card – Discussing the journey plan, checking for medical conditions, and ensuring lifejackets are fitted correctly.
• On-the-move checks – Actions to take while underway.
• Emergency plans – What to do if something goes wrong, including a VHF radio calling procedure.

Sarah Pennicard, from the RNLI Water Safety Team, stressed the importance of preparation, saying:

“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.”

She encouraged boaters to keep the checklists onboard, adding:

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

Experts Back the Campaign

The campaign has gained strong backing from maritime safety experts.

Derrick Jones, Assistant Chief Coastguard for HM Coastguard, highlighted the dangers of being unprepared:

“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.”

Richard Falk, Director of Training at the RYA, emphasised the need for continuous learning:

“No matter how long you’ve been boating, an element of planning is required for even the simplest and shortest of journeys.”

Meanwhile, Dave Garvey, Training Manager at Irish Sailing, reinforced the importance of preparation:

“Carrying the new RNLI essential checklists on board will ensure steps are not missed in the preparation to help keep you out of trouble.”

With the backing of the RNLI, HM Coastguard, the RYA, and Irish Sailing, the message is clear—boaters who prepare properly will be safer on the water.

To download the checklists and find out more, visit the RNLI website.

📷RNLI launches 'Boost Your Skills' campaign for boaters - Credit: RNLI