Yacht and sailing survey underway

The RNLI Yacht Sailing Safety survey is currently underway and will run until November 9th. It is hoped the research will help improve sailing safety in the UK by providing the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) with a better understanding of yacht sailors in the UK - their participation, motivations and their experience of safety issues. This will provide valuable information so that safety messages and work undertaken by the RNLI, RYA (Royal Yachting Association) and MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) are targeted and relevant. Pip Hare, RNLI Coastal Safety Manager explains the reasoning behind the research project: “The RNLI exists to save lives at sea – a large part of that role is trying to prevent incidents from happening in the first place by providing important safety information. “RNLI incident data shows our lifeboat crews have rescued almost 9,850 yacht sailors in the last five years. “We’re always pleased to see people enjoying their leisure time at the coast and we want to help ensure they can take part in their chosen activity safely. “The aim of this research is to help us understand why people get involved and how they behave when they are on the water so we can provide the most relevant and useful safety information to them. “We’re working with the RYA and MCA to join expertise in coastal safety with experience of the sport. Once we have the results of the research, we will work together to develop the most suitable safety programmes and advice.