Stock up on safety this Christmas

If you have a coastal-lover in your life, from paddleboarder, kayaker to coastal walker, here’s some gift ideas with lifesaving potential to help with your Christmas shopping.

Gifts you can’t put a price on – for all budgets 

Some of the items are free while others cost from just a few pounds. Whatever your budget, give a gift that will help keep your loved ones safe out on the water and around our coastlines all year - a gift not just for Christmas.

 

Waterproof phone pouches   

It’s a great idea to take a fully charged phone to the coast so you can call us for help if you need it.  

If you’re heading out on the water, we recommend taking a phone in a waterproof pouch and keeping it within reach. They’re widely available at outdoor/watersport retailers and online.  

For 17-year-old Alfie it proved to be a lifesaver when he was separated from his paddleboard and dragged out to sea. He was able to call 999 Coastguard to get the help he needed – ultimately saving his life.

 

 

Lifejackets, lifesavers

Lifejackets can improve survival rates in cold water by four times and should be worn by those on sailing yachts and motor cruisers as well as people fishing off rocks and piers. Some have locator beacons which signal your location to the emergency services and a light that helps your chance of being spotted after dark. Get the right size with a light and whistle, ensuring it is appropriate for your activity.  

 

Buoyancy aids 

Buoyancy aids are suitable when there’s a chance you might get wet – for example, kayakers, canoeists, rowers and dinghy sailors. Find out more lifejackets and buoyancy aids. 

 

Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)  

A Personal Locator Beacon, or PLB, will alert the emergency services that you need help and where you are if you get into difficulty on land, sea or anywhere in the world. Make sure it is registered and your information is up to date. 

 

RYA SafeTrx  

A lifesaving gift that doesn’t cost a thing. Download the RYA SafeTrx safety app onto your loved one’s Apple or Android phone. For all sea and coastal users, the app monitors your activity and alerts emergency contacts should you fail to return home on time. There’s also a registration only option available online. Find out more.

 

Swimming equipment  

If you know someone who enjoys a cold water dip or open water swim, why not get them a bright swimming cap to increase their visibility in the water or even a tow float. Get them a changing robe, woolly hats, big towels – all things to help keep them warm after a chilly swim.  

 

Coastal walkers – keep warm! 

It’s important to be able to call for help and have the means to keep as comfortable as possible while waiting for help to arrive. A spare mobile phone battery pack is always useful, an LED torch can be used to signal for help in poor light or darkness while a vacuum flask or travel mug containing a warm drink will keep your spirits up. Costing from just a few pounds, a survival blanket or bag is compact and lightweight and will help provide cover against chilly winds and rain. 

 

Spread the word – the best gift not found under the tree and it’s free  

The very best gift of all is to spread the word that HM Coastguard is on call every day of the year, 24/7, to help those who may be in difficulty around the coast. To alert us, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.