Volunteers at Tenby Lifeboat Station received brand new lifeboat crew kit on Sunday - to help keep them safe, warm and dry when they’re out saving lives at sea.
The kit has been paid for by a legacy from the late Rolly Squibbs, son of one of the station’s previous Launching Authorities, Arthur Squibbs and his wife Nora.
The new all-weather lifeboat crew kit - which is being rolled out to all of the RNLI’s 128 all-weather lifeboat stations across the UK and Ireland - is supplied by Helly Hansen as part of their strategic partnership with the RNLI.
The new kit is lighter, more comfortable and designed to allow greater freedom of movement than the kit it is replacing and it will ensure the charity’s volunteer crew members have the very best kit to wear when they go out to sea in all weathers.
Specially designed with the RNLI to ensure it meets the demanding needs of its volunteer crews, the new kit uses state of the art waterproof and breathable Helly Tech fabric which provides increased comfort compared to the previous non-breathable fabric of the old kit. The light but strong kit is reinforced for exposed areas and its technical layering system ensures crew members will keep warm and dry while out at sea.
The kit comes in a wide range of sizes and has bespoke designs to fit both male and female crew members, unlike the kit it is replacing. The new bib, midlayer and baselayer garments have a specific fit for female crew members, enabling better comfort and freedom of movement.
Phil John, coxswain at Tenby Lifeboat Station, said: “We’re delighted to have received this new all-weather lifeboat crew kit. The new gear is absolutely fantastic.
“It’s much lighter than the old kit, its waterproof and it uses breathable fabric, which is ideal for the more demanding tasks we often need to carry out on the lifeboat.
“Even in the harshest conditions, we know this kit will help to keep us warm, dry and safe when we’re out at sea. What makes this kit even more special is the fact that it was paid for by Rolly’s legacy, meaning it will be a lasting tribute in his name. We are extremely grateful to the whole Squibbs family.”
As part of the strategic partnership with the RNLI, Helly Hansen has committed to supporting the RNLI for the next five years through a variety of life-saving activities.
These include delivering drowning prevention messages to their customers, generating income, supporting fundraising and safety campaigns, product innovation and supplying the very best kit to the RNLI’s lifesavers.
Pics. Gareth Davies Photography