The RNLI and Helly Hansen Partner to Save Lives
SAILING
We are proud to announce that the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Helly Hansen have entered into a partnership to help save lives at sea. This is an important partnership in our mission to create professional grade gear to help people stay and feel alive. As the charity that works to defeat drowning, the RNLI will provide key insights for product development to aid this mission.
THE RNLI
Since 1824, the crews and lifeguards of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution have saved over 142,200 lives. The RNLI is comprised of volunteer lifeboat crews. The charity operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland. They operate a 24-hour rescue service in the UK and Ireland. In addition, seasonal lifeguards look after people on busy beaches and their Flood Rescue Team supports those affected by flooding.
Yet, with such a spectacular race resume, Coville also enjoyed pushing himself in single-handed record attempts. Having set many records, including a record from Miami to New York in 2005. In 2016, Thomas set the around the world sailing record single-handed on Sodebo Ultim in 49 days 3 hours 7 minutes and 38 seconds.
Since 1824, the crews and lifeguards of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution have saved over 142,200 lives.
- The RNLI
NEARLY 350 YEARS OF COMBINED EXPERIENCE AT SEA
Helly Hansen has been making protective gear for harsh ocean environments for 142 years. In 1877, Helly Juell Hansen made the first supple waterproof jacket for the purposes of keeping people warm and dry in brutal Nordic weather. When combined with the RNLI’s years of experience, this partnership equals nearly 350 years of shared knowledge. Paul Stoneham, Chief Executive Officer of Helly Hansen, said: “We are both proud and humbled by the serious nature of supporting those who willingly help others in their time of need, and we are motivated by the shared ambition of broadening water safety awareness and the reduction of drownings. We look forward to our work together and the continued development of a long-term partnership that we can all be proud of.”
We are both proud and humbled by the serious nature of supporting those who willingly help others in their time of need.
- Paul Stoneham, Chief Executive Officer, Helly Hansen
THE LIFE-SAVING KIT: CUSTOMIZED FOR THE RNLI
The RNLI crew members will be outfitted in an all-weather lifeboat kit that is designed for greater freedom of movement. Waterproof, breathable and considerably lighter than the kit it will replace, the technical layering system will ensure crew members will keep warm and dry when they’re out saving lives in all conditions.
Alice Higgins, a volunteer at Weymouth Lifeboat Station, was one of 60 crew members from six lifeboat stations across the UK and the Republic of Ireland who tested the new Helly Hansen gear. She said: “The new all-weather lifeboat kit is absolutely fantastic. It’s much lighter than the old kit and uses breathable fabric, which is ideal for the more demanding tasks we often need to carry out. While trialing the kit, it was great to find out that it kept you both warm and dry, even while out at sea in some harsh conditions.”
While trialing the kit, it was great to find out that it kept you both warm and dry, even while out at sea in some harsh conditions.
- Alison Higgins, Volunteer, The RNLI
“The new kit has a version tailored for female crew members. This ensures the clothing fits better and is comfortable to wear, which is important as we can be out on a shout for hours at a time searching for casualties.” The Helly Hansen kit will be rolled out to all RNLI stations with an all-weather lifeboat, as well as two stations on the Thames (Tower and Chiswick lifeboat stations). The new lifesaving gear was judged to better meet the unique challenges that the crew in these stations face.
HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT THE RNLI?
The RNLI is largely supported by donations and volunteers. If you’d like to learn more or contribute, please do: Take action.
*cover Image by Nigel Millard