69% of Fatal Casualties Could Have Had a Positive Outcome if a Lifejacket Had Been Worn

New Research - Most fatal casualties could have had a positive outcome if a lifejacket had been worn

Last year, an expert panel comprising of representatives from the RYA, RNLI, MAIB and the marine safety industry, looked at fatal maritime incidents over a 12-month period to assess whether a life jacket would have made a difference in saving a person's life.

After reviewing each incident, the panel had to choose from whether it was 'probably, possibly or unlikely' that the person would have been saved by wearing a life jacket that was suitably maintained, correctly worn and fit for purpose, or alternatively, that it was 'not appropriate' for the person to have been wearing a life jacket in the particular incident under review.

Research Results

Out of a total of 133 fatalities, 91 were deemed as not appropriate for the casualty to have been wearing a life jacket. These deaths covered recreational activities such as diving and coastal walking where there is no call for the participant to wear a life jacket, and other 'misadventures' where a person ended up drowning despite not taking part in any maritime activity.

Of the remaining 42 fatalities, it was agreed that in 69 per cent of cases, a life jacket would have had a more positive outcome, either probably or possibly saving that person's life.

For more information on what to look for when considering a life jacket, see Lifejackets all you need to know