RNLI Yachting

About the Study

The aim of the study is to provide lifesaving charity 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 and MCA are targeted and relevant.

A Message from the RNLI

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.

Please spare 15 minutes to take the survey now by clicking here."

A Message from The Royal Yacht Association

Stuart Carruthers, Cruising Manager at the RYA said: "Recreational boating activities are predominantly safe and fun, but accidents which could have been prevented do happen. The RYA’s key safety messages – look after yourself; have a plan; keep in touch and know your limits – underpin the RYA ethos of self-reliance and responsibility for safety on board.

"The RYA supports this research because it will provide a clearer insight of people’s attitudes to their safety and help us to promote safe behaviour and practice in a more effective way. We would encourage all yacht sailors to take the time to complete the questionnaire."

A Message from The Maritime and Coastguard Agency

Kirsten Pointer of the MCA, said: "If you're a sailor please take this survey. It will really help us to support the improvement of yachting safety standards."

Why Yacht Sailors?
The RNLI's volunteer lifeboat crews have rescued 9,850 yacht sailors and saved 124 sailors' lives in the past five years. This study will feed directly into the RNLI's coastal safety work, to help improve yachting safety.

Competition Prize!

As a thank you for your contribution to this research, the RNLI is offering all participants the chance to win a McMurdo Fast Find Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). All you have to do is complete the survey and leave your details at the end to be included in the prize draw. Winners will be chosen by substance using a random number generator and will be notified by the 30th November. For terms and conditions, please click here. For terms and conditions, please click here.

Take the Survey
The more yacht sailors in the UK who take part in the survey the better the information produced will be and the more impact it will have. click here.

Be Interviewed
Substance are conducting some in depth interviews over the phone. If you are willing to take part in a phone interview or would prefer to do the survey over the phone, please email: Shileen [at] substance.net.

Pass it on
Done the survey? Please pass on the website address (www.RNLIYachting.substance.net) to your yacht club, association, local shop, chandler or forum and email it to everyone you know who takes part in yachting. You can download the press release here.

Download a Poster
Please download a poster advertising the survey and display it at your yacht club, center or shop. Download the poster here.

Print a Paper Copy
If you don't want to do the survey online, you can download a Word version, complete it and email it back to us, or download a PDF version to print, complete and post back.

Support
The main project partners are the The main project partners are: Royal Yachting Association, the national body for all forms of boating and the The Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Who are Substance?
Substance has been commissioned to undertake the research for the RNLI. Substance is a research cooperative based in Manchester that has undertaken many large scale research and evaluation projects in sports and activity. Find out more about Substance here.