Ocean Safety in association with Yachting Monthly held a very successful open weekend over the 14th and 15th of February at their Southampton branch.

Over 60 people went to see their liferafts inflated by experienced service engineers, all aspects of the rafts were discussed and people were invited to climb in and have a look around for themselves. Force 4 were also there to help advise people on any new safety kit they were considering purchasing.

People also took along lifejackets and EPIRBs to be checked over by the Ocean Safety team and many of them took part in the flare demonstrations conducted by KTY Yachts.

Yvonne Taylor of KTY Yachts said, “Almost everyone that sails has some kind of flares on board, but very few people are really aware of what the different kinds of flares do, and even fewer of them have ever actually fired one. These demonstrations are a great opportunity for people to find out what it’s really like in a safe and controlled environment.”

Charlie Mill of Ocean Safety commented, “As a company we feel that it is very important to educate people on the correct use of their own safety equipment. Most people have no idea what their liferaft or lifejacket looks like inflated, this is why we hold events like this- to encourage people to familiarise themselves with their own safety kit ”

Another open day will be held at the Plymouth branch on the 7th of March. For further details please call 44 (0) 1752 895855 or email Plymouth@oceansafety.com .