A Northumberland sculpture is showing off a new outfit in a campaign to raise awareness of water safety.

The Rescue at Seahouses has been donned with a lifejacket as part of a nationwide campaign to help raise awareness around the importance of wearing a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) when out on the water.

In a survey conducted by sailing brand Helly Hansen, a partner of the RNLI, it has been revealed that nearly half of UK boaters don’t wear a suitable Personal Floatation Device (PFD) when out on the water.

The survey showed that though 81.6 per cent of people think they are a good example to others when it comes to water safety, only 56.2 per cent always wear a PFD on the water. Of those who do not wear a PFD, 50,76 per cent say they wear one in bad weather, 22.84 per cent don’t wear one as they can swim, and 29.44 per cent wear one when sailing along.

Every year, around 150 people die off the coast of UK and Ireland and the RNLI launched to those in need of help over 8,000 times last year.

Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety at the RNLI, said: “Our advice is simple, always wear a lifejacket when you’re on the water, as accidents can and do happen to anyone, regardless of your experience or ability.

"The results in this survey are worrying as they show people are putting their lives at risk, with many thinking the advice to wear a lifejacket doesn’t apply to them. Our brave volunteers rescue thousands of people every year, and unfortunately at times witness first-hand the effects that losing someone to drowning has on their loved ones.

"Research has proven that wearing a lifejacket can increase your chances of survival by up to four times if you’re immersed in cold water. Whatever your activity and whatever level of experience you have, wearing a well-fitted, well-maintained and suitable lifejacket or buoyancy aid could save your life.”

Alongside the survey, case study videos have been launched to show stories of those who have saved by the RNLI. One is of Julian Crawford from Seahouses. When his boat capsized, he was rescued by the RNLI at Seahouses Lifeboat Station and survived an advanced case of hypothermia.

You can watch the video of Julian’s story at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_qzBgDBXEg