Sailing for Safety with Youth Charity

Supplier of marine distress signals Drew Marine Signal and Safety recently spent a day onboard ship with its chosen charity, Ocean Youth Trust South (OYT South) – an adventure sail charity. Drew Marine Signal and Safety has donated safety equipment to the charity to educate its crew about marine safety.

Katie Austen from Drew Marine Signal and Safety and seven members of OYT South set sail, voyaging from Southampton to the Isle of Wight, onboard the charity’s 72-foot yacht, John Laing.

There were 18 people onboard in total. Everyone was an active member of the crew and participated in activities such as helming the ship and hoisting the sails. Many of the crew were young adults enjoying a week long voyage battling the elements.

Among the marine distress signals donated to the charity were Pains Wessex Handflares, Lifesmokes and Para Red Rockets. Everyone onboard was given a safety briefing, including how to safely use flares in an emergency.

The adventure sail training charity, OYT South, takes people aged 12-25 to sea to learn how to sail and practice vital life saving skills. Many of the young people supported by the charity are disadvantaged or vulnerable and have never been to sea before. Most of the crew will complete the RYA Start Yachting course and many go on to complete the RYA Competent Crew and RYA Sea Survival course.

www.signalandsafety.com

www.oytsouth.org