Newquay RNLI Lifeboat Website

Good, bad or dangerous? Public opinion is mixed, some see them as harmless fun, others as an item of clothing that could potentially risk someone's life.

The item in question is a red T-shirt or hoodie with lifeguard in yellow lettering on the back. Some argue that everyone knows that lifeguards wear yellow T shirts with red lettering. Most people used to frequenting beaches know this but many holiday makers won't, some don't even know what the yellow and red flags indicate.

People who wear these T shirts/hoodies should be aware that some people will mistake them for lifeguards and the time taken for them to realise their mistake could cost someone their lives.

Whilst the RNLI is against the hoodies,  shops, manufacturers, the local authorities, and the general public who are buying the hoodies need to work together.

Steve Instance, Area Lifeguard Manager says: 

 'The RNLI supports the efforts of the campaigners who are highlighting the dangers of members of the public wearing replica red and yellow lifeguard sweatshirts, on or near the beach. We hope their campaign will help to educate people and discourage them from purchasing the garments, as well as persuading manufacturers to stop making them. 

 'We are particularly concerned with the colour of the sweatshirts. Red and yellow are recognised globally as the colours for lifesaving and the RNLI educate young children, and the public that if they are in trouble on the beach to seek a lifeguard wearing red and yellow. People wearing replica lifeguard sweatshirts could lead to confusion in an emergency situation and waste valuable time. '

Facebook has now added a group calling for the total ban of these items, there is also an online petition to petition Restormel borough council to act to ban these T shirts.

Facebook - Ban lifeguard hoodies

Petition Restormel council to ban the hoodies