When your child borrows a library book from school, they sign it out, take it home to read and return it once they have finished reading. Imagine that same concept with a lifejacket? Thanks to the Lucas Dobson Water Safety Campaign it is now a reality.
“The story may have begun with tragedy however, if it helps to save a life and a family from going through what Lucas Dobson’s family have gone through it will be worth it,” said Peter Faulding founder and CEO of Specialist Group International, who was brought in by Kent Police to aid in the search for Lucas Dobson back in 2019.
Lucas was a six-year-old boy enjoying day out with family and friends, when a fun time quickly turned into a parents’ worst nightmare. Lucas fell into the dock and was swept away by the strong undercurrents. Emergency services arrived quickly on the scene, but it would take four days before his body was tragically discovered.
Specialist Group International recover on average 10 drowning victims each year and in the aftermath of yet another tragedy, especially one so young, Peter was impelled to take action and with Lucas’ father, Nathan Dobson, they set up a water safety campaign that would see lifejackets be made available in schools so any family visiting areas with open water would be able to borrow one. Peter Faulding made contact with Ian Clark of Baltic Lifejackets, who supply the SGI underwater search team with lifejackets, to see how they could help.
“I was instantly touched by the story and shocked to hear that Peter and his team recover on average 10 drowning victims a year. It is exciting and appropriate for Baltic Lifejackets to be involved in this important campaign,” said Ian Clark Head of Business for Baltic Safety Products.
The Lucas Dobson Water Safety Campaign Logo features Lucas’s face and Baltic Lifejackets has manufactured the lifejackets with this logo on them. The campaign aims at promoting awareness of the dangers of water and making it easier for children to play safely near or on water. The lifejackets are EN/ISO 12402-4 approved and available in a variety of sizes.
Ian Clark said: “Anyone who participates in water-based activities or works within the marine industry is fully aware of the dangers of water and Baltic Safety Products would like you to help get these lifejackets into more schools by sharing the Lucas Dobson Water Safety Campaign in your hometown or village. The sooner the lifejackets are in schools the sooner they can be put to good use.”
“Wait for the cool part,” said Ian. “Peter Faulding is a pilot, and the lifejackets are delivered personally in his own helicopter!”
Peter is very passionate about water safety and is putting a significant amount of his own time and money into this campaign. Every penny raised goes towards the manufacturing of new lifejackets for schools.
How you can get involved: If your school would like to be involved, register your interest at jane@specialistgroupinternational.com.
Make a donation towards further lifejackets: https://www.lucasdobsonwatersafety.com/
For more information on Baltic Safety Products please visit Baltic.se.
