Holly is the editor of Dockwalk. She grew up racing sailboats in England before switching to the world of superyachts and moving across the pond to Fort Lauderdale.
FunAir has partnered with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) to introduce the Rescue SeaStairs, an inflatable designed to enhance rescue operations in challenging sea conditons. This new tool aims to improve the safety and efficiency of lifeguards and rescue teams assisting individuals in distress.
The SeaStairs were originally created for superyachts to allow guests to exit the water with ease. After extensive collaboration with the RNLI, FunAir adapted the product to meet the specific needs of lifesaving crews.
Simon Ling, Head of Lifeboats at the RNLI, highlighted its significance, stating, “This is a game-changing piece of lifesaving equipment. We have simulated different mass rescue scenarios, and the Rescue SeaStairs enable our crews to recover large numbers of people from the water at high speed—potentially making the difference between life and death.”
The adapted design features a non-slip surface that ensures that individuals can safely move out of harm's way, regardless of their physical abilities, and will be made available to coastguards, lifesaving teams, and lifeboat associations worldwide.