Well-known south coast journalist has SeaSafe to thank for saving his life
Dennis Skillicorn, BBC Radio Solent radio presenter and journalist, believes his SeaSafe Sea Trekker gilet saved his life following an accident at Hythe Marina earlier this year
28 September 2010 - Dennis Skillicorn, the well-known BBC Radio Solent radio presenter and journalist, believes his SeaSafe Sea Trekker gilet saved his life following an accident at Hythe Marina earlier this year. Skillicorn comments, “I chose the SeaSafe Sea Trekker because it’s a water and weather proof gilet but with a concealed lifejacket and ideal for my hobby of rowing my rubber dinghy. “Living at Hythe Marina on Southampton Water I enjoy my daily rowing and rarely miss a day whatever the season. “One evening we had a very low tide and although I had already been out in the morning I wanted to get a good look at the low water scene. “It was taking a long time to empty the marina lock and I was anxious to get moving – against the rules I decided to jump the last few feet, like a small waterfall. “Everything then moved at a terrific pace, the dinghy corkscrewed and I was thrown out into the raging torrent, out of control, boat and oars whisked away.” Dennis continues, “I felt panic for a few seconds and then suddenly everything changed – I heard the gas cylinder hiss and a calmness came over me as I was lifted into a safe position with my head well above the water. “Relief swept through me – my SeaSafe Sea Trekker had done its job and the fact that I was wearing boots and heavy clothing made no difference. “The lock keeper called for assistance and together with a professional skipper they managed to get me out. “After being in the water for ten minutes with a temperate of 5 degrees Celsius it was an ambulance job to A&E. “I am certain that my SeaSafe gilet saved my life along with great help from a local Ambulance crew. One thing I would advise others wearing any type of lifejacket is to make sure that the leg straps are used so that you don’t pop out of the jacket if you do have an accident.” For more information about SeaSafe marine safety clothing and equipment visit www.seasafe.co.uk. - ends -