Most lifejackets are dangerous, warns water safety chief

ALMOST all inflatable lifejackets on sale in Ireland are practically useless because they are not equipped with life-saving crotch straps.

John Leech, chief executive of Irish Water Safety expressed concern that around 90% of lifejackets sold here were not automatically sold with such vital equipment.

“Without crotch straps, an inflatable lifejacket is practically useless and even dangerous. The straps are essential as they make falling out of a lifejacket an impossibility,” said Mr Leech.