The safety equipment manufacturer VIKING has made survival easier for the yachting community, and life easier for rescue teams, with the introduction of a bright yellow canopy to its 2010 range of best-in-test RescYouTM liferafts. While it may be new to liferafts, the fluorescent yellow chosen by VIKING is a familiar sight in many European countries, appearing on ambulances and rescue vehicles.
Certified according to the High Visibility Norm EN471 for traffic visibility, testing has shown the colour provides excellent contrast to grey and dark blue – the colours of the sea. It also offers the best visibility in bad weather and foggy conditions.
The bright yellow canopy isn’t the only innovation for the new RescYouTM Pro liferafts. VIKING has increased bodily comfort for unlucky sailors with blue inner linings designed to reduce anxiety and seasickness, and curtained windows that provide a 360-degree outlook without having to open the liferaft and risk cooling down. Boarding is easier and quicker, too, thanks to new handles positioned above the boarding ramp.