Connexion PR - Integrated Marketing Solutions

Safety Campaign Generates Shift To Quality PFD Yokes

Consumers have embraced the life jacket safety message and swarmed on RFD’s inflatable yoke style 11A Personal Flotation Device (PFD) in staggering numbers.

“The PFD safety message has been ringing out loud and clear for a while now and we’re glad that boaters are responding in their droves,” said Mark Barker, Managing Director of RFD.

“Significantly we are witnessing a big shift in consumer preference. The older style jacket is making way for the more comfortable yoke style of PFD. Because many boaters are now wearing their PFD all the time while on board their boat, comfort has emerged as a big factor, even where there is a slight price premium in both purchase price and service costs.”

Following on from the successful PFD awareness campaign headlining Australian cricket test opener Matthew Hayden and new PFD legislation in Victoria, RFD has seen an significant rise in sales for their inflatable yoke 11A PFD Type 1 from their extensive line-up of Australian-approved life jackets.

The National Marine Safety Committee began the campaign on PFD awareness in response to high numbers of boating accidents where drowning fatalities could have been avoided through the use of Type 1 PFD’s.

Having narrowly averted a personal boating disaster, Matthew Hayden was the ideal choice for campaign spokesperson given his high profile as Australia’s premiere opening batsmen - and a passionate fishermen and boat owner.

The successful PFD campaign brought a renewed focus on the importance of wearing life jackets and consequently sparked considerable interest in several of RFD’s popular life jacket models.

Whereas the Guardian model PFD from RFD was once the mainstay of the RFD range, sales of the inflatable yoke style jacket now comfortably outstrip those of the Guardian.

“We’re seeing a new trend in our sales where boaters are steering away from the conventionally-styled life jacket to the manual or auto-inflating slimline yoke styled PFD. The RFD inflatable yoke model is unobtrusive and people tend to forget they are wearing them, yet remain completely protected in the event of a boating incident,” said Mark Barker.

“RFD has been a household name in marine safety for over 30 years and the market appears willing to pay a little extra for the renowned quality and comfort of our RFD life jackets. When it comes to boating safety, people are responsibly choosing to invest just a little more on the best equipment for their peace of mind.”

The RFD inflatable PFD is designed for both commercial and recreational applications made from durable nylon coated neoprene and fire retardant valise. Featuring retro-reflective tape and automatic strobe light, the yoke-styled design of the RFD inflatable PFD allows maximum freedom and movement while the inflation method can be either manual or automatic activation.

It is recommended the RFD inflatable yokes be serviced annually for approx $30 to ensure optimum performance and peace of mind, a relatively small investment for hours of comfort at sea.

RFD is a world leading manufacturer of marine safety products and inflatable watercraft. Beginning in 1920, RFD is primarily involved in the supply, service and project management of marine, fire, life support and gas control equipment. RFD also distributes a range of brands including Aquapro inflatable boats, Plastimo boating equipment and Aquaglide water sport products.

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