Alaskan heritage footwear brand, XTRATUF®’s birthday gift to RNLI lifeguards
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) are proud to receive a birthday gift from XTRATUF®, who will give a pair of bespoke sliders to every lifeguard this summer, as part of the charity’s 200th anniversary celebrations and to thank them for their ongoing work to keep beach visitors safe
The RNLI marks turning 200 this year with the charity’s lifeguards playing a vital role in its lifesaving history since patrols began back in 2001. XTRATUF® will recognise the role of each of the RNLI’s 1,600 lifeguards who will be keeping beach visitors safe this year with the gift of their Après Fish slider, designed exclusively for the lifeguards in the RNLI’s distinct yellow and red colour palette. The Après Fish slider is a one-piece, lightweight slide made completely of BIO LITE, a low-compression, high-performance EVA foam that delivers superior impact absorption and support.
In addition, XTRATUF® will be donating £1 per pair of their lifestyle range of products sold to the RNLI as well as sharing vital water safety messages with their customers, advising them to visit a lifeguarded beach if they’re heading to the coast, and providing information on what to do if they are in difficulty in or around the water.
‘We are grateful for the kind gift from XTRATUF® and their support spreading our vital water safety messages. A huge part of our work is preventative, aiming to reach as many people as possible with our advice, XTRATUF® will enable us to connect with a key audience for us.
‘Through joining forces, we expect more people to be prepared and make the right decisions when in and around the water.’
XTRATUF® was founded in the USA almost 75 years ago, designed for Alaskan fishermen navigating treacherous seas. Over time, XTRATUF® footwear has extended beyond fishing boots, with a lifestyle range including their best-selling 100% waterproof ankle boot, affectionately known as the ‘ADB’.
XTRATUF® boots are worn and trusted by generations of ocean lovers, from fishermen to explorers, wild swimmers, kayakers, and surfers.
Big wave surfer, Andrew ‘Cotty’ Cotton, best known for surfing the notorious 100ft Wave in Nazare, Portugal joined the XTRATUF® Pro Team in 2023.
‘As a former lifeguard, patrolling Croyde beach for 7 seasons, and now as a professional big wave surfer, I've witnessed first-hand the crucial role the RNLI plays in keeping our beaches safe. Their dedication and bravery are unmatched, and I'm proud to see XTRATUF, a brand I trust and rely on, supporting such an essential organisation.’
‘XTRATUF is built for those who love the water, and we feel it is our responsibility to ensure that the ocean can be enjoyed safely. By partnering with the RNLI we are honoured to be supporting those who keep our beaches, oceans and our XTRATUF® community safe.’ – Milly Pestell, XTRATUF®’s UK Marketing Manager
The RNLI, in partnership with local authorities and landowners, will carry out their usual lifeguard service this year across the UK and Channel Islands in its standard phased approach. The first set of beaches to be patrolled began at Easter and joined Crosby beach which is patrolled 365 days of the year. The number of beaches will gradually increase through the season until the peak school summer holidays when over 240 beaches are patrolled.
Find your nearest at https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches.
The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this summer to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following their beach safety advice:
- Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
- Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks.
- For activities like paddleboarding or kayaking we recommend you wear a wetsuit, buoyancy aid or lifejacket and carry a means of calling for help in a waterproof pouch and keep it on you. Tell someone what you are doing, where you are going and when you expect to return.
- If you are going open water swimming, use a wetsuit to keep you warm, wear a bright coloured swim hat and take a tow float to store personal items including a phone for emergencies
- Tilt your head back with ears submerged
- Relax and try to control your breathing
- Use your hands to help you stay afloat
- It's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently
ENDS
Media contacts
For further information contact Oliver Wrynne-Simpson, RNLI National Media Manager, on [email protected] or the RNLI press office on 01202 336789 / [email protected].
XTRATUF PR Contact:
Emily Hipwell, [email protected].
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.