The lifeboat crew in Troon are in a buoyant mood, with the news that they are to be amongst the first in Britain to be kitted out with new state-of-the-art lifejackets.

The Troon station, along with all 45 lifeboat stations in Scotland are due to receive the innovative lifejackets in the coming months. The Scottish rollout will be followed by a programme that will see every RNLI station in the UK and Ireland having the new lifejackets in 2012 – but the new investment means that public support is needed more than ever.

More than £100,000 is required for the lifejackets in Scotland and the RNLI is appealing to help from the public in raising the sum. The charity holds an annual SOS day in January when it asks the public to hold a variety of fundraising events and next year the local RNLI wants supporters to target their efforts towards buying the new lifejackets.

It will cost between £2,000 and £4,500 at the majority of the RNLI’s stations in Scotland to equip the volunteers with the new lifejackets. The exact figure depends on operational requirements.

Incorporating the latest material technology, the new lifejackets have been designed in collaboration with the RNLI and the manufacturer Crewsaver, specifically to meet the charity’s requirements.

A far cry from the cork lifejackets invented by RNLI Inspector Captain Ward in 1854, the new ones are fitted with water-activated emergency lights and pockets for day and night distress flares. They will provide a comfortable, secure fit, leading to increased efficiency and effectiveness in lifesaving.

The lifejacket has zipped pockets for casualty care kit, torches, gloves or knives, and a spray hood to protect against sea spray.

Isla Dewar, the RNLI’s fundraising and communications manager in Scotland, said: “The charity believes it owes its volunteer crews the best possible equipment available, as they often put themselves in difficult and dangerous situations to help others. However, we could not do this without the generous support of the public.”

The roll-out of the lifejackets is being undertaken on a geographical basis and is expected to take place during January and February in Scotland.

To donate, contact the Scottish fundraising team on 01738 642999. And you can find out more here on the RNLI website.