XTRATUF is proud to continue its partnership with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). It will give a pair of bespoke sliders to every lifeguard this summer, as a thank you for their ongoing dedication to keeping beach visitors safe during the summer months.
This marks the second year that XTRATUF has partnered with the RNLI, further strengthening their commitment to supporting the charity’s vital lifesaving work.
The first year of the partnership saw XTRATUF donating £10,000 to the RNLI. XTRATUF will continue to raise funds throughout 2025. This contribution will help fund the essential training and equipment needed to keep RNLI lifesavers prepared for their lifesaving duties.
XTRATUF continues to recognise the role of each of the RNLI’s 1,600 lifeguards who will be keeping beach visitors safe this season, by giving them a pair 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. Granted a Green Leaf certificate, BIO LITE will biodegrade in bioreactor landfills, offering a lighter footprint for the planet.
In addition, XTRATUF will continue to donate £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.” – Abbie Hawkins, Lifeguard Services Client and Commercial Manager.
“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 100N 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.” – Andrew ‘Cotty’ Cotton.
“XTRATUF is built for those who love the water, and we believe it’s our responsibility to help ensure the ocean can be enjoyed safely. We’re proud to partner with the RNLI, supporting the dedicated individuals who protect those using our beaches and seas, and the XTRATUF community.” – Milly Pestell, XTRATUF’s UK Marketing Manager.
The RNLI, in partnership with local authorities and landowners, will carry out their seasonal lifeguard service this year across the UK and Channel Islands in its standard phased approach. 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 by clicking here.
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
- If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live
- 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
XTRATUF PR Contact:
Emily Hipwell, emily.hipwell@huxpr.co.uk.
RNLI PR contact:
Laura Haslam, RNLI National Media Manager, on Laura_Haslam@rnli.org.uk.
RNLI online
For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.
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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 more than 146,000 lives.
About Xtratuf
XTRATUF is built for the most epic condi?ons across the globe. It’s built for a community of passionate water lovers everywhere who want the best footwear and gear to keep them dry, comfortable and sure footed, no maQer what they face. XTRATUF enables and empowers us all to keep going, to keep working, to keep doing. ALASKA PROVEN. BUILT FOR ALL. It is a division of Rocky Brands, a publicly traded company on NASDAQ® under the symbol: RCKY.
For further informa?on please visit www.xtratuf.co.uk.
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