17/09/2025
The RYA has recently been blasted on social media for using a term to replace "Man Overboard" as an 'alternative term we can all use in non-emergency situations for when inclusive language might feel more appropriate, so that everyone feels welcome both on and off the water.'
Question 1: When is a discussion about "Man Overboard" not relating to a emergency situation?
Question 2: Who decided that "Person in the Water" was more inclusive?
Question 3: Who complained that "Man Overboard" wasn't appropriate?
Question 4: Who complained that they felt unwelcome because someone used the term "Man Overboard"?
The RYA recognises "that the language we all use is continually evolving" but, is it?
Question 5: Is 'rescue-related' language really evolving? Or is it perspectives on woke culture/ 'who might be offended' language curated to the mental health epidemic?
Question 6: When did the RYA become an authority on 'Rescue Protocol'? Wouldn't that be HMCG assisted by the RNLI?
Sometimes it's just better to acknowledge that you made a mistake rather than digging yourself in deeper. This is no different to the "Digital First" campaign that had seasoned instructors/ mariners hiding paper charts on their boats to keep them away from students through fear of sanctioning from the RYA.
Do what you want but don't cause confusion and uncertainty at the time of a life threatening incident.
Simple rules and processes save lives. It's not about the words you use, it's about the actions you take. Rescues don't have to be pretty, appropriate or politically correct, they have to be effective. When you lose sight of that, you lose sight of the importance of human life 💙⚓️
