General Floating Equipment

Let’s step into the summer with some exciting news from last week… 🥰🛟

They say fashion can save lives…
But let’s be honest — General Floating Equipment probably did it first.

Thanks to Louis Vuitton, even essential safety gear has officially entered the world of high fashion.
And we’ll admit — for something designed to be thrown, not worn, it does make quite the statement.

But while Vuitton sees a lifebuoy as a bold accessory, we see it as a lifesaver — and throw ours overboard to keep real people afloat in real emergencies.

🛟 So while they’re turning heads on yachts in Saint-Tropez,
we’re pulling people from crashing waves, Beaufort 10 storms, and the occasional office party on the River Schelde…

Let fashion test the waters —
we’ll be here when it really matters.

Oh, and — feel free to buy our GFE lifebuoys too…
if you want to stay safe and stylish this summer. 🤪

Hoewel de zegswijze “geen nieuws is goed nieuws” luidt, worden veel verdrinkingsincidenten niet door de media gerapporteerd. Dit gebrek aan bewustzijn creëert een misleidende indruk van waterveiligheid. De waarheid is dat verdrinking een ernstige bedreiging vormt die jaarlijks levens eist. 📈🆘

In België tonen officiële statistieken aan dat er jaarlijks minstens 70 tot 90 dodelijke verdrinkingen plaatsvinden. Deze cijfers vertegenwoordigen echter slechts een fractie van het werkelijke aantal incidenten. Experts schatten dat er voor elke geregistreerde verdrinkingsdood minstens drie niet-dodelijke incidenten zijn. In het VK en de Scandinavische landen wordt dit aantal zelfs nog hoger geschat.

Helaas zijn bijna-verdrinkingsincidenten vaak even ernstig, met blijvende hersenschade, letsels aan het ruggenmerg en psychologisch trauma als gevolg. Overlevers staan voor langdurige gezondheidsuitdagingen en een verminderde levenskwaliteit. De blijvende schade wanneer iemand niet op tijd kan worden geholpen of te lang ondergedompeld blijft, is bijzonder ernstig.

Aan de positieve kant wordt geschat dat minstens 1/3 van de verdrinkingsslachtoffers wordt gered dankzij de aanwezigheid van reddingsmateriaal aan het water.

De meeste verdrinkingsincidenten vinden plaats in open water, zoals meren, rivieren en de zee, maar zelfs een (privé) zwembad vraagt om waakzaamheid.

De beste preventie is een combinatie van sterke zwemvaardigheden, ideale wateromstandigheden en geschikt reddingsmateriaal. Het hebben van de juiste veiligheidsuitrusting is essentieel, zoals redders, zwemvesten in het water en reddingsboeien die gemakkelijk beschikbaar zijn aan de waterkant. 🆘🌊🛟

Heb je een gebrek aan (publieke) veiligheidsequipement opgemerkt? Laat het ons weten en wij zullen de verantwoordelijke partij contacteren met gratis advies over hoe de waterveiligheid kan worden verbeterd.

🌊 Uw Reddingsmiddelen Maken Het Verschil🚤

Maak werk van de juiste reddingsmiddelen aan het water. Een brandblusser in huis, in de auto of op het werk vindt iedereen vanzelfsprekend. Maar wist u dat er wereldwijd meer mensen sterven door verdrinking dan door brand? 😱 U kunt vandaag het tij keren. Uw reddingsboeikast maakt het verschil — u redt levens! 💖

Bij GFE kunt u rekenen op de expertise van ons ervaren team. Wij bieden advies over:
- ✅ De optimale organisatie van veiligheid aan het water
- 📜 De (lokale) wetgeving
- 🛡️ De specifieke veiligheidseisen van uw verzekeringsmaatschappij
- 🏅 De meest geschikte producten voor uw locatie

Laten we samen zorgen voor een veiligere toekomst! 💧💪

CONTACT
📞: +32 495 24 34 24
📩: [email protected]
🏢: Vosseschijnstraat 140, 2030 Antwerpen
👩🏼‍💻: www.gfe-international.eu

𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲! Join us at OPEN SPACES on 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟯-𝟮𝟰 at Flanders Expo for a two-day event dedicated to the design, development, and maintenance of public spaces.

Entrance is free, but registration is required.

Info: https://www.openspaces-expo.be/nl/
Registration: https://register.visitcloud.com/survey/130zk2shozlle

𝗜𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮 𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸?
Assessing water safety is no easy task. Numerous factors come into play, from water depth and currents to the presence of dangerous animals. A thorough risk assessment is crucial to identifying and mitigating potential hazards.

𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀?
⛑️Hydrologists, ️hydraulic engineers & environmental experts
⛑️Urban planners & consultancy firms
⛑️Local governments

𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲: 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁.
Since 1986, we specialize in lifebuoys cabinets and can help you find the right safety solutions for your specific situation. A lifebuoy cabinet takes care of the lifebuoy, preventing theft and ensuring it's in good condition so you can be rest assured everything is at hand when an emergency occurs.

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝗙𝗘 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗯𝘂𝗼𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝘀:
🛟UV-resistant
🛟Made from durable and impact-resistant material
🛟Optimally visible thanks to its red colour
🛟Provided with informative labels
🛟Optionally equipped with a unique digital warning system

Furthermore, the interior of your lifebuoy cabinet is extremely well-designed. Every square centimeter is optimally utilized. The cabinet opens quickly and easily.

Start your watersafety riskassement today and start saving lives.

𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗮 𝗴𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗱𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?
The short answer is: yes. Governments have a duty to ensure the safety of public areas. If a drowning occurs where swimming is permitted but there are no or insufficient water safety features, the government could be liable.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗮 “𝗡𝗼 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴” 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁?
While "No Swimming" signs are crucial for warning people of potential dangers, they alone are insufficient to prevent drowning incidents. People can accidentally fall into the water, such as cyclists, pedestrians, or children playing near ponds or towpaths.

Therefor even in no swimming zones, negligence regarding water safety features can be an issue. The government must take reasonable steps to ensure public safety, including supervision, warning signs and safety equipment like lifebuoys.🛟🆘

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗜 𝗲𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀?
The liability of a government for a drowning in a public space depends on various factors, such as the specific laws and regulations of the jurisdiction and the circumstances of the case.

At General Floating Equipment (GFE), we understand the complexities of water safety across borders. Partner with us to develop the infrastructure solution that's right for you. Our team of experts, with experience in Europe and beyond, can help you design and implement the infrastructure you need.🦺🛟⛑️💦

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘂𝘀 :
Website: www.gfe-international.eu
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +32 495 243 424

Do Lifebuoys Create a False Sense of Security? 🤷‍♀️

The presence of lifebuoys can sometimes give people a false sense of security, especially if they don't fully understand their purpose or underestimate the risks involved in aquatic environments. While 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗯𝘂𝗼𝘆𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀, it's crucial to recognize that they are merely one piece of the water safety puzzle.

Lifebuoys are designed to assist in rescue operations, not to prevent accidents. They are intended to be used as a last resort in emergencies. To ensure maximum effectiveness, it's essential that people know how to properly use a lifebuoy and understand the limitations of these devices.

Factors such as water conditions, the distance to shore, and the physical condition of the person in distress can all significantly impact the outcome of a rescue. Relying solely on lifebuoys as a safeguard against drowning is a dangerous misconception.

𝗔 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆

To truly enhance water safety, a multifaceted approach is necessary. This includes:

🛟 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Providing comprehensive water safety education to the public, particularly children, is essential. This should cover topics such as the dangers of rip currents, cold water shock, and the importance of swimming with a buddy.
🛟 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: Offering training on how to use life-saving equipment, including lifebuoys, can empower individuals to respond effectively in emergencies.
🛟 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: Ensuring that aquatic environments are equipped with adequate safety infrastructure, such as lifeguards, first aid stations, and clearly marked swimming areas, is crucial.
🛟 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Promoting preventive measures, such as wearing life jackets, swimming in designated areas, and avoiding hazardous water conditions, can significantly reduce the risk of drowning.
🛟 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀: Authorities and property owners have a duty to educate the public about water safety and implement appropriate safety measures.

By combining these elements, we can create a safer aquatic environment for everyone. Remember, while lifebuoys play an important role in water safety, they are not a substitute for personal responsibility and common sense.

𝗟𝗲𝘁'𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗱𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴.

When it comes to water safety, many people are unaware of both local regulations and general safety practices. One of the questions we get asked is: Should there be a life buoy where there is free access to water? 🏊‍♂️

Well, placing life buoys along waterways and public water locations, where there is free access to water, can certainly help increase safety. 🦺

In the vicinity of public water where swimming is permitted, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐨𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐌 𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. Even where swimming is not permitted or even prohibited, placing and/or providing sufficient life buoys on the water's edge is an absolute must, to be able to rescue passersby, such as cyclists or pedestrians, who unfortunately end up in the water. 🚴‍♀️🚶‍♀️

In addition, it is useful to cooperate with local authorities and emergency services to ensure that the life buoys can be used effectively in case of emergency. 🚨

We, at General Floating Equipment, can help you with a free risk assessment and adherence with local compliance. Let's dive into this topic together and start saving lives. 💪

Did you know there is a huge economic cost linked to drowning? Let's dive into these shockingly high figures... 📈💰

According to a 2022 report by the United Nations, the economic cost of drowning in the EU is more than 𝟭.𝟯 𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗼𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿.

These costs include healthcare, lost productivity, legal costs, and other related expenses linked to (near)drowning incidents. 🥼💼

Beyond the staggering economic cost, drowning leaves an enduring emotional scar on families, communities, and societies. The loss of a loved one to drowning is a devastating experience that can have long-lasting psychological effects. Survivors of near-drowning incidents often grapple with physical and emotional trauma.💔

This highlights 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 in reducing these substantial costs and protecting the emotional well-being of countless individuals.

Installing lifebuoys can make a difference, and we can help you with this. Start saving lives today, reach out to us for a free risk assesment. Be there before it happens.🛟

Today is World Drowning Prevention Day. A sobering reminder of the global crisis claiming countless lives.

Water is a source of life, recreation, and livelihood for billions, but it can also be a deadly hazard. Every year, countless individuals, families, and communities are devastated by drowning incidents. It's time to turn the tide.

Just like the World Health Organization ()’s call to action, we believe that even the smallest step can make a significant difference. Do One Thing to prevent drowning. Whether it's learning CPR, installing a pool fence, or choosing the right safety equipment, every action counts.

At General Floating Equipment, our commitment to water safety is unwavering. We’re dedicated to providing high-quality products that enhance safety and peace of mind. But our mission extends beyond product development. We’re committed to raising awareness, supporting drowning prevention initiatives, and working alongside communities to create safer water environments.

Let's work together to turn the tide on drowning. Share your water safety stories, tips, and experiences. Let's inspire others to prioritize water safety and work together to prevent drowning.

Together, we can create a future where everyone can enjoy water safely.

Anyone can drown, but it can almost always be prevented.

Yet every year nearly a quarter of a million people lose their lives to drowning, and almost 82,000 of them are children aged 1 to 14 years.

Drowning is abrupt, silent and shocking, with people often not realizing it’s happening until it’s too late. What leads to drowning often happens in just a few seconds:

💧A small child slipping unnoticed into a pond or pool on a sunny afternoon;
💧Feeling invincible after a few drinks and jumping into the ocean for a swim;
💧Accepting that one extra passenger on the boat, despite knowing it might capsize;
💧Deciding it’s too much of a hassle to put on that lifejacket.

So much can happen in a single moment. But with the right awareness and actions, what happens in those seconds can also be changed – for the better.
Seconds can save a life, some examples include:

🛟Keeping watch over children while they are near water
🛟Checking the weather forecast before boating
🛟Choosing to not consume alcohol or drugs before entering water
🛟Putting on a lifejacket when fishing
🛟Ensuring swimming pools are fenced and access controlled
🛟Provide lifebuoys within easy reach

Join us in the lead up to the 25th of July: World Drowning Prevention Day 2024 . Together with we invite everyone to share stories about drowning prevention.

Help raise awareness on effective measures that helped to save a life from drowning.

Find more information on the initiative via this link https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-drowning-prevention-day/2024/actions-for-technical-partners and download their guide to taking part in

During summer months, the number of people flocking to water activities skyrockets (times 10!). Unfortunately, this also translates to a heightened risk of drowning, not just in deep waters.⛲🆘

Water hazards can lurk in any environment, from the ocean and swimming pools to rivers, ponds, and streams. To safeguard employees, residents, and visitors, authorities must proactively assess the potential risks and implement sensible measures to mitigate them. Our company offers a complimentary risk analysis to help your organization elevate its water safety standards. 🚨🛟

Don't become a statistic; be proactive and prevent accidents before they occur.

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Tijdens de zomermaanden wordt het aantal mensen dat water opzoekt vertienvoudigd. Dit betekent helaas ook een grotere kans op verdrinking en niet alleen in diepe wateren.⛲🆘

In elke omgeving kunnen watergevaren aanwezig zijn. Zoals de zee, het zwembad, maar ook een rivier, een vijver of een beek. Om werknemers, bewoners en bezoekers te beschermen, moeten de autoriteiten zelf analyseren welke risico's er zijn en beginnen met het nemen van verstandige maatregelen om die aan te pakken. Wij helpen uw organisatie haar waterveiligheidsniveau te verhogen met een vrijblijvende risicoanalyse.🚨🛟

Wordt geen statistiek, wees proactief en voorkom ongelukken.

Be there, before it happens.