Idiots. Save the people first, then fill out the forms if you get a chance later.
In an emergency, any bit of gear is good enough. It’s not like you can say “Hang on, we’ve got to run down to Tesco for some new model life jackets. Be right back.” No, you throw them a rope, an empty plastic jug, anything you’ve got that floats.
Yeah well, that’s how it should work BUT,
This is the UK, 2009. Helmets and proper gear and PAPERS? come first.