![RNLI on X: "In 1854, RNLI Inspector Captain Ward invented our first lifejacket by sewing strips of cork onto a canvas vest. https://t.co/CGX0IoRzp7" / X RNLI on X: "In 1854, RNLI Inspector Captain Ward invented our first lifejacket by sewing strips of cork onto a canvas vest. https://t.co/CGX0IoRzp7" / X](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FVSPoCmWYAIqpNM.jpg:large)
RNLI on X: "In 1854, RNLI Inspector Captain Ward invented our first lifejacket by sewing strips of cork onto a canvas vest. https://t.co/CGX0IoRzp7" / X
![A short history of early lifejackets and the NZ design which saved countless lives | Kōtuia ngā Kete A short history of early lifejackets and the NZ design which saved countless lives | Kōtuia ngā Kete](https://d3bz3q220hji0c.cloudfront.net/media/images/Salvus.max-787x1000.jpg)
A short history of early lifejackets and the NZ design which saved countless lives | Kōtuia ngā Kete
![A 1900 illustration of a cork life jacket (lifebelt) for saving mariners from drowning invented by RNLI Inspector, Captain Ward, in 1854 Stock Photo - Alamy A 1900 illustration of a cork life jacket (lifebelt) for saving mariners from drowning invented by RNLI Inspector, Captain Ward, in 1854 Stock Photo - Alamy](https://l450v.alamy.com/450v/ry4nmh/a-1900-illustration-of-a-cork-life-jacket-lifebelt-for-saving-mariners-from-drowning-invented-by-rnli-inspector-captain-ward-in-1854-ry4nmh.jpg)