Løft blikket 2026: "I believe he might still be alive today if he had been wearing a lifejacket"
How well do you really see in the dark? How long does it take to react at speed? And to what extent does alcohol impair judgement at sea? These are some of the questions the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue, the Norwegian Coastal Administration and the Norwegian Maritime Authority want recreational craft operators in Norway to reflect upon through this year's Løft blikket (keep your eyes up) campaign.
This year's theme is knowledge and competence at sea. Through concise facts and clear messages, the campaign aims to remind people how quickly situations can become dangerous – and how important it is to remain alert, prepared and aware of your own limitations.
"Many people think accidents only happen to others. However, most serious incidents begin with small misjudgements. Experience and knowledge are among the most important safety equipment you have on board. That is why we encourage people to keep their eyes up and remain aware of their own limitations. How well do you see in the dark? How quickly are you able to react? By taking into account factors such as speed, visibility and alcohol, you reduce the risk of dangerous situations arising," says Alf Tore Sørheim, Director General of Shipping and Navigation.
Sharing his story to save lives
In this year's campaign, we also meet Kjetil Swensen, who in 2024 lost his 23-year-old son in a serious boating accident.
For Kjetil, this story is deeply personal. At the same time, he wishes to use his experience to warn others against making the same mistakes.
"I believe he might still be alive today if he had been wearing a lifejacket," says Swensen.
He describes the accident as the result of several risk factors which, combined, had fatal consequences.
"We underestimate just how great the risk is – even a short boat trip can have fatal consequences," he says.
Through the campaign, he hopes that sharing his story will encourage more people to think carefully before heading out to sea.
"If I can get even one or two people to make better choices, it may help to save lives," says Swensen.
Encouraging people to pause and reflect
The campaign highlights topics such as speed, reaction time, vision and sensory misperception, alcohol impairment, cold water, navigation and the use of lifejackets.
"The Norwegian Coastal Administration works to ensure safe fairways and secure navigation along the coast. However, at 20 knots you travel more than 10 metres per second. That leaves little time to react. As a boat operator, you are also responsible for others – a moment of inattention can have consequences for those on board. Watch your speed, keep your eyes up and remember your lifejacket. We cannot afford to lose anyone," says Einar Vik Arset, Director General of the Norwegian Coastal Administration.
Key messages the public will encounter this summer include:
• "Did you know that a boat travelling at 20 knots covers more than 10 metres per second?"
• "Did you know that you can lose up to 80 per cent of your depth perception at dusk?"
• "Did you know that alcohol has a greater effect at sea than on land due to waves and motion?"
• "Did you know that it takes only seconds to fall overboard – and just minutes before the situation becomes critical?"
Significant fluctuations in accident figures
In 2025, 18 people lost their lives in recreational boating accidents in Norway – the lowest number recorded since statistics collection began in 2001. At the same time, this decline follows an exceptionally tragic year at sea: With 40 fatalities in recreational boating accidents, 2024 was the worst accident year since 2005.
The figures demonstrate that there is still a need to strengthen knowledge and awareness of safety at sea.
"The aim is not to deter people from enjoying life on the water, but to promote safer choices. It is about keeping your eyes up, staying alert and understanding the risks before something happens," says Janne Oddaker, Secretary General of the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue.
Key facts from 2001–2025
The figures are based on recorded fatal recreational boating accidents in the period 2001–2025.
• 69% of those who lost their lives in recreational boating accidents were not wearing a lifejacket.
• 35% of fatal accidents occurred in darkness or reduced visibility.
• Collisions with shore, rocks or navigation markers are among the most common types of accidents.
• 42% of those who lost their lives in recreational boating accidents were under the influence of alcohol.
About the campaign
The Løft blikket (keep your eyes up) campaign is a national awareness campaign led by the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue, the Norwegian Coastal Administration and the Norwegian Maritime Authority. The campaign aims to increase knowledge, promote responsible attitudes and reduce the number of accidents at sea.