121. One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Allen Stevens

Meet the man who helped develop the first lifejacket to fit both male and female crew 

Male. Female. Tall. Short. Light. Heavy. RNLI crew come in every size and shape – and it was RNLI Senior Engineer Allen Steven’s job to work on a lifejacket design to fit every crew member. The first person to acknowledge that one size doesn’t fit all, Allen explains how crew input influenced the lifejacket’s evolution – and the ultimate lifejacket design.   

Allen also shares his pride in founding the RNLI Disability Network. After suffering life-threatening injuries in 1987 and living with a brain injury ever since, he’s passionate about championing the voices of those who may not otherwise be heard.   

200 Voices is produced by Adventurous Audio for the RNLI   

Interview by the RNLI's Amy Bratley

Soundtrack composed and performed by Jon Nicholls   

The RNLI is a charity celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea - find out more at RNLI.org/200