Water safety is gaining increasing attention in both Belgium and the Netherlands. Municipalities, ports, industrial zones and recreational parks face stricter regulations and growing public expectations regarding the prevention of water-related incidents. To support these evolving needs, GFE - General Floating Equipment -, a specialist in rescue equipment since 1986, is introducing a newly redesigned range of universal lifebuoy cabinets.
This redesigned product line from GFE consists of two models: Red Star and Diamond. Both cabinets are built to integrate seamlessly into a wide variety of environments, ranging from commercial waterfronts to public recreation areas.
Universal design: suitable for 24" and 30" lifebuoys
A major innovation in this new range is its universal compatibility. Previously, separate cabinets were required for 24-inch and 30-inch lifebuoys; now, both sizes fit in both the Red Star and Diamond cabinets.
Important: each cabinet must only contain one lifebuoy.
A rescue line in a throwing sock can also be added. Crucially, the rescue line must always be attached to the lifebuoy— an essential detail often overlooked in practice, resulting in the lifebuoy being thrown, while the line remains behind.
Antwerp roots, global safety
GFE’s new lifebuoy cabinets combine innovation with a touch of Antwerp heritage. Designed in Antwerp - Made in Belgium: GFE’s models were named to reflect the city’s maritime history, craftsmanship and culture of innovation.
To emphasise this connection, the new lifebuoy cabinets have names that are recognisable worldwide, while being deeply rooted in Antwerp's history.
Red Star pays homage to the legendary Red Star Line, which safely transported thousands of travellers from Antwerp to new destinations —a symbol of protection and Antwerp’s maritime spirit. Diamond draws inspiration from Antwerp’s world-renowned diamond industry. Its transparent lid is shaped like an elegant Asscher cut, symbolising both precision and craftsmanship.
With these designs, technical excellence goes hand in hand with a recognisable Antwerp identity.
Two new lifebuoy cabinets: Red Star & Diamond
Both models are compact, lightweight and exceptionally durable, offering excellent resistance to UV exposure and extreme weather conditions.
Red Star: robust cabinet for professional use
The Red Star is a fully enclosed lifebuoy cabinet with a striking red lid. It is particularly suited for locations where visibility and robustness are critical, such as industrial sites, ports and maritime environments.
- Suitable for commercial water environments, ports, industry and petrochemical sites
- Compatible with both 24" and 30" lifebuoys
- Compliant with: ISO 18421, and ISO 18422.
The Red Star is engineered to withstand extreme conditions, such as saltwater environments, high UV radiation and intensive use.
Discover the Red Star 1100 lifebuoy cabinet
Diamond: transparent lifebuoy cabinet for public and recreational areas
The Diamond model features a fully transparent lid, making it ideal for publicly accessible locations where quick visual inspection is essential—such as recreational lakes, urban water areas, parks and tourist hotspots.
- Suitable for public and recreational environments
- Compatible with both 24" and 30" lifebuoys
- Compliant with: ISO 18421, and ISO 18422.
Its transparent design ensures the contents are visible from a distance, allowing rapid checks on the buoy or line for completeness and proper placement within the cabinet.
Discover the Diamond 1200 lifebuoy cabinet
What is included as standard and what is not included?
The new cabinets are supplied bare and empty. All additional components must be ordered separately, allowing each location the flexibility to be equipped according to its specific risks and requirements.
Optional accessories:
- Lifebuoys (24" or 30")
- Rescue line (with or without throwing sock)
- Instruction sticker
- Reflective stickers (yellow or white)
- Mounting pole (with or without base)
- Fixings or fasteners for wall, pole or railing installation
- Rescue hook, with optional vertical suspension system
Installation guidelines
Correct placement of lifebuoys and cabinets is essential for fast intervention in emergencies. In harbours, marinas, locks and recreational water zones, local regulations often apply—such as port directives, municipal regulations or guidelines from FOD Mobiliteit [Federal Public Service for Mobility and Transport], De Vlaamse Waterweg, and European standards such as CEN/TR 15401.
A typical recommended spacing distance between cabinets is 50 to 150 metres, depending on the risk profile of the area.
Where no specific regulations exist, three basic principles apply:
- Accessibility & visibility: The cabinet must be easily accessible, clearly identifiable, and free of obstacles between the cabinet and the water.
- Strategic positioning: Recommended locations include water entry points, pontoons, locks, bridges, bends, walking paths and all supervised or unsupervised swimming areas.
- Minimum required equipment: lifebuoy with throw line (min. 30 m), weatherproof cabinet, ISO pictogram, reflective stickers and a unique ID or QR code for inspections.
Regular maintenance remains essential: monthly visual checks and six-monthly inspections to keep the equipment operational.
Legislation on lifebuoys
Although Belgium has no overarching law specifically regulating the installation of lifebuoy cabinets, existing frameworks emphasise responsibility and due diligence. Recent open-water swimming regulations (VLAREM II) explicitly require lifebuoys in free swimming zones, underlining the importance of well-equipped and visible cabinets.
Where no specific rules apply, the general duty of care remains in force. Organisations responsible for waterfront areas must take all reasonable safety measures, including strategic placement of lifebuoy cabinets and rescue equipment in line with accepted standards. This reduces the risk of accidents and minimises liability in the event of an incident.
The strategic use of lifebuoy cabinets, such as the Red Star and Diamond, is very important: They provide direct access to life-saving equipment, and increase safety in both public and recreational water areas.
Which lifebuoy cabinet suits your location?
Would you like advice on selecting the most appropriate model for your municipality, organisation or water environment? Or do you need support to ensure correct installation in compliance with the latest guidelines?