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RNLI Longhope Lifeboat Helen Comrie and RNLI Stromness Lifeboat Violet, Dorothy and Kathleen worked together on an evening exercise earlier this month.

The main purpose was to practise towing procedures. They simulated a scenario where one boat had run aground. The attending lifeboat practised the approach, setting up the tow rope and the tow.

A successful and valuable exercise for both crews and a great turn out of volunteers.

RNLI media contacts:

Mary Harris, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Longhope, 07709 692811, maryharris3pg@btinternet.com

 

Page Content: The 12foot Fletcher speedboat, Miss Patricia, had launched from Criccieth earlier in the evening accompanied by a jet ski.  Both had set out on the 24 mile round trip to Abersoch for the evening in favourable conditions.  However, with the sea becoming heavier and darkness falling the speedboat ran out fuel near Abererch sands on its way back.  Concerned crew members aboard the station’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Doris Joan, already out on routine exercises in the area, went to their aid after realising they had not returned.  Crew member, Nigel Wright was placed aboard the stricken speedboat to establish a tow.  The boat’s occupants were placed on the lifeboat and provided with warming casualty smocks for the return journey to Criccieth.  Meanwhile the jet ski headed towards Criccieth, escorted by the stations inshore rescue boat, Margret a Nantw as it had no lights and rider was feeling the effects of the cold.

With onshore crew members waiting on the beach at Criccieth, the vessels were quickly recovered.  Following the incident, Criccieth’s Lifeboat Operations Manager, Peter Williams commented “Luckily for the occupants of the speedboat, lifeboat crew members used their judgement to remain in the area on exercise as they’d noticed they hadn’t returned to shore.  With darkness falling, the wind strengthening and water temperatures still low there was a real danger that this could’ve become a more serious incident.  All too often we are called out to people who miscalculate the amount of fuel required for their journey – I urge all those taking to the sea, even on short journeys, to ensure they have sufficient supplies.  In addition, conditions at this time of year can change in an instant – people should always be prepared for cold conditions and allow enough time for their journeys.”      


ENDS

For further information, please contact Ifer Gwyn, Lifeboat Press Officer on 07554445316 or ifergwyn@hotmail.com

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Dad Geoff Quirk, mum Karen Quirk and son Ben Quirk are all volunteers at Flint RNLI Lifeboat Station. Geoff is Deputy Launching Authority, Karen a member of the fundraising branch, and Ben a volunteer crew member.

Ben, a member of the Air Cadets and a student at Deeside College joined the crew in 2011. He said:

'A couple of the Air Cadets joined the lifeboat, but when the College made the RNLI their charity of the year in 2010/11, I put my name down to volunteer.'

By day Ben is an apprentice welder, but when he puts his welding gear away, it’s down to the lifeboat station in the evenings or at weekends for various types of training. In 2012 Ben went to the Lifeboat College in Poole for a week’s intensive training, which included fire fighting, First Aid, and capsize training. His first call out with Flint RNLI lifeboat was in July 2011.  

Karen a Credit Controller joined the newly formed lifeboat fundraisers in July 2011, Karen looks after the pub and shop collecting boxes, and is involved in all the lifeboat fundraising events at Flint. Karen said:

‘I joined to support Ben, and really enjoy what we do, we are currently preparing for the lifeboat Dog Show on 7 July and believe it or Bonfire Night. We could with some more helpers particularly for Bonfire Night.'

Geoff started to accompany Karen to fundraising meetings, but transferred to the operations team as Deputy Launching Authority earlier this year. Geoff is ‘Head of supply chain’ at Airbus UK, Airbus UK made a substantial donation to the RNLI when Flint held an appeal for a new lifeboat in 2005/6. Geoff said:

'This is completely different to my day job; I feel I am giving something back to the community, and supporting Ben.'

Younger son Matthew can’t wait to join Ben as a lifeboat volunteer at Flint, he like Ben is an Air Cadet, and might bring some of his friends along.

Karen, Ben and Geoff are sharing their story in the hope it will encourage other people to volunteer with teh RNLI in Flint. Anyone interested in finding out more should contact 07785593247.

Photo L-R Ben, Karen, and Geoff

Notes to editors
• Flint lifeboat station has been operating since 1966. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.rnli.org.uk/flint
• Flint lifeboat and its volunteer crew responded to 20 calls in 2012, and rescued two people.
• Flint lifeboat and its volunteer crew have responded to three calls in 2013.
• Potential lifeboat volunteers should contact Alan Forrester on 07785593247

RNLI media contacts
For interview requests, or more information please contact Richard Polden, Lifeboat Press Officer, Flint Lifeboat Station on 01352711185. Alternatively contact Danielle Rush, RNLI Media Relations Manager in Wales on 01745585162 or 07786668829.

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Running from 25 May to 1 June, the course will cover a comprehensive range of subjects including beach lifeguard theory, first aid and life support, and water rescue skills. Both theoretical and practical, it equips attendees with all the required skills and accreditation to work or volunteer as a beach lifeguard. Those who pass will receive a Surf Lifesaving Great Britain (SLS GB) Surf Lifeguard Award, valid for two years.

The course is running at a cost price of £100, which includes a training manual, all tuition and use of course equipment, assessment fee, certification, and one year’s membership to Joss Bay SLSC. 

Lifeguard Manager Rory Smith said: ‘The RNLI is delighted to be working in partnership with Joss Bay SLSC to build a pool of trained lifeguards. This course provides an exciting opportunity for members of the local community, aged 16 or over, to train as a beach lifeguard and engage in lifesaving activity for the future.

‘Attendance does not guarantee a position with the RNLI lifeguards, but we hope to create a strong pool of potential new recruits in the area. No matter what you go on to do after the course, these are vital skills which will stay with you for life, and one day might save the life of another. We hope that our support will enable the club to develop and sustain a strong membership for years to come.’

Joss Bay SLSC spokesman, Ross Halfpenny, said: ‘Our club is all about learning and maintaining lifesaving skills, enjoying regular land and water-based training and also competing in surf lifesaving competitions. We always welcome new members from experienced lifeguards to complete beginners’.

‘Becoming a trained volunteer with the club can be both a rewarding and valuable experience. Not only do members contribute to the local community by helping to keep the beaches safe, but they also gain new skills and keep a high level of fitness through regular training sessions. We are excited at the prospect of working in partnership with the RNLI Lifeguards and hope that it can spark a surge of prospective new lifesavers in the area.’

Rory Smith added: ‘In return for this great training opportunity, we’re looking for 100% commitment to the course and assessment, a good level of general fitness, and a high level of swimming ability. Candidates must be able to swim 400m in 7 minutes 30 seconds or less, in a front-facing stroke.’

Anyone interested in enrolling should contact RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor Nicholas Ayers at nicholas_ayers@rnli.org.uk or 07887 625269 for information and pre-course fitness testing.

Ends

Notes to Editors

- To find out more about Joss Bay SLSC or to come along to a training session, either to watch or take part, visit www.jossbayslsc.co.uk, join their Facebook group or follow them on Twitter at @JossBaySLSC for regular training updates.
- RNLI Lifeguards will patrol 10am to 6pm across 10 beaches in the Thanet area from 25 May – 8 September 2013. Patrols are at weekends and bank holidays only until 13 July, except at Joss Bay, Margate and Broadstairs which will be full time immediately.
- Candidates wishing to become an RNLI lifeguard need to go through a standard recruitment and selection process. This requires them to apply online, meet the RNLI fitness and competency standards, and pass a medical, eyesight test and CRB check. See http://jobs.rnli.org and click on the Lifeguard tab for more information.

RNLI media contacts

For further press information please contact Philly Byrde, RNLI Press Officer, on 07786 668825 or philly_byrde@rnli.org.uk

For urgent out of hours enquiries, please contact the RNLI Duty Press Officer on 01202 336789.

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Curtis Dunn, Marc Pattinson and Adam Wiseman recently travelled to the RNLI College in Poole, Dorset, to complete the charity's Trainee Crew Course.

A key part of that course is the sea survival element, which enables new volunteer crew to be trained in a variety of crucial subjects including how to 'abandon ship' with a 4 metre jump into water; team survival swimming and coping in a liferaft in simulated darkness; how to deal with fires aboard lifeboats; how to right a capsized inshore lifeboat; and the importance of lifejackets. 

Training took place in the Sea Survival Centre at the RNLI College in Poole, which includes a wave tank and fire-fighting simulator, allowing trainees to experiece first-hand some of the scenarios they may encounter at sea as lifeboat crew. 

The training was funded by the LRF, an independent charity that funds work to enhance the safety of life and property at sea, on land and in the air. It is funding the Sea Survival element of the Trainee Crew Course for a five year period from January 2010 to December 2015. This additional funding of nearly £1 million brings their total support to just over £1.5 million. 

Talking about the training Adam Wiseman, volunteer crew member at RNLI Cullercoats said: 'Although the week was very intensive it was also enjoyable. My skill levels have been vastly improved and the training I have received was second to none which will go a long way to help saving lives at sea.'

Frank Taylor, Operations Manager at RNLI Cullercoats added: 'The support given by the Lloyd's Register Foundation is hugely important to the RNLI. We are extremely grateful that it has chosen to fund sea survival, which teaches vital core skills to our volunteer crew. 

'This training is central to allowing the RNLI and its volunteers to stay safe while on rescue missions. It equips volunteers with essential sea survival skills; providing them with the courage, poise and self confidence to save lives at sea even in the most perilous seas.'

This donation is just the latest in the LRF's relationship with the RNLI, which was recognised in 2010 when it received the Group Supporter Award from HRH Prince Michael of Kent in recognition of its valuable support of the charity. 

Notes to Editors

About the Lloyd's Register Foundation

The Lloyd's Register Foundation (LRF) funds education, training and research programmes in transportation, science, engineering, technology and the safety of life, worldwide for the benefit of all. 

Photo L-R: RNLI Cullercoats Crew, Marc Pattinson, Curtis Dunn & Adam Wiseman

RNLI media contact For more information please telephone Michael Scott, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07906 632598 or Alison Levett, RNLI Public Relations Manager North on 07786 668912 or alison_levett@rnli.org.uk or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

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The purpose of the exercise was to train the RAF Pilots in Search and Rescue techniques working alongside RNLI lifeboats and other agencies.

The exercise was held in Morecambe Bay, owing to the vast search area and difficult terrain that the search and rescue teams have to face on regular basis.

This exercise involved searching for multiple casualties placed in different positions throughout Morecambe Bay. Once the casualties had been found it was the role of the Royal Air Force to extract the casualties to safety at nearby landing points and hospitals.

This exercise provided valuable lifesaving training to all agencies and allowed RNLI crew members to develop further skills in dealing with air support and communications with different agencies.

Michael Guy, Morecambe Lifeboat Operations Manager said: 'These exercises are a great way of getting other agencies involved with the RNLI and prove great success in search and rescue training for rescue personnel.'

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone or email James Donnell, RNLI Morecambe Lifeboat Press Officer on 07590267625 or contact Chris Fisher, RNLI Morecambe Assistant Lifeboat Press Officer on 07713499554. Station press email address: morecambelifeboat_press@yahoo.co.uk or contact the RNLI Public Relations Department on 01202 336789.

Notes to editors
• Morecambe  lifeboat station has been operating since 1966. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to http://www.morecambelifeboat.org/index.html

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The hectic week began on Monday, when the crew were requested by Aberdeen Coastguard to evacuate a sick crewmember, believed to be the ship’s captain, from the chemical tanker Clipper Sira in Kirkcaldy bay. The casualty was brought ashore to an ambulance at Kinghorn.

On Wednesday evening, a lobster fishing vessel broke down off Pathhead sands requiring a tow back to Kirkcaldy harbour, whilst on Saturday the crew attended three callouts to a disabled vessel, reports of a person in the water, and four stranded walkers on Cramond Island.

Lifeboat Press Officer, Neil Chalmers said, ‘the volunteer crew at Kinghorn has had a very busy start to May, spending nearly six and a half hours at sea during the five callouts. The callouts have been varied, and allowed the crew to use many skills which were recently refreshed during an intensive training week in April with an RNLI trainer from The Lifeboat College.

‘Each callout has brought different challenges; the disabled fishing vessel on Wednesday was towed in to Kirkcaldy harbour. On Saturday, the crew were called to Cramond Island at 2.10pm to rescue four students aged between 18 and 22 who were stranded by the incoming tide. The poor weather conditions meant the lifeboat had to use a technique known as ‘veering down’ where the lifeboat lays its anchor and reverses back to the shoreline in a controlled manner. The four students – three females and one male – were recovered to the lifeboat and taken back to Cramond harbour.

‘Whilst the lifeboat was underway to the Cramond callout, reports were received by Aberdeen Coastguard of a person in the water at Musselburgh. The crew were just approaching Cramond Island when the Coastguard re-tasked the lifeboat to Musselburgh. The lifeboat proceeded to Musselburgh, but fortunately the person was confirmed as safe and well and the lifeboat was stood down and returned to the rescue at Cramond.

‘The crew had just washed the lifeboat when a request for assistance was heard from an 8m catamaran some eight miles east of Kinghorn, after it suffered engine failure. The Coastguard requested the crew to head to the reported position at 4.50pm. The lifeboat proceeded east using a combination of the lifeboat’s navigation equipment and VHF direction finder. The sea conditions were moderate with 2.5m waves. The catamaran was heading to Granton under sail power, and due to the conditions it was decided that the catamaran should sail to Granton where the lifeboat would then assist it into harbour, as it could not safely berth without engine power.

‘The volunteer crew re-launched the lifeboat at 9.10pm on Saturday evening and assisted the catamaran and its three crewmembers safely into Granton harbour.

‘Each callout required different skills and equipment, all of which the volunteer crew regularly train for.

‘As well as the 6.5 hours at sea, each time the boat is launched it takes a further hour to clean, wash and fuel the lifeboat before the volunteer crewmembers can return home, or to work.’


Notes to editors
• Kinghorn lifeboat station has been operating since 1964. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.rnli.org.uk/kinghorn

The attached photograph shows the four walkers being rescued from Cramond, whilst the boat veers onto the beach.

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Neil Chalmers, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07767 380274 or press.officer@kinghorn.org.uk or Richard Smith on 07786 668903 or at Richard_smith2 @rnli.org.uk or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.
 
RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.org.uk. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.org.uk/press

Page Content: Crewmembers Ben Quirk and Billy Dewsbury have been at the RNLI Divisional Base At St Asaph for two days with other North Wales volunteer crewmembers studying the Search and Rescue Radio Operators Certificate. Both Ben & Billy were successful and were presented with ‘Radio Operators Certificates’
 
Other Flint RNLI volunteer crewmembers Nathan Parry, Matt Owen, & Tom Brown were also successful in attaining the ‘RYA Day Skipper Watch Master’ certificates.
 
Photo shows Ben Quirk and Billy Dewsbury with their Radio Operators Certificates
 
Notes to editors
• Flint lifeboat station has been operating since 1966. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.rnli.org.uk/flint 
• Flint lifeboat and its volunteer crew responded to 20 calls in 2012, and rescued two people.
• Flint lifeboat and its volunteer crew have responded to three calls in 2013.
• Potential lifeboat volunteers should contact Alan Forrester on 07785593247 
 
 
RNLI media contacts
For interview requests, or more information please contact Richard Polden, Lifeboat Press Officer, Flint Lifeboat Station on 01352711185. Alternatively contact Danielle Rush, RNLI Media Relations Manager in Wales on 01745585162 or 07786668829.

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Interestingly, while waiting for the exercise to start the inshore RNLI lifeboat was called out to the assistance of three young boys stranded by the tide on rocks between Traeth Gwyn and the RNLI boathouse. They were brought safely back to dry land.

The highlight of the exercise was the practice rescue of a kayaker suffering a 'heart attack' a few hundred yards offshore. Monitored by the Coastguard, an RNLI lifeguard went out on a bodyboard to assist and signalled his requirement for more help.

At this point the inshore RNLI lifeboat crewed by volunteers Peter Yates, Sarah Perry and Dylan Price was summoned and the 'casualty' transferred on board. First aid was administered while the lifeboat made its way back to the beach.

Lifeboat volunteers and RNLI lifeguards continued to administer first aid on the beach before lifting the 'casualty' on to a stretcher and taking him to what would in real life have been a waiting ambulance.

Local Harbourmaster and RNLI Sea Safety Officer Roy Fenner commented:

'Kayaking is a fast growing pastime and today's exercise was a key part of our sea safety programme this year. Bringing the different agencies together is of great value as they each appreciate the role of the others and this leads to much closer teamwork.

It is also good to practice rescue procedures in a calm environment so that people are better prepared for the real thing. Today has been a great success.'

Following the demonstration, representatives of the Cardigan Bay kayaking group presented a cheque for £209 to the RNLI in appreciation of their vital work in saving lives at sea.

The club was set up in 2010 by Sue Thurland, Jethro Moore and Gary Rushton and a number of local paddlers. The aim was to bring paddlers together to go out safely in groups and to enjoy social occasions. Numbers have grown steadily and there are now over 70 kayakers on the mailing list.

Notes to editors

Images show Gary Rushton presenting the cheque to Lifeboat Operations Manager Roger Couch and the rescued 'casualty' being treated on the beach by members of the combined team.

The video shows three young boys rescued by the RNLI

New Quay lifeboat station has been operating since 1864. Today there are over twenty five trained crew members, a Mersey class all weather lifeboat and an inshore rescue craft.

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Glyn Griffiths, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 01545 561285 or gillandglyn@googlemail.com or Danielle Rush, Media Relations Manager Wales and West on 07786 668829 or drush@rnli.org.uk or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

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The weekend started with scheduled training exercises on both the inshore and all-weather lifeboats. 2012 saw an influx of volunteer recruits and routine training is necessary to keep everybody up to speed. Only an hour after finishing, the crew volunteers put their training into practise when their pagers sounded.

On Saturday 4 May at 3.22pm, Brixham coastguard tasked the inshore lifeboat , George Bearman. The three-man crew responded to reports of a 14-foot fishing boat with engine failure off Orcombe Point. Crew volunteers Ian Taylor, Guy Munnings and Roy Stott at the helm, towed the casualty to a mooring by the Exe Sailing Club.

On their return to the lifeboat station, within seven minutes of leaving the first casualty, the same crew volunteers were called to a similar incident. The second small boat was located floating towards the number eight buoy, close to the lifeboat station. The trio of life-saving volunteers towed this boat to a mooring near the entrance Exmouth docks.

On Sunday 5 May at 6pm, crew volunteer Henry Mock spotted a Bayliner sports boat in difficulty, in front of the lifeboat station. Henry, 18, telephoned Brixham coastguard and activated the volunteers’ pagers when he saw the boat’s emergency red flare. Within four minutes, the inshore lifeboat had reached the bottom of the slipway and a passing fishing vessel, Shelley Marie was already recovering the seven casualties from the water. The 17-foot Bayliner had taken on water and was finally capsizing when the charity’s crew reached the scene. Crew volunteers Guy Munnings and David Preece towed the sports boat back to the beach to safety.

Later that evening, a member of the public had reported leaking petrol on the beach, coming from the boat. The fire service and police were in attendance as there was a potential risk of fire, since the battery was still connected to the engine. Police instructed Exmouth RNLI to right the Bayliner and make it safe. After failed attempts to move it using nine crew volunteers, it took around 20 minutes to turn it using the winch and the Tallus tractor. The battery was isolated by the fire service and the boat was then towed up to the sea wall for the owner to recover. Coxswain Tim Mock said of the incident;

‘In this incident, all the casualties were wearing lifejackets and the boat was carrying flares. As we’re now getting more decent weather, it is important that we check that all the appropriate equipment is onboard and working.’

Notes to editors

NB: All RNLI crew volunteers are trained in activating pagers in the event of an emergency.

Photos: 

• PR070513-1 Saturday’s launch (credit: Alison May)
• PR070513-2 Boat on beach (credit: Neil Hurlock)
• PR070513-3 Boat on side (credit: Henry Mock)
• PR070513-4 Boat on side with Fire crew (credit: Neil Hurlock)
• PR070513-5 Boat with Fire crew (credit: Neil Hurlock)
• PR070513-6 Upturned boat with sunset (credit: Neil Hurlock)

Exmouth RNLI has been operating since 1858.  To learn more about the lifeboat stations past and present go to www.exmouth-lifeboat.org.uk
 
RNLI media contacts
Emma Tarling, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer 07837 810082 or emmatarling@ymail.com. 

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Lifeguard Manager Rory Smith said: ‘The RNLI is delighted to be working in partnership with Portsmouth and Southsea Voluntary Lifeguard Club. This course provides an exciting opportunity for members of the local community, aged 16 or over, to train as a beach lifeguard and engage in lifesaving activity for the future.

‘Attendance does not guarantee a position with the RNLI lifeguards during summer 2013, but we hope to create a strong pool of potential new recruits in the area. No matter what you go on to do after the course, these are vital skills which will stay with you for life, and one day might save the life of another.

‘The lifeguard club has a proud history of voluntary lifesaving, and we hope that our support will enable the club to develop and sustain a strong membership for years to come.’

Running from Saturday 25 May to Sunday 2 June, the course will cover a comprehensive range of subjects including beach lifeguard theory, first aid and life support, and water rescue skills. Both theoretical and practical, it equips attendees with all the required skills and accreditation to work or volunteer as a beach lifeguard. Those who pass will receive a Royal Lifesaving Society UK (RLSS UK) National Beach Lifeguard qualification, valid for two years.

The course is running at a cost price of £75, which includes a training manual, all tuition and use of course equipment, assessment fee, certification, and one year’s membership to Portsmouth and Southsea Volunteer Lifeguard Club. 

Honorary Secretary Cy Daruvalla at the Club said: ‘Becoming a trained volunteer with the club can be both a rewarding and valuable experience. Not only do members contribute to the local community and the “big society” as a whole by helping to keep the beaches safe and saving lives, but they can also gain valuable skills through regular training and be part of a close-knit social group that can be fun whatever the age group. We are excited with the prospect of working in partnership with the RNLI Lifeguards and hope that it can spark a new surge of prospective new lifesavers in the area.’

Rory Smith added: ‘In return for this great training opportunity, we’re looking for 100% commitment to the course and assessment, a good level of general fitness, and a high level of swimming ability. Candidates must be able to swim 400m in 8 minutes or less, in a front-facing stroke.’

Anyone interested in enrolling should contact RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor Felicity Elliott at felicity_elliott@rnli.org.uk or 07887 625266 for pre-course information and details of pre-course fitness testing.

Ends

Notes to Editors

- The lifeguarding service in Portsmouth is provided in conjunction with Portsmouth City Council.
- Lifeguards will patrol 10am to 6pm, seven days a week, from 20 July to 8 September 2013 at Southsea West, Southsea East and Eastney.
- Candidates wishing to become an RNLI lifeguard need to go through a standard recruitment and selection process. This requires them to apply online, meet the RNLI fitness and competency standards, and pass a medical, eyesight test and CRB check. See http://jobs.rnli.org and click on the Lifeguard tab for more information.
- Portsmouth & Southsea Voluntary Lifeguards have been established since 1933, patrolling the beaches at Southsea every summer by trained volunteers. The Club provides training to members and one of its aims is to increase public awareness of lifesaving techniques. The main focus of the club is to provide beach lifeguard cover for Southsea seafront which takes the form of shoreline and boat patrols during weekends and bank holidays between May and September. In addition to the patrols undertaken, the club is a declared rescue unit to Her Majesty’s Coastguard and members of the Solent Sea Rescue Organisation which sees both lifeguard members and rescue boat crews being tasked to 999 incidents. The club continues to be an active and busy front line rescue unit dealing with various incidents including; first aids, lost persons, advanced life support, distressed swimmers, boat inshore rescues and other general search and rescue incidents. The lifeguards also provide safety cover for local events such as swimming races, boat races/regattas and cross-Solent swimming events.

RNLI media contacts

For further press information please contact Philly Byrde, RNLI Press Officer, on 07786 668825 or philly_byrde@rnli.org.uk

Tim Ash, RNLI PR Manager, on 07785 296252 or tim_ash@rnli.org.uk

For urgent out of hours enquiries, please contact the RNLI Duty Press Officer on 01202 336789.

Page Content: The joint training exercise, named Exercise ARGO, used dummies instead of real people to test rescue procedures and recovery times from the 160 turbine site, which is more than eight miles offshore in Liverpool Bay. 

Rhyl RNLI lifeboat crew joined teams from RAF Valley, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, North Wales Ambulance Service and North West Ambulance Service worked with Gwynt y Môr’s construction staff and specialist Emergency Response Team to carry out the exercise. 

Martin Jones, Rhyl RNLI lifeboat Coxswain said: "This exercise proved invaluable in our understanding of the specialised rescue techniques involving offshore wind turbine installations, and allowed us to adapt our own training to accommodate these skills. It was a very worthwhile exercise, and strengthened our bonds between the offshore industry and the RNLI".

Exercise ARGO contained three different scenarios including retrieving a casualty who had fallen into the sea, winching an injured person from a wind turbine foundation and treating, recovering and taking to hospital onshore a casualty suffering from chest pains. 

Matt Crofts, Divisional Operations Manager for North Wales and the North West said:  “RNLI volunteers never quite know what they will face when the pagers sound and the call for help comes.
“Training is vital to ensure our volunteers are at the peak of their skills and exercises such as this are invaluable to strengthen our relationship with the other organisations who we may find ourselves working with in the event of a major incident.”

RWE npower renewables’ Gwynt y Môr Project Director Toby Edmonds said: “These sorts of emergency exercises are vital to ensure our procedures are fully tested and work effectively in the event of a real incident.

“We were very pleased to include the emergency services from across the region in this exercise and will be working with them to ensure lessons learnt from this exercise are fully incorporated in our procedures going forward.”

RNLI media contact
For more information contact Paul Frost, Rhyl Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07894 105165.

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Volunteers from Sunderland Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) joined volunteers from fellow search and rescue organisation Sunderland Volunteer Life Brigade (VLB) to take part in a joint training session at RAF Boulmer, Northumberland.

RNLI volunteers Jon Pollock and Ben Mitchell joined 10 volunteers from Sunderland VLB in a practical training session to cover all of the skills required to work safely with RAF helicopters during search and rescue missions.

Sunderland Volunteer Life Brigade, like the RNLI, has a long history of providing search and rescue cover for the people of Sunderland. While the RNLI is responsible for providing 24/7 search and rescue facilities on the water, it is VLB’s role to provide a 24/7 shore based coastal and cliff search and rescue service.

Paul Nicholson, Senior Helmsman at Sunderland RNLI said:

‘This was a great opportunity for volunteers from the two charities to work together to learn the skills required to work alongside RAF search and rescue helicopters. While the two sets of volunteers carry out very different roles, this exercise allowed them to work together and learn a common set of skills.’

During the four-hour training session, the volunteers were given the chance to experience being winched up into the aircraft as well as learning how to safely approach a helicopter if it has landed, to allow the transfer of casualties.

As a registered charity the RNLI relies on voluntary donations and legacies from the public for its income.

Notes to Editors

Video footage A 30-second video clip showing two VLB volunteers being winched up into the RAF helicopter during the training session is available on request.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Paul Nicholson, Sunderland RNLI (volunteer) Lifeboat Press Officer on 07957 494077 or pauldnich@yahoo.co.uk or Anthony Jobling, Sunderland RNLI (volunteer) Assistant Lifeboat Press Officer on 07977 152399 or anthonyjobling@sky.com As an alternative, please contact Alison Levett, Media Relations Manager North on 07786 668 912 or alevett@rnli.org.uk or RNLI headquarters Public Relations on 01202 336000.

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A major search and rescue exercise was held today (Sunday 13 December 2009) off the Antrim coast when RNLI lifeboats from Portrush and Red Bay were joined by the Irish Coast Guard helicopter from Sligo and the Ballycastle Coastguard. The exercise was carried out in the Ballycastle Bay and Rathlin Sound area and involved a range of life saving techniques including winching and recovery of a casualty from the lifeboats onto the helicopter.

Conditions were excellent for the exercise and with the joint cooperation of Portrush’s Severn class all-weather lifeboat, Red Bay’s Atlantic 75 inshore lifeboat and the Irish Coast Guard helicopter from Sligo it was possible to train the volunteer lifeboat crew on the lifeboats in a range of emergency search and rescue techniques in the popular area. The local coastguard unit in Ballycastle also gave valuable assistance.

Commenting on the morning exercise Red Bay Helm Paddy McLaughlin said:

‘It was great for the RNLI lifeboat crews to get out and train together with the other agencies. We were recently out with Larne RNLI lifeboat and the Royal Navy helicopter and it proved a very successful day. However, we need to train with the other lifeboat stations along the Antrim coast and our colleagues in the Coastguard to ensure that the crews and the teams are familiar with each other and are fully briefed and prepared for any callout.'

‘Red Bay and Portrush lifeboat are not far from each other and both can be called out together at any time responding to calls in a matter of minutes. Between them these two lifeboats can handle any situation within a hundred mile radius out to sea.’

Portrush RNLI is due to receive a new D class inshore lifeboat in the near future and Red Bay is currently awaiting the arrival of an Atlantic 85 lifeboat. This will provide the lifeboat crew with the space to carry a fourth crew member. The charity receives no UK Government funding and relies on the generosity of the pubic to ensure it can continue to save lives at sea.

RNLI media contact

For information contact Paddy McLaughlin volunteer lifeboat press officer on 078 02308821

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This wet afternoon saw Southend on sea’s RNLI rescue hovercraft 004 Vera Ravine her volunteer crew and shore helpers take part in “Operation Foreshore”, an exercise involving Essex Fire and Rescue, Police, St John’s Ambulance Service, RNLI, Thames / Southend Coastguard, Pier / Foreshore Staff and various council departments to ensure these organisations can work efficiently and effectively together.

Setting the scene at 1.00pm with the inshore railway station of the pier being “smoked up” to simulate a fire and with acting casualties in place, the pier staff activated the fire alarm system beginning the exercise.

The exercise covering fires, fuel stores, trapped and injured persons etc, was carried out in the station, around the foreshore offices suspended beneath the pier and with the tide out, on the mud below the pier.

The RNLI rescue hovercraft was tasked to casualties under the pier, working in the somewhat confined area between the steelwork legs and obstructions in the vicinity. The casualties being attended to by the emergency teams under the pier were a mixture of walking and stretcher cases, with additional persons being lowered by Essex Fire and Rescue teams with a hoist and ladders from offices above.

The hovercraft made numerous runs with the casualties to the beach, approx a quarter mile away, where they were met by the medical teams onshore who assessed and treated the various injuries.

Essex Fire and Rescue leading the exercise had eight appliances with crew, a control vehicle, and the urban search and rescue team based near Colchester taking part in this operation that lasted some three hours.

Notes to editors

• Feel free to use the pictures attached if required, but credits please to Southend Lifeboat Station.
• More information about Southend’s RNLI Lifeboats and Crew can be found by visiting our website at www.southendlifeboat.org 

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Denis Freeman, Southend-on-sea RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07710 406661.

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Laura Hanson aged 20, a university student, successfully completed the inshore lifeboat course in September at the RNLI’s purpose built training centre in Poole, Dorset.

Passing all areas of the course with flying colours, Laura was also honoured to be able to meet Mr Bill Wraith from Doncaster. Mr Wraith not only funded the purchase of Flamborough’s current lifeboat named after his daughter, who sadly died at the age of 25 in 2000, but has also pledged to fund the next boat for the station when the current one goes off service.

Laura said: ‘The course was one of the best things I have ever done and, as a bonus, whilst at the College, I was told that someone wanted to meet me. I was absolutely delighted to learn that the person was Mr Wraith. We had a lovely chat about our lifeboat, the Elizabeth Jane Palmer, the rescues we have been involved in this year, and also about the marvellous training facilities at the Lifeboat College.’

One of only two girls on the course, Laura, along with 12 other crew members from all over the country, experienced boat handling, sea safety, a capsize drill and studied navigation techniques. All of these skills will be invaluable in their volunteer role of saving lives at sea.

Laura added: ‘I was particularly worried about the capsize drill in the Sea Survival Pool, but the instructors were absolutely brilliant and ensured that we were all well prepared and given plenty of encouragement. I am really looking forward to putting everything that I have learnt into practice. Mr Wraith has also agreed to fund our training through the RNLI’s Train One Save Many campaign which will ensure that all our crew at Flamborough receive the best possible support.’

Notes to editors

• Picture caption: Mr Bill Wraith and Laura Hanson pictured whilst at the Lifeboat College.
• Flamborough lifeboat station has been operating since 1871. The Elizabeth Jane Palmer was launched 24 times last year rescuing 28 people.
• To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.rnli.org.uk/flamborough.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Jane Heaton, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 01262 850799/408018

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Two RNLI lifeboat crew members from Barmouth have completed a challenging course at the RNLI’s purpose-built training centre.

Aaron Griffith, 24, and his brother Bobby, 22, have returned from The Lifeboat College in Poole, Dorset, with a week of specialised D class lifeboat crew training under their belts. The course trains lifeboat men and women in the many skills needed to crew a D class inshore lifeboat. The crew members stayed on site and trained at the College’s Sea Survival Centre.

Some of the training saw Aaron and Bobby in deep water, as they faced scenarios in which they had to right a capsized D class lifeboat in the wave tank. The wave tank is also used for training in sea survival techniques. Other aspects of the course included training in basic boat handling and search and rescue techniques in Poole Bay.

John Probert, Lifeboat Operations Manager, says: ‘Training is the magic ingredient that turns ordinary people into RNLI lifesavers. The courage and dedication of our volunteer crews comes free, we must provide the best possible training to support their commitment.’

Other facilities at The Lifeboat College, which was opened by Her Majesty The Queen in July 2004, include classrooms, a 150-seat auditorium, 60 bedrooms, a learning resource centre, and a restaurant.

Notes to editors

• A photo of Aaron and Bobby is attached. Please credit RNLI.
• The Lifeboat College offers progressive, specialist training, which prepares RNLI lifeboat crews and lifeguards to operate safely and effectively in the most difficult and dangerous conditions.
• Over 4,000 students receive training at The Lifeboat College annually.
• The survival tank is 25m x 10m x 4m. It is used to replicate many of the conditions crews might face at sea (including inshore lifeboat capsize), with training and assessment carried out safely in a properly controlled environment.
• The RNLI’s annual running costs are around £138M and, as a registered charity, the organisation continues to rely on voluntary contributions and legacies for income.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Jacqui Puddle, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07850 094383 or jacpud@yahoo.co.uk or contact Danielle Rush, RNLI Media Relations Manager for Wales and the West on 07786 668829 or drush@rnli.org.uk.

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The charity, in partnership with East Riding of Yorkshire Council, will again be providing the lifeguard cover on Bridlington North and South beaches and Withernsea and Hornsea beaches during the summer.

Earlier this month, the new recruits successfully completed their National Beach Lifeguard qualification, which all RNLI lifeguards must hold.

The six braved chilly sea and beach conditions to learn vital skills including:
•  Recovering casualties using specialised equipment such as paddleboards and rescue tubes (a long yellow flexible tube that people can grab onto).
•  First aid units in CPR, treating asthma, hypothermia, injuries and choking.
•  How to monitor sea conditions and set up the appropriate safety flags.
•  Spotting dangers before they develop (95% of a lifeguard’s role is
 preventative).

Once qualified, the candidates underwent stringent fitness and competency tests, which ranged from timed paddleboard rescues, sea swims and beach sprints before completing an interview and passing a medical.

The new recruits, ranging in age from 16 to 20, will complement last year’s returning lifeguards.

RNLI lifeguard manager Chris Ward said: ‘The new lifeguards are a great bunch who battled through less than favourable weather conditions and pushed themselves to the limit to secure their roles with the RNLI.

‘I’m really pleased to welcome them to the team and hope they’ll have a fantastic summer keeping the East Riding’s beaches safe.’

New recruit, 19-year-old Jake Lazenby, who is studying Aviation Engineering Management, said: ‘The RNLI training was first class and has helped me hone my team-working and communication skills. I’ve gained invaluable tips on how to keep cool and focused under pressure, a vital skill that I’m sure will come in very useful in my future career as a pilot!’

Notes to editors
• The RNLI lifeguarding season starts on Bridlington North and South Beaches on 25 May during the half-term holiday and continues every weekend until 6 July, after which a daily service commences until 8 September.
On Hornsea and Withernsea beaches a daily service will also operate from 6 July until 8 September. RNLI lifeguard patrols operate between 10am and 6pm.

• As RNLI lifeguards need to be on the beach during the patrolled hours, ready to respond to emergencies and prevent accidents, the RNLI can’t rely on volunteers to provide this cover seven-days-a-week.  Local authorities part fund the RNLI’s costs, which helps to meet the cost of lifeguard wages.

Picture caption
The photograph shows on the front row (left to right) new recruits Shannon Fowler, Adam Morland and Hannah Colling. On the back row (left to right) RNLI Lifeguard Manager Chris Ward, new recruits Ben Thomas, Nathan Otley, Jake Lazenby and RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor David Brant.

RNLI media contacts
For more information, please contact Clare Hopps, RNLI Press Officer, North, on 01642 754811 or 07824 518641 or at clare_hopps@rnli.org.uk

 

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A film crew working on S4C’s, programme Bro visited the RNLI’s station at Burry Port on Thursday evening 27 August 2009.

The crew had been in the Carmarthen Bay area all week filming various organisations and at leisure venues. The volunteers at Burry Port Lifeboat were filmed talking about their preparation, training and rescues. They filmed the crew practising the righting of an Inshore Lifeboat after a capsize.

Bro is presented by Shân Cothi and Iolo Williams and will be shown on S4C in October 2009.

• Shân Cothi has appeared in West End musicals and is presenter on Radio Wales and television programmes
• Iolo Williams presents wildlife programmes on television and is also an author on British wildlife and nature
• S4C the television chanel for Wales

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Crew members of Peel’s volunteer lifeboat crew recently underwent three weeks of intensive first aid training to bring them up to at least first responder standard.

The training took place at the Peel Station under the guidance of Jen Forsythe from RNLI headquarters.

The training is a departure from the usual triangular bandages and traditional thinking and is designed to give the crew a clear guideline to enable them to asses very quickly the extent of the causalities injuries.

Doctor Philip Christian the branches Medical Officer, was also in attendance and he commented on how good and extensive the training was.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please Malcolm Kelly, RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer at Peel on 01624 842731 or 490251. Alternatively, please contact Danielle Rush, RNLI Media Relations Manager for the West on 01745 585162 or 07786 668829 or the RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.

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Whitstable Lifeboat Crewmembers have been participating in First Aid courses at the boathouse as part of the ongoing training programme for volunteer lifeboat crews.

Over the last 4-weeks crewmembers have attended the courses run by First Aid Instructor Vikki Tomalin who is based at the Lifeboat College at Poole in Dorset but tours lifeboat stations as part of the RNLI Mobile Training Unit.

Vikki said ‘We instruct in advanced first aid in line with UK Ambulance Aid and so far I have visited 10 lifeboat stations this year’

‘It is all about saving lives at sea and this first aid training gives the crews the skills and confidence to tackle any first aid situation’.

Whitstable Lifeboat Helmsman Jon Carter who has been co-ordinating the courses said ‘We have put 16 of our crewmembers through the course as it is important that the crew maintain a high level of first aid skills. This is the latest course available from the RNLI and features the most up to date equipment. As such it is highly beneficial to the crew and ultimately to those members of the public to who require our assistance’.

Pictures attached: 1) RNLI First Aid Instructor Vikki Tomalin with members of the Whitstable Lifeboat Crew during one of the first aid courses at the station. Whitstable Lifeboat’s Medical Officer Dr Terry Stefani acts as the casualty. 2) Kevin Jones, Stuart Enderby and Steve Verity tackle a first aid situation watched by RNLI First Aid Instructor Vikki Tomalin.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Chris Davey, Whitstable Lifeboat Station Press Officer on 07741 012004 or e-mail nativephoto@hotmail.com.

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RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews from Hayling and Portsmouth took part in a search and rescue exercise covering a simulated fire and evacuation of passengers from the Hayling Ferry on Wednesday 10th June.

The scenario began at 7.30pm with the passenger vessel 'Pride of Hayling' declaring a Mayday for the purposes of the exercise. This internationally recognized communications distress call, followed by a report that the vessel was adrift and without power due to a fire in its engine room, set the exercise in motion.

The ferry, which operates between Hayling Island and Eastney, on the Portsmouth side of Langstone Harbour, had left Hayling Island with twelve passengers and a crew of two. As part of the scenario, three passengers were seen to jump off the ferry as smoke began to engulf the vessel; two of these passengers were reported to have swum towards the eastern shore of Langstone Harbour. For the exercise, all three 'passengers' were RNLI man-over-board dummies.

Hayling Island RNLI Atlantic 85 lifeboat Derrick Battle and the two Portsmouth RNLI lifeboats the relief Atlantic 75 London Anniversary 175 and the D Class Heyland II, which were launched on exercise off Southsea, were tasked to the incident. They quickly arrived on scene, evacuated the passengers and crew still on board the ferry and transferred them to the ferry pontoon on Hayling Island for medical attention. The lifeboat crews then quickly turned their attention to searching for the three missing 'passengers'.

The Hayling Fire & Rescue crew transferred hoses and a fire pump to the GAFIRS (Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service) lifeboat and were, within minutes, attending the simulated fire on board the Ferry. For safety reasons, the ferry was moored to a buoy in Langstone Harbour for the duration of the exercise. Meanwhile combined teams of Coastguards, RNLI personnel and the Lowlands Search Dogs (Southern) scoured the nearby shoreline for the missing 'passengers'.

The exercise, which was co-ordinated by H M Coastguard Sector Manager, Portsmouth, Steve Duff, was planned to test the multi agency response to a simulated incident. These exercises are important for the purpose of exercising all the units that may be involved in the event of a real life incident.

RNLI Portsmouth lifeboat 'At Sea Co-ordinator', helmsman Peter Slidel, said, 'It was a good test to show how well the local search and rescue services can work together to achieve a successful outcome. It also showed how well the RNLI lifeboat crews are trained to handle all possible incidents'.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone John Feltham, RNLI Volunteer Press Officer, Portsmouth Lifeboat Station on 023 9273 5803 or Carol Carter, RNLI Volunteer Press Officer, Hayling Island on 07788446416 or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.

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Littlehampton RNLI Lifeboat Station has welcomed two new volunteer crew members to its ranks, who have each completed their initial training and have been successfully assessed by an RNLI trainer

Lee Cullen is 23 years old and was born and bred in Littlehampton. He is a carpenter and joiner and has been sailing since childhood, and races both dinghies and cruisers. Josh Gruber, 19, is a chef and moved to Littlehampton 18 months ago after living in Tenerife for the previous 7 years.

Nick White, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Littlehampton RNLI Lifeboat Station, welcomed the pair and said: 'Lifeboat crews undergo extensive and structured training to make sure that their instinctive boating abilities are maintained and that there is a standard approach to the many situations that are encountered at sea. The lifeboat station’s training co-ordinator oversees both initial and on an ongoing training, which is conducted by the senior members of the crew.'

Full time RNLI trainers and assessors attend Littlehampton regularly to review progress, and to confirm that each member of the crew achieves the RNLI’s high standards. Lee and Josh will both be attending a residential course at the Lifeboat College at the RNLI's headquarters in Poole, Dorset, during the next couple of months which will further extend their skills and prepare them to respond to the many calls dealt with by Littlehampton’s lifeboats each year.

Photograph caption: Pictured is Lee (left) and Josh at the lifeboat station.

Notes to editors

• Littlehampton lifeboat station was re-established in 1967 equipped with an inshore lifeboat funded by viewers of the BBC children’s programme Blue Peter.
• Today Littlehampton has two lifeboats. Blue Peter 1’ is an Atlantic 75, the fastest class of lifeboat in the RNLI fleet. Spirit of Juniper’ is an IB1 D-Class lifeboat, donated by the Campaign for Real Gin.
• Littlehampton’s lifeboats are launched on service around 80 times each year.
• 30 volunteer crew and shore crew are ready to respond at any time of day, every day
• To learn more about Littlehampton Lifeboat Station, its team of volunteers, and for photographs, go to www.littlehamptonlifeboat.co.uk

RNLI media contacts For more information please telephone Emma White, Assistant Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07909 730684 or email emma@pure-white.co.uk or Tim Ash, Divisional Media Relations Manager (south east and London) on 01825 747727 / 07785 296252, email tash@rnli.org.uk Alternatively contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

Page Content: Alistair who is only 6 years old decided he would cycle from his home in Evanton, the 8 miles to Invergordon RNLI Lifeboat Station under the supervision of his dad.  

Sunday 21 April was the chosen day and with the weather holding up for the event, Alistair set off shortly after 9:30am and reached the Lifeboat station around 11:20am with a couple of snack breaks in between.  

Unknown to Alistair, we had a familiar face of Stormy Stan and the volunteer crew waiting to welcome him and dad Andy over the finish line.  

With a target of £60 Alistair has managed to smash that to over £260. An amazing amount, in aid to save lives at sea.  

Invergordon RNLI Spokesperson Michael MacDonald said 'Alistair has done an incredible job in helping organise this event and raising such a great total for the RNLI. With Stormy Stan and the crew on hand to welcome them over the finish line was outstanding to watch. I would like to say from the crew at Invergordon RNLI we wish to thank all the Young family for such a great donation'

Page Content: The RNLI is holding a Volunteer Recruitment Day at Cleethorpes lifeboat station in a bid to attract new operational volunteers to train as lifeboat crew. The charity is hoping to gain up to three new recruits.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Jack Barlow explains why this opportunity has arisen, and the type of person they are hoping to attract: “We currently have a crew of 18 seagoing volunteers, who train on the lifeboat twice weekly and respond to emergency shouts whenever the call comes. Due to changes in people’s work and home lives we have identified a need for some more crew who would available to respond during the daytime in the working week. All we ask from the new recruits is that they have the time spare to give to us, and availability during this weekday period - as well as the interest and desire to learn new skills. Previous seagoing experience is not essential.”

A common misconception is that lifeboat crew are all ex-fishermen – that is not the case nowadays, with only 10% of new recruits joining with any previous maritime experience, and over 8% of RNLI lifeboat volunteers are female.

Stacey Sonley, 19, is one of the most recent recruits to the crew. She is one of three lifeboat women at Cleethorpes, and is the youngest member of the crew - she joined in 2010 as soon as she turned 17. She fits her volunteer RNLI role in around her regular job at Asda.

Stacey says: “I knew from a fairly young age that I wanted to join the lifeboat crew, as I have been surrounded by the RNLI all my life – my dad is a helmsman on the Cleethorpes lifeboat,  before that he was full-time crew at Humber lifeboat and as a family we all lived lived at Spurn Point. The RNLI provides fantastic training to turn ordinary people into lifesavers and by volunteering, people will gain some great experience, knowledge and skills.”

To qualify as lifeboat crew, volunteers need to be:
• Aged 17 - 45
• Living and/or working in Cleethorpes, within 1.5 miles of the lifeboat station
• Physically fit
• Not colour blind

Recruitment Open Day is on Saturday 27th April, between 11am and 2pm. Members of the lifeboat crew and station management will be at the lifeboat station to talk to prospective volunteers. For more information, contact Kelly Blackburn, Cleethorpes RNLI Press Officer on 07850 448699, or email lifeboat618@hotmail.co.uk

Page Content: The station’s training exercise on Sunday morning provoked interest from some very unusual onlookers.

A welcome disruption to a training exercise came in the form of a pod of dolphins keen to play alongside the station’s Atlantic lifeboat.

RNLI volunteers undergo regular training to ensure they are well equipped to deal with the variety of incidents they are called to when their pagers sound. The crew at Aberystwyth were not expecting such a spectacular sight during a routine exercise.

Ends
Media Contacts
For further information, please contact Danielle Rush, Public Relations Manager in Wales on 07786 668829.

Page Content: The Lifeboat's visit to Llandudno coincided with a planned exercise for the resort's Mersey-class lifeboat 'Andy Pearce'.  The attached picture shows the two lifeboats carrying out joint manouvres in the bay, with some Llandudno personnel sailing aboard the Shannon.
 
The Shannon has also visited Pwllheli, Conwy and Rhyl this week, and will be leaving later today for Fleetwood.
 
 
RNLI media contact
Further information - Alan Sharp, Llandudno Lifeboat Press Officer on 01492543315

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The lifeboat station, based on the Strand at Walmer, is currently experiencing a shortage of volunteer crew members who can respond to the pager to go to sea to help others in distress.

In a bid to address falling numbers, the lifeboat station is holding a special open morning for anyone interested in finding out more and potentially training to become a crew member. The morning – which takes place on Saturday 20 April at 11am – is open to absolutely anyone who wants to find out what being a volunteer crew member entails and whether it would be of interest to them.

Denis Brophy, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Walmer RNLI Lifeboat Station, said: ‘Every lifeboat station has its ups and downs with crew levels, but we’re experiencing a real low right now. Although at the moment we are able to attend every shout for help, we might not be able to in the future so we’re keen to reach anyone who might be interested in getting involved.

‘Where we’re really struggling is with daytime lifeboat cover. The main cause is the lack of people in local employment.

‘Unfortunately for us jobs draw crew away from Walmer and Deal and they’re just not in a position to respond to the pager if they’re working in the next town.'

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea and relies on volunteer crew members to launch its lifesaving missions. Since it began in 1824 it is this volunteer spirit that has driven the charity and earned it the huge respect it commands internationally.

Denis said: 'I think sometimes people are discouraged from getting involved with the lifeboats because they have little sailing experience, or they’re not into watersports. But what they don’t realise is only one in ten lifeboat crew members come from a maritime background. It’s not unusual to find builders, tradesmen, solicitors, hairdressers, and all manner of other jobs amongst the crew, which makes for a real community feel.

‘We hope this event will bust some of the myths - the only thing you need to get involved at a lifeboat station is a little time, a willingness to help and the desire to support a wider cause.'

The RNLI is particularly interested to hear from younger people as the role of volunteer lifeboat crew member would suit people with young families, people in their 20s and 30s and who live or work nearby: volunteer lifeboat crew members must be able to reach the lifeboat station within ten minutes.

Elizabeth Renshaw, RNLI Volunteer Recruitment Advisor, said: ‘Being a volunteer lifeboat crew member can be hugely rewarding, as you get to help a lifesaving cause at the same time as becoming part of a whole new community. The crew training provided by the RNLI charity is second to none, so you don’t have to have a scrap of previous maritime or sailing experience – you just need to be keen, enthusiastic and willing commit to the cause.’

The station recruitment event will take place on Saturday, from 11am to 1pm. and anyone is welcome to go along. In the meantime, anyone interested in enquiring about the station can email the station at Walmer@rnli.org.uk or elizabeth_renshaw@rnli.org.uk

RNLI media contacts
• Tim Ash, RNLI Public Relations Manager (London/East/South East)
0207 6207426 / 07785 296252 / tim_ash@rnli.org.uk
• Philly Byrde, RNLI Press Officer (London/East/South East)
0207 6207425 / 07886 668825 / philly_byrde@rnli.org.uk
• For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

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The lifeboat station has been open since 1864 and in 2014 they will celebrate 150 years of saving lives at sea.

If you looking for an active and adventurous challenge where you are also serving the community on behalf of a very worthwhile charity - this is ideal for you. You will be joining a very close knit team, equipped with the safest sea craft carrying the latest equipment and given access to the best training available in order to achieve the highest level of competence.

New Quay Lifeboat Operations Manager Roger Couch says:
"Over the 150 years since the lifeboat station was established, New Quay has produced some very capable lifeboat crew and skilled seamen receiving many commendations for their actions. We need to ensure that this excellent tradition and record continues for the future".

Coxswain Daniel Potter added:
“Our crew members tend to bond very closely, friendships develop and social relationships formed. I can recommend volunteering for the RNLI as a very rewarding activity; I have been doing it for over 30 years".
If you would like to know more, you are welcome to call at the Lifeboat Station or phone them on 01545 560311. If you would like to speak informally to Lifeboat Operations Manager Roger Couch, please phone him on 01545 560699.

Please bear in mind that you need to live or work locally so that you can reach the lifeboat station within minutes of getting an operational call.
 
Ends

Notes to editors
New Quay lifeboat station has been operating since 1864. Today there are over twenty five trained crew members, a Mersey class all weather lifeboat and an inshore rescue craft.

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Glyn Griffiths, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 01545 561285 or gillandglyn@googlemail.com or Danielle Rush, Media Relations Manager Wales and West on 07786 668829 or drush@rnli.org.uk or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789

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The BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year 2012 winner is appealing to youngsters in the town to support their local RNLI Lifeboat Station.

 

Media opportunity: Olympic champion Jade Jones meets the RNLI crew at Flint to launch a recruitment drive. Photographs will be available following the media opportunity.

Where: Flint RNLI Lifeboat Station

When: Saturday, April 13 at 11am.

-----------------------------------------

Jade, who is an aspirational role model for the town’s youngsters is launching a recruitment drive this weekend calling on local people to throw Flint RNLI a lifeline. She is urging townsfolk to do their bit to help saves lives on the treacherous banks of the River Dee. The station has experienced a dip in numbers and keen to find more people to keep the station afloat.

Jade says:

‘I’m incredibly proud of my roots in Flint, the support I’ve had from my home town has been phenomenal. I was shocked and saddened to sad to hear the local lifeboat station was struggling to find volunteers, as I appreciate what an amazing job the RNLI does. I know there are some good young people out there who would really benefit from the challenge. Joining the RNLI would be a fantastic opportunity for young people to give something back to this close-knit community and focus on something really worthwhile.

‘Training to be the very best at what you do is something I have quite a bit of experience at. I was amazed at the professionalism of the training offered to RNLI volunteers, who would be offered some amazing transferrable skills which helps them to go out and save lives. What could be a better feeling?’

Daytime cover at the station is currently a problem, with many of the volunteer crew working outside the area between the hours of nine and five.

Local recruitment agency GAP have already offered a helping hand by advertising for volunteers in the town centre shop, advertising on their website and liaising with local business to encourage employees to give up their time.
 
Lifeboat Operations Manager Alan Forrester explains:

‘Many of our existing crew are employed outside the area, so we are appealing to anyone with an interest in joining to get in touch. We’re at pretty low numbers and its essential we have a full compliment of competent crew to answer the call for help whenever it comes.  The RNLI provides the very best training and equipment to ensure its volunteers can do their job in the safest possible way. 

The RNLI is a fantastic organisation and there is plenty of excitement, I hope people will answer Jade’s plea to become part of the team. We are so very grateful to her for coming on board, as the town really look up to her and what she has done for the town.’

Other RNLI lifeboat stations have also recently experienced a dip in numbers, with Aberdyfi, Borth, New Quay, Angle and Burry Port also launching localised recruitment drives.

Anyone interested in volunteering with the RNLI at Flint should contact Alan Forrester on 07785 593247 or Matt Crofts on 07917 212368.

ENDS

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Danielle Rush, Public Relations Manager (Wales and the West) on 01745 585162 or 07786 668829, email danielle_rush@rnli.org.uk or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789