Redcar RNLI celebrate International Womens Day
On International Women’s Day, it feels especially fitting to celebrate the progress being made across the lifesaving community.
This week RNLI Redcar crew member Laura Wedgewood had the opportunity to attend the Women in SAR (Search and Rescue) event at RNLI College in Poole. Laura said: ‘Events like this are incredibly important. Search and Rescue has traditionally been a male-dominated field, and creating spaces where women can train, share experiences and build confidence helps ensure that everyone feels they belong and has the opportunity to develop their skills.’
During the week Laura revalidated her casualty care skills alongside other women from around the UK and Ireland. Casualty care is a vital part of RNLI training; it includes assessing and treating life-threatening and traumatic injuries that may be encountered when responding to the pager. Keeping these skills fresh ensures the best possible care is given to those who need help most, often in challenging environments.
Laura went onto say: ‘Following the success of Redcar RNLI’s previous Positive Action event aimed at underrepresented groups, our crew now has four women involved operationally, something we’re really proud of. We’ll be looking to create another opportunity like this very soon, so keep an eye out if you’re interested in getting involved. We create spaces like this today so that the next generation of lifesavers won’t need them tomorrow.’
Notes to Editors
Redcar lifeboat station has been operating since 1802.
Redcar currently operates a B-class lifeboat named Leicester Challenge III, paid for by the people of Leicester, and an IB1-class lifeboat named Eileen May Loach-Thomas, paid from the legacy of the late Mr Nick Thomas of Shropshire.
RNLI Media contacts
For more information, please contact Andy Watson, Lifeboat Press Officer, Redcar RNLI on 07954 435834 or 01642 484491 or email [email protected]
Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager (North and East): [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.