RNLI lifeguards in Littlehampton take part in multi-agency rescue exercise

On Tuesday 01 September, RNLI lifeguards in Littlehampton took part in a multi-agency rescue exercise to develop working practice skills between Coastguard Rescue Teams, Littlehampton RNLI lifeboat station, South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECamb) and Arun District Council Foreshore Officers as they coordinated a multi-casualty maritime incident in the mouth of the River Arun.

For training purposes, the scenario involved RNLI lifeguards witnessing a collision between two vessels at the entrance to Littlehampton Harbour. Multiple casualties entered the water, several sustained injuries and two people were unaccounted for. Additional casualties offshore came forward requiring triage and treatment.

RNLI lifeguards were first on scene as they conducted the rescue of casualties and contacted HM Coastguard for backup from Littlehampton RNLI lifeboat and the Coastguard Rescue Team and informed Littlehampton Harbourmaster for Vessel Traffic Management (VTM).

Littlehampton RNLI’s lifeboat and Littlehampton RNLI lifeguard’s Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB) arrived on scene and conducted a water search for the two missing people in the water. While the Coastguard Rescue Team and SECamb arrived, two additional casualties were in need of assistance offshore.

The two missing casualties, simulated using specialist training mannequins, were located by the lifeboat and brought ashore. With assistance from the Arun District Council Foreshore Officers, the casualties were transported up the beach to SECamb, who took over the incident and coordinated casualty care.

The realistic training exercise lasted approximately 2 hours and concluded with a debrief with all agencies.

Training sessions like this are essential in ensuring all responding agencies can work effectively together. They provide valuable opportunities for each party to gain a better understanding of each team’s equipment, capabilities and procedures, helping to strengthen coordination and effectiveness of multi-agency rescue operations.

Lead Lifeguard Supervisor for West Sussex & Hampshire, Sydney Horsted, said: ‘Last night we were part of a multi-agency exercise to practice a coordinated response to a multi-casualty incident in the River Arun at Littlehampton Beach. Every year, lifeguards respond to many rescues in the river due to its strong currents and close proximity to both East and West Beach. It is really important that we are able to practice these types of scenarios, so that we are prepared should something like this occur. It was also an excellent opportunity to work alongside our brilliant emergency service partners to develop our joint response to water based incidents.’

This week also marks the last week of RNLI lifeguard patrols in West Sussex and Hampshire as the summer season comes to an end on Sunday 6 September. During the off-season, RNLI lifeboat stations remain a 24-hour search and rescue service operation from 238 stations around the UK and Ireland.

If you plan to visit the coast outside of the lifeguard season, follow water safety advice and remember the RNLI’s Float to Live guidance:

If you find yourself in trouble in the water, remember to…

· Tilt your head back with your ears submerged

· Try to relax and control your breathing

· Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat

· Once you’ve regained control of your breathing, call for help or swim to safety

If you see someone else in trouble in the water, remember Phone, Float, Throw:

• Phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard to get help.
• Tell the struggling person to Float to Live.
• Throw them something that floats, such as a life ring.

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Notes to editor:  

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Kate Barkley, RNLI Communications Staff Member for RNLI, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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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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