Crew advancement at Lytham St Annes RNLI

When the word Lifeboat is used most people have a vision of a classic blue and orange boat ploughing through heavy surf on its way to rescue someone about to be engulfed by the waves. However, before that can happen a lot of time has to be spent giving the crew the training they need to be able to operate the boat safely in the worst of conditions.

The initial training concentrates on who does what at the station. At Lytham St. Annes there are around 40 volunteers required to keep the two lifeboats running and initially it can be daunting trying to remember people and their roles.

The next stage is safety and the equipment each person will need to use – the classic example being the lifejacket. This step by step training provides a logical sequence that can eventually lead right through to training to be a Coxswain.

Each stage is checked by an independent assessor to ensure the crew member can demonstrate his knowledge of that set of skills. That may be afloat or in the boathouse over a cup of coffee.

To get one person trained is not a simple matter and it often requires that the whole team might be needed. If someone wants to be competent in electronic navigation it means the lifeboat needs to go to sea. A full crew need to found, and a team have to be assembled to launch and recover. Finally the boat and launching equipment will need washing down and refuelling after. As ever, the necessary paperwork has to be done

During the spring the Lytham St Annes crew made a special effort to advance their skill sets. This has resulted in a new Mechanic and two new Helms. Kerrith Black has now become the latest enrolled mechanic. That gives him the very responsible role of stepping in and operating the lifeboat machinery when the full time mechanic is unavailable.

Ben McGarry and David Hillier were passed out as Helms for the inshore lifeboat – that is the equivalent of the Coxswain aboard the All-weather Mersey class Lifeboat.

Pete Whalley, the Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: 'Congratulations must go to all three for the efforts they have made to achieve these positions. They have spent many hours in training and have demonstrated their professional expertise to quite demanding RNLI assessors. What must also be borne in mind is the hours the other crew and launchers have given up to get them to this point. Finally the families and friends of the crew should not be forgotten. They too have had to make sacrifices while this has been happening. They all deserve a big "Thank You’”.'

RNLI Media contacts

For more information please contact Pete Whalley, RNLI Deputy Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on: 07872 026395.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 146,000 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.