New Quay RNLI spreading the word on sea safety for rowers
New Quay RNLI have been working hard throughout the year holding joint exercises with local rowing clubs to assist them in training for emergency situations.
Recently the volunteer crew, together with New Quay RNLI Community Safety Adviser, Roy Fenner, worked with Aberaeron Longboat Rowing Club to help them deal with man overboard and other emergency situations in preparation for next year’s Celtic Challenge, a 96-mile rowing race from Arklow in Ireland to Aberystwyth in Wales.
A structured exercise took place with two longboats and a New Quay RNLI crew member in each boat, with the inshore lifeboat standing by. The lifeboat crew members simulated a man overboard incident so that the longboat crew members gained experience in manoeuvring the boat and recovering a person from the water.
Roger Couch, New Quay Lifeboat Operations Manager explained, “The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea and New Quay Lifeboat Station works with the community to promote sea safety. In recent years we have worked with four local longboat rowing clubs and it is an important part of the training for any longboat crew member. The recent exercise was very successful and one we will repeat every year with each club.
“We also give advice on the importance of carrying the correct safety equipment and means of calling for help. Life jackets should be regularly inspected and flares should be checked for expiry date. If anyone finds themselves in difficulty at sea they should contact the Coastguard by dialling 999 or by VHF radio.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
For more information please contact Kate Williams New Quay RNLI Press Officer,
[email protected] or 07786 550054.
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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