Llandudno inshore lifeboat crew members train for capsize at sea
Llandudno RNLI volunteers have been rehearsing how they would react in the rare event of their D Class capsizing.
Inshore lifeboats often encounter hazardous conditions at sea, it is therefore vital that all the crews know what to do in the unusual event of their craft capsizing. The training is currently taking place using a specially adapted inshore lifeboat, which is used specifically for capsize training at lifeboat stations around the coast.
Llandudno volunteer crew members commenced their practise drills last Saturday with the inshore lifeboat Dr Barbara Saunderson standing by to provide assistance if needed.
The training boat is identical to operational lifeboat apart from being stripped of all its rescue equipment.
Lifeboat capsizes do not happen very often, but it is important that all the crews are trained how to react should it happen. The crew onboard the inshore lifeboat must manually right the craft, before following procedures to remove any sea water from the outboard engine to allow it to be restarted.
A senior crew member explained that:
'Unlike an all-weather lifeboat, the inshore lifeboat has no means of self-righting. The righting process is actually quite physically demanding, even in very gentle conditions. The RNLI provides its volunteer crew with the very best training and equipment to ensure they know exactly what to do should their inshore lifeboat ever capsize.'
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Jonathan Coe, Llandudno Lifeboat Press Officer on 07910 861193. Alternatively contact Eleri Roberts, RNLI Media Officer on 01745 585162 / 07771 941390 or email [email protected].
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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