Hartlepool RNLI volunteers and kayakers train together

The hour long exercise involved a member of the kayakers being recovered from the sea onto the all-weather lifeboat and familiarisation of what the all weather and inshore lifeboats capabilities are.

Hartlepool RNLI coxswain Robbie Maiden said ‘It was a very worthwhile exercise with the kayakers as we worked together over a few scenarios that may occur at sea’.

‘I was especially impressed by the groups professional approach to safety issues when at sea such as carrying vhf radios and flares’.

‘We learnt that the kayakers can travel up to 20 miles a day along the shore so having the correct communication equipment is vital should any of them need our help’.

Chris Arnison of the Stockton and Thornaby Canoe Club said ‘It’s been really interesting to be involved with and learn about the resources available when working with the RNLI and the purpose of the charity’.

'Overall it was an excellent learning exercise for both kayakers and lifeboat crew and It was nice to meet such a friendly and professional RNLI team, sound in the knowledge that such people are there for us should we ever need them and the crew were very complimentary of how well kitted out today’s kayakers were with drysuits, self rescue kit, tow lines, VHF/DSC radios, PLBs, flares, first aid kits etc'.

‘Following our exercise at sea we had a tour of the boathouse and also a look at the inshore lifeboat where we given a detailed talk about its capabilities.’

‘We definitely hope to come back for another exercise in the future with the Hartlepool RNLI volunteers.’

For more information please contact Tom Collins, Volunteer RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on: 01429 266103

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.