New Quay RNLI lifeboats train with Coastguard helicopter
On Sunday 19 May both New Quay RNLI’s lifeboats launched on exercise to train with the HM Coastguard helicopter 187 from St Athan.
Helicopters are a vital tool in search and rescue and RNLI crews around the UK and Ireland regularly train with coastguard helicopters.
Daniel Potter, New Quay RNLI Coxswain said, “We practiced a number of procedures, including the winchman landing on the all-weather lifeboat. It can be a tricky manoeuvre and it’s important for all our crew to be familiar with how to work with helicopters safely.
“Our inshore lifeboat helms also practiced formatting with the helicopter and it was a great opportunity to practice for those real life situations where we need to evacuate a casualty quickly.”
Around 150 people still lose their lives in UK and Irish waters annually. The RNLI provides a 24/7 search and rescue service around the UK and Ireland, and relies on volunteers to help save lives at sea.
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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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