RNLI Cromer holds induction during lockdown

This was successful and several people indicated an interest in becoming part of the crew as well as helping in the RNLI shop and with visits.

In normal circumstances joining a Lifeboat crew would mean being invited to the station at the earliest opportunity for a formal induction. This is where fundamental information about first-aid, fire safety, hazardous materials, PPE and operational dangers would be explained together with their responsibility as volunteers and the RNLI commitment to them. After this the trainees would begin more formal training and assessments leading to them within a few weeks starting to take part in some operational activities.

In the current situation this has not been possible for the 8 new trainees who joined earlier in the year to train as lifeboat crew, as the station has been closed except for emergency launches since lockdown. It is to their credit that they all agreed to begin their time with the RNLI entirely online with 2 hour video conferenced training sessions every Tuesday night. For some the brush with technology has been challenging but nearly 4 months later they are still eager to get into the station and start training for real.

At the moment all their training is theoretical but hopefully they have a good grounding in the basic things we need from them and will perform well in the training when it starts for real. They’ve covered what actually happens on a ‘shout’, roles and responsibilities of other crew members and station staff, PPE in different locations and scenarios, fire safety, hazardous materials, sea survival together with launch and recovery procedures. They have also completed a number of online courses in their own time and we’re as keen as they are to get into the station and put some of this into practice.

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.