RNLI Penarth holds sessions teaching lifesaving skills to the community
RNLI Penarth is holding Waterside Responder sessions to teach life-saving skills to members of the local community who work close to water.
The scheme is designed to equip members of the community with the knowledge of what to do if they spot somebody in difficulty in the water. The sessions cover how to spot the signs of a person in difficulty in the water, and how to take action without putting themselves or others at risk.
The sessions also include training on how to use throw bags, a rescue device used to pass a line to someone who is in the water. Following completion of the session, local businesses will be provided with a free throw bag to keep on their premises.
Two sessions have been held so far, which were attended by members of South Wales Police.
To register interest in taking part in future sessions, please email [email protected].
Neil Cunningham, Water Safety Officer at RNLI Penarth Lifeboat Station, said:
“People who work near the water are often already in the close vicinity when somebody finds themselves in difficulty, and the aim of this scheme is to equip them with the knowledge and skills to know what to do in these situations.
“Knowing how to spot the signs of someone in difficulty in the water and being able to use equipment like throw bags can buy vital time and greatly increase the chances of survival.
“Having people in the area with the knowledge and skills to take the correct action before lifeboat crews or emergency services arrive could save a life.”
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.