Two new Lifeboat Trainer and Assessors for Calshot RNLI
Calshot RNLI helms, Damian Lester and Graham Burgess successfully completed their Lifeboat Trainer & Assessor (LTA) plans following an assessment of their skills on exercise yesterday.
Both Damian and Graham are highly experienced members of the crew at Calshot, with Damian having joined in 2008 and Graham in 2012.
The RNLI's Lifeboat Trainer and Assessors have a vital role on station. RNLI volunteer crews across the UK and Ireland receive first-class training in search and rescue, including navigation, boat handling skills, casualty care and communications. From the time new volunteers join the charity they are taught everything they need to know to help save lives at sea - and stay safe while doing so.
Calshot Lifeboat Operations Manager Jane Banting said; ‘We’ve previously had one LTA, who has been combining the role with his full time job as a Trainee Paramedic for the Ambulance Service. By tripling our capacity in this area, we can ensure that there are no delays to progressing crew through their training plans.’
New RNLI Area Lifesaving Manager James Kilburn who also attended the exercise added; ‘Congratulations to Damian and Graham, to complete the rigorous RNLI LTA training shows exceptional commitment. Yesterday’s exercise was incredibly well put together and thoroughly tested them. Calshot is one of the RNLI’s busiest stations on the south coast, so making the investment in more trainers and assessors ensures that Calshot’s volunteer crew can continue to perform their vital role of saving lives at sea.’
Contact Details:
Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer - Justyn Leonard
07540 920678
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 142,700 lives.
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