Newhaven volunteer lifeboat crew face sea survival test
Four of Newhaven lifeboat station's newest recruits have achieved the RNLI’s Sea Survival Competency after being put through their paces at the RNLI College in Poole.
Claire, Ash, Nix and Sam made the journey from Newhaven to Poole, and were put through the capsize and sea survival courses in a purpose-built tank inside the Sea Survival Centre. The facility can simulate weather conditions such as storms, wind, rain and waves, all while the recruits are tasked with re-righting a lifeboat which was capsized.
The four also completed the sea survival course which must be successfully completed by anyone working at sea. The course focuses on using life-rafts and a range of techniques to stay alive in the water whilst in an emergency.
Sam Smith, one of the station's new recruits, said: 'It was excellent to visit the RNLI College and the Sea Survival Centre. The facilities are world-class, along with the training by the college instructors.'
Claire Townsend, another of our new recruits, said: 'Having the opportunity to go down to RNLI College was fantastic. My favourite part was the Sea Survival Centre and the wave tank! Seven other groups from other stations were on the training with us, including our flank station Brighton.'
RNLI crews are prepared to drop everything to save others at moment’s notice. With only one in ten volunteers joining the RNLI from professional maritime backgrounds, training is especially important. That’s why the charity provides crew members with first class training, equipment, guidance, and support.
Notes to editors
· Newhaven RNLI was established in 1803, and covers from Beachy Head to Brighton. It’s a modern afloat station and operates an all-weather Severn class lifeboat.
· The Sea Survival Centre gives crew members practical experience in sea safety and survival techniques. In the wave tank, crews experience simulated real-life conditions including darkness, thunder, lightning and rain.
· RNLI College is the home of lifeboat crew training. Around 1,200 crew members take part in one or more of over 40 different courses on offer at the college each year. Crews train using our first-class facilities, which include live engine workshops, and a state of the art Sea Survival Centre – featuring a wave tank and lifeboat bridge simulator.
· Brighton RNLI provides 24/7 on call search and rescue service along the Sussex coastline between Newhaven and Shoreham.
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For more information please contact Sam Carragher, RNLI Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected] or Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer on 07785 296252 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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.
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.