Llandudno lifeboat crew begin their 2023 training programme
Volunteer crew members at Llandudno made an early start on Sunday morning to begin the exercise and training programme for the new year.
Our volunteer crew members are prepared to drop everything and risk their lives to save others at a moment's notice. Their lifesaving work is essential, often difficult and sometimes dangerous. And with only 1 in 10 volunteers joining the RNLI from a professional maritime occupation, training is especially important.
The RNLI prioritise the need to provide our crew members with first-class training, equipment, guidance and support, indeed crew training is a continuous process, and the learning never stops. Lifeboat crews are required to train together every week, at sea and ashore. Every Monday at Llandudno crew members gather to continue this work including regular launches of the two lifeboats at the station.
RNLI training exercises focus on teamwork, technical competence and safe operating procedures covering everything from boat-handling, search and rescue, navigation, radar training, radio communications and casualty care. Crews also practise rescue scenarios involving other emergency services such as the Coastguard and other rescue services.
Every crew member at Llandudno follows a structured programme of competence-based training and assessment. This covers an agreed range of skills and competencies necessary to complete particular tasks. They also undertake operational training, designed to help them meet required fitness standards.
Graham Heritage, Station Coxswain explained ‘it is gratifying to know that when our lifeboats go to sea, everyone involved both at sea and on the shore has benefitted from the hours of commitment that they have put in every week. This also keeps their competencies up to date and prevents skill fade.’
For more information, please contact Jonathan Coe, Llandudno Lifeboat Press Officer on 07910 861193. Alternatively contact Claire Elshaw, RNLI Media Officer on 01745 585162 / 07771 941390
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.
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.