To improve skills and foster better working relations across both organisations, RNLI Skegness joined forces with Wrangle and Skegness Coastguard Rescue Teams for a joint training session.
HM Coastguard tasks the RNLI's search and rescue assets, working closely with local Coastguard Rescue Teams during search and rescue (SAR) operations. Both organisations must understand each service's capabilities and limitations to ensure that the most appropriate and effective resources get deployed in emergencies.
The joint training session, that took place on Tuesday 20 June, continues to support Lincolnshire Police's Operation Atlantis, which focusses on greater collaboration between partner agencies. The exercise concentrated on improving communication and coordination between the two search and rescue (SAR) teams.
During the training session, both rescue teams assisted the inshore lifeboat (ILB) volunteer crew in locating and recovering tennis ball targets on the water, simulating 'real life' search scenarios. The exercise occurred near the Skegness lifeguard hut, allowing each crew member to gain valuable helm time positioning the lifeboat onto the targets.
Following the exercise, the volunteer lifeboat crew was given a tour of the Coastguard Rescue vehicles to familiarise themselves with each other's SAR equipment. This collaboration between the rescue agencies highlights the importance of effective communication and teamwork in real life emergencies.
RNLI Skegness Helm, Lewis Knight, commented on the joint training session: 'It was great to work with our coastguard colleagues and develop new skills in 'conning on.' This exercise enhanced our ability to communicate with partner agencies and allowed us to learn from each other's expertise. Working together effectively and efficiently in real life scenarios is crucial, and exercises like these help prepare us to save lives when it matters most.'
Paul Simpson, Lifeboat Operations Manager at RNLI Skegness, added: 'It's fantastic to see this kind of training taking place, and we look forward to working more closely in the future with the Coastguard, National Coastwatch (NCI), East Midlands Ambulance Service, Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue, and Lincolnshire Police throughout the summer season. Collaborative efforts like these ensure that our teams are well-prepared and equipped to provide the best possible search and rescue services.'
Colin Peet, Station Officer at HM Coastguard Skegness also commented on the joint exercise, saying, 'It was great to see both Skegness Lifeboat crew and Skegness and Wrangle Coastguard teams carrying out the conning on exercise with a great outcome and many lessons learned.'
The successful joint training session demonstrates the ongoing commitment of RNLI Skegness, Wrangle, and Skegness Coastguard Rescue Teams to work together to provide world-class search and rescue services for our community.
Notes to editors
The RNLI is the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
Skegness RNLI is based on Tower Esplanade, Skegness. The lifeboat station was founded in 1825 and the volunteer crew use an all-weather Shannon class lifeboat
Joel and April Grunnill and D class lifeboat The Holland Family.
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For further information, please contact:
Brad Johnson, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for lifeboat station RNLI on
[email protected]
RNLI Press Officer: [email protected]
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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