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Busy weekend for RNLI Weston

Lifeboats News Release

The weekend of 16/17 November was a busy one for RNLI Weston-super-Mare, but not in the way you might imagine! Training forms an important part of each volunteer crew members time with the station. A rolling program of modules need to be completed dependent on the role of the volunteer.

Our two training leads, Simon Johnson & Matt Lyons arranged a bumper weekend of assessments to be carried out by RNLI assessors, Lyle and Matt.

Over Saturday and Sunday, the team were put through their paces in areas including navigation, health & safety, towing, driving and launch/recovery.

Chris Ware, Operations Manager reflected ‘Due to the large rise and fall of the tides in Weston, a particularly challenging part of the operation is to launch and recover at low water. A full weekend’s training allowed us to fully develop all our team in these areas.’

Ultimately 24 successful assessments were achieved by 17 crew making the weekend highly worthwhile. Worthy of mention are Terry who revalidated as Helm on the A85 charity lifeboat, and Charlie who passed the Softrak assessment, becoming our first female Softrak driver!

Speaking after the weekend, Matt said, ‘Keeping our crews current and up-to-date with their knowledge and skills is essential for them to be able to carry out their roles safely and effectively.

These assessments form part of the regular checks to make sure we are doing what we do safely and in line with the RNLI requirements.

Huge well done to all of the crew members who have completed assessments this weekend to allow us to continue saving lives at sea in Weston-super-Mare’

A pre-exercise briefing

RNLI/Gemma Stock

RNLI/Rob Lewis

Softrak driver assessment

RNLI/Rob Lewis

Boat crew returning after low water recovery

RNLI/Gemma Stock

Assessor feedback

RNLI/Gemma Stock

Enroute to a low water launch

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.