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Port Talbot RNLI volunteers attend British Divers Marine Medics course

Lifeboats News Release

On Saturday (5 October 2024) three volunteers from Port Talbot Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) attended a practical course on marine mammal rescue techniques.

Simulated dolphin rescue

BDMLR

RNLI Port Talbot and British Divers Marine Life rescue marine medic course

Having already competed 4 hours of online lectures ahead of the in-person day, three volunteers from Port Talbot RNLI passed out as British Divers Marine Life Rescue Mammal Medics.

Included in the course was first aid, safe handling, safe transportation, recovery and re floating of full size water filled mock-ups of seals, dolphins and whales. Using specialists cages, seal bags, slings, and pontoons to ensure the very best practices in marine mammal care.

In what is believed to be the first of its kind collaboration between the RNLI, HM Coastguard and the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), three volunteers from Port Talbot RNLI and four volunteers from HM Coastguard Port Talbot attended the 1-day practical course.

Gareth Richards, South Wales Area Coordinator for BDMLR, said:

'Responding to sick and injured seals and cetaceans here in South Wales can be very challenging requiring at times, support from a range of organisations. We were delighted to have crew members from Port Talbot RNLI, joining us on one of our Marine Mammal Medic Courses recently, which added a whole new dimension and opportunity for us within British Divers Marine Life Rescue.

'The professionalism and can-do attitude of the RNLI volunteers was inspiring. Their knowledge of the area, sea conditions and water safety added another learning opportunity for everyone on the course.'

Gareth continued:

'An additional 25 new medics have now joined our team, and we are now looking at creating future opportunities for joint training. It was a pleasure to have our RNLI colleagues as part of our response here in South Wales.'

Leanne Brereton from Port Talbot Coastguard Rescue Team said:

'As Coastguard Rescue Officers we are constantly aware of our responsibility to protect and assist in a wide variety of emergency situations, including those involving marine wildlife. That’s why my colleagues and I were honoured to participate in this course, which has been instrumental in rescuing marine wildlife since 1988.

'By becoming certified marine mammal medics, we have gained vital knowledge and practical skills that allow us to assist in the rescue of marine mammals, such as stranded seals, oiled seabirds, and even whales and dolphins. This specialised training not only strengthens our ability to respond effectively during our Coastguard call-outs, but it also gives us great pride to contribute to the protection of marine life.

'This experience has deepened our commitment to safeguarding both people and the natural world, and we are proud to have had the opportunity to enhance our roles as Coastguard Rescue Officers through this important qualification.'

Ceri Jeffreys of Port Talbot RNLI said:

'Over the years of volunteering I have attended a number of marine mammal rescue incidents, and while the RNLI trains you brilliantly well for saving human lives at sea, we are not specifically trained in specialist marine mammal rescue. So often it's a case of waiting for the 'experts in the animal field' to arrive, which is alien to the ethos of RNLI training of adapting to whatever the sea throws at you.

'We always know a thing or two about water safety, but it's a different kettle of fish when the animal in trouble calls the sea it's home! Doing this course has been fantastic and when the local council offered to sponsor places on the course I jumped at the opportunity. So now I have a new set of skills to help save marine mammal lives at sea.

'I have to say the training was brilliantly delivered, offering both practical and theory based learning and it was so enjoyable to be a apart of alongside our Coastguard volunteers - who we so frequently work with. I very much look forward to ongoing training and how I can apply it in a real life scenario. Thank you to Neath Port Talbot Council and BDMLR.'

British Divers Marine Life Rescue, provided this advice:

There's a seal on the beach. What should I do?
Follow the Five S's to watch seals safely:

  • STOP
  • SPACE
  • SILENCE
  • SLEEP
  • SUPPORT

If you see any marine mammal in need of assistance please call the rescue hotline on 01825 765546.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Port Talbot RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, Ceri Jeffreys on [email protected], or Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728 315.

Alternatively, you can contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789.

Simulated Whale rescue

BDMLR

RNLI Port Talbot and British Divers Marine Life rescue marine medic course
Attendees at the Marine Mammal medics course Aberavon 05/10/24

BDMLR

RNLI Port Talbot and British Divers Marine Life rescue marine medic course
Presentation of certificate's Neath Port Talbot Council sponsored attendees

BDMLR

RNLI Port Talbot and British Divers Marine Life rescue marine medic course
Port Talbot RNLI crew members completing whale rescue

RNLI/Paul Dubec

Port Talbot RNLI crew members completing whale rescue
HM Coastguard Port Talbot newly qualified marine mammal medics

BDMLR

HM Coastguard Port Talbot newly qualified marine mammal medics

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.