Dolphins greet Brighton RNLI volunteers returning from training
A routine training exercise took an exciting turn for Brighton RNLI crew when a pod of dolphins joined them on their way back to Brighton Marina.
The volunteer crew had spent Saturday morning conducting training drills with the Saltdean Swim & Surf Club, honing essential rescue skills in open water.
On their return journey, just off the coast, the crew was thrilled to spot a pod of dolphins swimming alongside the lifeboat.
Volunteer crew member Tom Hedges, who was wearing the head camera that caught the footage, said: ‘On our way back to Brighton Marina, we met two playful dolphins who put on quite a show - swimming alongside us and showing us just how high they can jump! It was a huge privilege, and a highlight of the year for all the crew on board.’
Speaking on the training exercise, Tom added: ‘We visited the Saltdean Swim & Surf Club, who train local children aged 7-16 in sea safety and lifesaving techniques. After demonstrating how we'd assess an injured casualty and evacuate them to our lifeboat, we held a floating Q&A in beautifully calm conditions. Thank you to all the club volunteers and young people for taking part.’
Brighton RNLI continues to provide vital lifesaving services along the coast while working to raise awareness of water safety.
If you would like to support the RNLI and the crew's efforts, visit https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/community-fundraising-groups/brighton-fundraising-branch
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.