RNLI Lifesaving Effect Review ushers in new era of lifesaving
A Lifesaving Effect Review carried out by the RNLI into its search and rescue assets on the north-east coast of Northern Ireland will see three new lifeboats put on service at Newcastle and Kilkeel lifeboat stations by the end of the year.
Over the coming months, intensive training will be undertaken by the volunteer lifeboat crews to welcome a new Atlantic 85 lifeboat and a D class lifeboat to Newcastle and a new Shannon class lifeboat to Kilkeel.
The RNLI continually monitors risk and rescue activity on and around the coast, as well as assessing the changing trends in water use, search and rescue demand and the improving capabilities of modern lifeboats. With Newcastle RNLI’s current Mersey class lifeboat coming to the end of its operational life this year, the RNLI must continue to provide the most effective lifesaving service for saving lives at sea now and into the future. The provision of a lifesaving service by the RNLI must be based on the best outcomes for potential casualties, the right response to the type of risk presented by the coastline, the safety of the crews and in the best interests of the donors who give their donations in trust.
Commenting on the news, Newcastle RNLI Lifesaving Operations Manager Dave Bowden said: ‘We are excited for this new chapter of lifesaving at Newcastle in our 200th year of saving lives at sea. We are very proud to have a diverse and inclusive volunteer lifeboat crew here and we will begin preparations for the arrival of the new boats immediately. We have great support in our community, for which we are very grateful.’
Kilkeel RNLI Lifesaving Operations Manager John Fisher added: ‘On behalf of everyone at Kilkeel lifeboat station we are delighted to be receiving a new lifeboat to continue our lifesaving work. We have a great volunteer crew here who train week in week out, to be ready for every call for help. We are looking forward to training on a new class of lifeboat and the fresh challenges that brings.’
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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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