Overdue Jet Skier leads to First call out for two Trainee Crew at Largs.

On arriving at the lifeboat station, the volunteer crew were advised that the casualty had departed James Watt Dock in Greenock heading for Inverkip Marina but had not arrived.

Due to the nature of this call out and the calm weather conditions Helmsman Brian Rankin decided it would be good experience for two of the stations trainee crew to assist in this call out.

After contacting UK Coastguard advising of the launch of the lifeboat the volunteer crew were advised that the jet skier had been contacted by mobile phone and the position given came up as Meigle Bay south of Wemyss Bay.

After a short passage the Lifeboat arrived on scene to find the jet skier, and on discussing what had happened found he had become disorientated due to darkness falling and had made for shore as he saw cars on a road. He was in good spirits and his jet ski was still operational although short on fuel.

It was agreed that he would be escorted back to Inverkip Marina by the Lifeboat to ensure he would arrive safely.

On arrival at Inverkip marina the jet skier was met by his friends and members of Greenock Coastguard Rescue Team. As the casualty was now safe the volunteer Lifeboat crew were released form service and returned to station where the Lifeboat was recovered and made ready for the next service call.

Following this call out, we spoke with the two trainee crew who had just completed their first call outs. They had this to say about the experience.

Daniel Baxter – Having the pager go off for the first time certainly made my adrenaline pump. On arrival I wasn’t expecting to be chosen to be part of the crew but when I was it definitely became more serious. I had been out on the boat on many occasions for training, but this felt different, realising that there was actually someone needing help. After returning to the station on completion of the call out we had our usual debrief talking about the key points of this call out and anything I felt I could take away from being part of the crew. I know I am glad to get the first call out on the boat out of the way.

Elsie Rennie – Like Daniel I am still getting used to the pager going off for a call out it definitely does get the adrenaline pumping. Once I was told I was going on the boat any apprehension I had become excitement, knowing I was now actually going to go and help someone. It was good to see how the training we complete each week helps you cope with an actual call out and how things almost became second nature. Getting back to the boathouse after the call out was great when the other crew that had turned up and the Station Management were congratulating Daniel and myself on a good call out. It really made me feel part of the team at Largs Lifeboat Station.

RNLI media contacts

Brian Rankin, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07810862468, [email protected]

Claire McRae, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07738681546, [email protected]

Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin McNamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789

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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 over 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 142,200 lives.

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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