Two shouts, eclipse, two assessments for New Brighton RNLI!

On yet another contender for hottest day of the year, inshore lifeboat crew from New Brighton RNLI were able to celebrate two successful pass outs for volunteers, in different roles.

In the afternoon, launching at around 3:30pm, Bruno was put through his paces whilst undertaking a Navigator pass out on board New Brighton’s B-class, Atlantic 85 lifeboat. The Navigator role is a relatively new role on board the lifeboat, responsible for safe navigation in line with international maritime policies, International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea, and RNLI safe navigation policies. Bruno undertook extensive assessments in aspects of navigation on board the lifeboat such as radar, search patterns and position fixing.

Bruno passed his assessment and his search pattern execution was particularly praised by the assessor.

On returning to New Brighton beach for recovery following the assessment, at approximately 5pm, Holyhead Coastguard diverted the volunteer crew to an ongoing incident involving a missing person just off New Brighton beach. After a short search, New Brighton RNLI were stood down and recovered to refuel and return to base to prepare for the second assessment of the day.

The second assessment was for Simon, who was being assessed in the role of Head Launcher. The Head Launcher role is also relatively new to the RNLI and is a command role that oversees all aspects of the process of launching a lifeboat safely on service or exercise. Simon was tested on theory knowledge of RNLI policies, as well as safe launch and recovery processes of the lifeboat. Simon showed particular skills in his safe approach and briefing aspects, especially considering the additional factor of the launch on exercise being an extreme low water launch.

Spring tides at New Brighton meant that the low tide, right on 6:30pm during the second launch, saw a tide height as low as 1.5m.

Whilst out on exercise for this second run, New Brighton’s afloat volunteers were privileged to witness the partial solar eclipse from the River Mersey. Sea state was calm, with a wind force 1 for almost the entirety of the day.

Toward the end of the exercise, at around 8pm, shoreside Wirral Coastguard units alerted New Brighton’s lifeboat to three children and one adult cut off on the North Bank, to the north of the Wirral peninsula. New Brighton made best progress to the incident and, with the assistance of Wirral Coastguard units, were able to locate and recover all four casualties, returning them safely to New Brighton beach. The casualties were in good health, and no further medical assistance was required.

Damian Cull, Launch Authority, said:

‘This was a busy day indeed for New Brighton’s volunteer crew. All of us are incredibly proud of Bruno and Simon for their hard work in achieving these pass outs, and we are excited to see the next chapter of their journey with the RNLI.

The two shouts are a timely reminder of the dangers that the coastline can present, particulary during the popular summer months. We’d always recommend that if people are heading to the beach this summer, they pick a lifeguarded beach. As always, if you see someone in danger, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard!’

Notes to Editors:

New Brighton RNLI was established in 1863 in the bustling seaside resort of New Brighton, on the northeast corner of the Wirral peninsula. They cover the River Mersey and out into the Irish Sea.

The station is home to a B-class Atlantic 85 lifeboat, one of the fastest in the RNLI fleet. The crews at New Brighton have been presented with a remarkable 48 awards for gallantry to date.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Connor Wray, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Wales & West, [email protected]

Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07977 728 315, [email protected]

Danielle Rush, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07786 668829, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 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.