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Lyme Regis RNLI hosts major multi-agency training exercise
Crews from local emergency services joined forces yesterday (30 June) to test their response to a major incident involving a multiple casualties thrown into the sea following a pleasure boat collision outside Lyme Regis harbour
Agencies taking part in the exercise were HM Coastguard, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, West Bay and Lyme Regis RNLI Lifeguards, Southwestern Ambulance Service and the volunteer crew of Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat.
Coordinating the exercise was Alex Baldock of Blackdown Medical who said: ‘We tried to make this exercise as realistic as possible. Crews from the various agencies worked well together as they would need to in a real emergency. Overall, the exercise has proved invaluable in developing joint working and improving communication between emergency services.’
Fourteen RNLI Lifeguards took part in the exercise only days before they start summer patrols on beaches at West Bay and Lyme Regis. Lead Lifeguard Supervisor Alice Alford-Higgins said: ‘This has been a very valuable training exercise in preparing our lifeguards for the busy season ahead. Working with other agencies and learning the way they cope with incidents is very important for our role.’
RNLI Lifeguards will be on duty at beaches at West Bay and Lyme Regis from 10am – 6pm every day between 11 July and 6 September. 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the RNLI Lifeguard service.
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RNLI Media Contacts
For more information, please contact Nick Marks, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Lyme Regis Lifeboat Station on 07568 187582 or [email protected]. or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or [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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