RNLI Hastings launches during Emergency Services Day event
RNLI Hastings launches during Emergency Services Day event
Lifeboats News Release
Volunteer crew at Hastings RNLI lifeboat station were called into action during the town's annual Emergency Services Day on Saturday (25 July), after reports of a kayaker in difficulty off the coast of Bexhill.
With many of Hastings' volunteer crew already at The Stade supporting the community event, the station's D-class inshore lifeboat launched immediately and quickly reached the casualty. The volunteer crew provided first aid before safely handing the casualty into the care of the South East Coast Ambulance Service.
The callout was the second for the inshore lifeboat in as many days. On Friday, while carrying out a routine training exercise, the crew were tasked by HM Coastguard to assist a sailing yacht experiencing difficulties. The lifeboat remained with the yacht until the volunteer crew was satisfied it could continue safely on its passage.
Emergency Services Day is an annual event celebrating the organisations that help keep the local community safe. It is not the first time Hastings RNLI volunteers have responded to an emergency while attending the event, with the station's Shannon class all-weather lifeboat launching from the event during a previous year's celebrations.
Jo Mayne, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Hastings RNLI, said: "Our crew is highly trained by the RNLI to respond quickly and effectively, whatever the circumstances. The greatest reward is seeing both the casualty and every member of the crew return safely to shore. That is always the best outcome, and one we never take for granted."
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea, relying on the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of supporters to continue its lifesaving work. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the RNLI Lifeguards service, helping millions of people enjoy the coast safely each summer.
RNLI/Linda Revill
Hastings RNLI's inshore lifeboat preparing to launch
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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