Troon RNLI volunteers attend Women in SAR at the RNLI College
Ahead of International Women’s Day around 80 women from across the RNLI, each fulfilling a variety of lifeboat station roles, came together during the RNLI’s Women in SAR Training Week at the RNLI College in Poole, Dorset.
Troon RNLI lifeboat station was pleased that some of our volunteers Sarah Shackleton, Jenn Tweedie and Becca Coull were selected to attend the RNLI College in Poole to gain further operational experience while learning more about the women in SAR community.
Speakers throughout the week included the RNLI Chief Executive Peter Sparkes and Chair Janet Legrand as well as head of region in the North and East Rebecca Felton and the first female full time Coxswain at the RNLI Di Bush.
Sarah and Becca are both new volunteers at our lifeboat station. Throughout the winter they have been training as shore crew, helping to launch our Shannon class RNLI all-weather lifeboat and D class inshore lifeboats, but are now progressing towards becoming lifeboat crew on call whatever the weather, to rescue those who need help on the Ayrshire coast.
During their time at Poole, Sarah and Becca were put through their paces on the Crew Emergency Procedures (CEP) course in the RNLI College Sea Survival Pool. They have have been righting a D class lifeboat after capsize in the training pool in a range of simulated weather conditions, fire safety and using marine pyrotechnics.
Speaking after the training Sarah said, ‘Attending the RNLI College has been an amazing opportunity for me to meet and train with other female crew members from all over the UK and Ireland. It has been an absolutely fantastic course, I have met some incredible woman who have given me support and confidence in the skills we were learning and developing. Its been such an inspiring event to be apart of and I've definitely made connections and friendships with crew that will continue.’
Becca added, ‘I had a great time on the CEP course during the Women in SAR event at the RNLI College in Poole. It was a great opportunity to be inspired by and train alongside so many incredible women. I’m looking forward to building upon what I have learnt while continuing my training plan back home at Troon.’
Jenn has been on our lifeboat crew for over 4 years now and is a volunteer on both our lifeboats as well as having the additional role of water safety officer. Since joining Jenn has completed training as shore crew, launch vehicle driver, davit operator, casualty carer and navigator.
During her time at Poole, Jenn was able to head out to sea to take part in the RNLI Command Jet Course honing her skills aboard the Shannon class lifeboat, which operates using jets instead of traditional propellers. The course showed how to effectively command the Shannon by focusing on human factors and simulating various scenarios including searches, towing and anchoring
Jenn said, ‘The course has been a fantastic opportunity for me to meet other female crew members from within the RNLI and for us all as volunteers with different backgrounds to share our knowledge and experiences.'
Latest figures show number of female crew in Scotland is rising and is now at 16%. Women hold 508 roles within the RNLI in Scotland (that's all type of roles not just crew).
As our team grows, it’s the mix of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives across all our volunteers that makes us the crew we are. At Troon we have females in various roles throughout the station such as shore crew, volunteer lifeboat crew, launch vehicle drivers, as well as launch authority acting as a link between the station and the coastguard during the lifeboats launch. These roles are all supported by the many women in fundraising and retail roles within the station.
Jill Hepburn, RNLI Head of Region in Scotland, said: ‘International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder that when we give our time, skills and support to one another, we all gain strength, confidence and opportunity.
‘At the RNLI, we know that creating a more diverse and inclusive organisation makes us stronger and more effective in our mission to save lives at sea.
‘We’re incredibly proud of all our frontline staff and volunteers who continue to give so much in their selfless service of others.’
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
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