Loch Ness RNLI host training exercise with RNLI Scottish Council Chair
Although Thursday is the regular training night, this week, Loch Ness RNLI station held an additional exercise following the Lifeboat Management Group (LMG) meeting.
The LMG meeting involves representatives from the Boat Crew, Fundraising, Education, Lifeboat Press Officer, and Water Safety, chaired by chairman Allan Durning and was attended by guests Chris Smith (RNLI Scottish Council) and Yvette Kershaw (Area Lifesaving Manager Scotland)
Having Chris and Yvette in attendance meant the crew had a wealth of information and experience to add to the conversations regarding current activities and future plans.
After the LMG, more of the crew gathered to meet with Chris and Yvette enjoying sandwiches supplied by the Clansman Hotel and tray bakes brought along by one of our fundraising crew Lorna Grant.
After a cuppa, more conversations and a call to Aberdeen Coastguard. The Sheila & Dennis Tongue IV lifeboat launched on a special exercise.
All those not crewing the lifeboat joined the Scottish Chair on the Nessie Hunter courtesy of Loch Ness Cruises.
The crew aboard the Nessie Hunter left dummy Fred in the water somewhere past Urquhart Castle while the lifeboat went through some emergency procedures in the bay.
When 'called', the lifeboat plotted the coordinates, given by the Nessie Hunter, searched for and recovered Fred.
Then the crew set up an astern tow 'recovering' the Nessie Hunter to the bay, where they moved to an alongside tow for the remainder of the exercise.
It is always more dynamic towing a boat in exercise; rather than the castle pier. Tuesday night's exercise was excellent training for all.
Huge thanks to Chris Smith and Yvette Kershaw for their visit.
To Mike Bell (fellow Lifeboat Press Officer) for the use of his boat, and to Helm Kieron Tarling for coordinating this week's extra exercise.
Notes to editors
ยท Loch Ness lifeboat station has been operating since 2008. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/loch-ness-lifeboat-station
RNLI media contacts
Anne Clarke, Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]
Mike Bell, Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]
Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789
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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 142,700 lives.
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