Silloth RNLI take part in multi-agency exercise

Silloth RNLI launched their Atlantic 85 lifeboat Elaine and Don Wilkinson, and headed to Maryport Harbour where they met up with the other crews who were taking part in the exercise. All the crews were briefed inside the harbour before the exercise began.

After the brief was complete the training exercise began, and the inshore lifeboats were each given the latitude and longitude positions of several casualties (which were marker buoys). Once the first ‘casualties’ were located a further position was then given. All ‘casualties’ were located and recovered by the lifeboat crews.

Workington RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat made its way towards Whitehaven, whilst this was taking place the inshore lifeboats all practiced transferring casualties on a stretcher to and from the all-weather lifeboat. When the exercise was complete everyone involved took part in a debrief. Silloth’s inshore lifeboat made its way back to station where it was recovered, washed down and made ready for service.

Steven Henderson, Helm at Silloth RNLI said:

‘Training with our flanking stations ensures that we can work together to achieve the best possible outcomes in different rescue scenarios. It helps us all learn and deliver the lifesaving skills we all use each time we launch our lifeboat to save lives at sea.’

Training exercises are vital to ensure the volunteer lifeboat crews are knowledgeable and competent to undertake any tasks they receive. The lifeboat crews train regularly in various weather conditions to make sure they can operate and handle the lifeboat safely and efficiently.

Key facts about the RNLI

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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