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Training at height resumes for Rock volunteer lifeboat crew

Lifeboats News Release

Training with HM Coastguard helicopter rescue 924 is always a highlight in the crew training calendar.

With Padstow the backdrop a volunteer crew member is extracted from Rocks D Class inshore lifeboat on a winch. The are member is photographed hanging mid air between the boat and the helicopter above.

Chris Hewitt Photography

Rescue 924 and Rock Volunteer lifeboat crew training on the Camel Estuary.
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Covid 19 has halted many operational training opportunities over the past few years, however on October 22, Rock RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew put their trust in HM Coastguard helicopter and their brilliant crew to take working at height to a new level once again. This type of training is invaluable to our crew, it involves perfecting skills of boat handling, communication and working at height in the same exercise.

Over the course of an hour, the two crews expertly worked together on the Camel Estuary to the delight of onlookers. Successfully controlling the boat under the incredible downdraft of the helicopter, winching each volunteer member up to the aircraft and back down again.

This casualty extraction technique is no easy task but prepares our crews in the event of an emergency helping the charity save lives at sea. This training happens thanks to the generosity of the public and their kind donations.


Rescue 924 and Rock Volunteer lifeboat crew training on the Camel Estuary.

Chris Hewitt Photography

Rescue 924 and Rock Volunteer lifeboat crew training on the Camel Estuary.
Download image
Rescue 924 and Rock Volunteer lifeboat crew training on the Camel Estuary.

Chris Hewitt Photography

Rescue 924 and Rock Volunteer lifeboat crew training on the Camel Estuary.
Download image

Chris Hewitt Photography

Rescue 924 and Rock Volunteer lifeboat crew training on the Camel Estuary.
Download image

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

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