Sisters set to save lives at sea with RNLI Blyth

The sisters who joined the lifeboat station at Blyth in November 2021 have spent the past 18 months training hard learning how to save lives at sea.
Sarah who is a Speech Therapist and Laura a Deputy Headteacher had no previous sea going experience. They were introduced to the charity from talking to Kathryn Delf who was a volunteer crew member at the time and all three ladies were members of 'Blyth Links Blue Tits' sea swimming club.
Both Sarah and Laura have been working hard on both theory and practical assessments which they recently completed and are now both competent crew on the station's D class and Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboats.
Speaking about why she joined the charity Sarah said 'When my daughter went away to University I felt at a loose end and wanted some adventure in my life. I was already aware that sea swimming could be dangerous and wanted to be able to assist anyone in trouble and to be able to give something back.'
Laura said ' I wanted to do some local voluntary work and something completely different and learn new skills. The RNLI was the attraction especially after Covid.'
Sarah added, 'from becoming a competent volunteer crew member I've grown in confidence.'
The sisters also talked about their experience when they were younger aged 9 and 12 when on holiday in Javea on the Costa Blanca where they were rescued by a Spanish lifeboat when caught in a rip current so now can put their experiences to good use.
Lifeboat Operations Manager at RNLI Blyth, Terry Healy said on the sisters achievement ,' Sarah and Laura have worked really hard to become competent crew and are a real asset to the lifeboat station at Blyth and to the local community, although I'm still trying to get their names right and remember which one is which to their amusement. Congratulations to you both'
Sarah and Laura commented ,' We are grateful for the volunteer crew that have helped with our training to date and we are now looking forward to assisting the latest trainee crew in learning new skills.' They also went on to say, 'Our families are very supportive of the work we are now doing at RNLI Blyth and are always interested to hear what we've been up too. They are proud of the role we are now able to undertake at the lifeboat station.'

For tips on how to stay safe on open water swimming please visit RNLI Open Water Swimming Safety Advice And Tips

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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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