Multi-agency training session for Largs RNLI volunteers
It’s human nature to want to help an animal in trouble and people will often go to great lengths to do so. That's why RNLI lifesavers will sometimes assist other rescue services to save animals’ lives at sea.
To provide more insight into this the volunteers at Largs RNLI were recently joined by volunteers from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) group to learn more about their organisation and how they operate, along with how the RNLI crew may be asked to assist with the specialised work they perform.
The BDMLR looks after injured or sick seals and stranded whales, dolphins and porpoises around the UK.
Training started with a shore based in-depth evening input on Wednesday 10 April 2024 from David Devoy from the Clydeside and Ayrshire branch of the
BDMLR group.
During this session David explained how the volunteers from BDMLR will aim to rescue marine animals which have been beached around the coast. They also work to release animals which have become entangled in things like fishing nets and ropes.
The volunteers learned about the specialised equipment which is used by the BDMLR to assist these animals without endangering the volunteers or further harming the animals. This equipment included specialised stretchers for whales which have inflatable sponsons.
David was able to share details on some of the different rescues that have taken place along our local coastline including the assistance of Orca, pilot whales, porpoises, seals and dolphins.
Following this theory session, the BDMLR group then joined the volunteer crew from Largs RNLI for an afloat training session on Sunday 14 April 2024.
During this session the BDMLR demonstrated what they would do if they had to un-entangle a whale. This exercise was performed by the BDMLR volunteers using two of their boats, a special grappling tool and several buoys to mark the location of the casualty animal.
The lifeboat was given the opportunity to practice towing one of the BDMLR boats and the crew were able to see some of the specialised equipment they carry.
Volunteer crew member Kerryann Logan said; ‘Everyone at Largs RNLI would like to thank the volunteers from the Clydeside and Ayrshire branch of the BDMLR for taking the time to share their knowledge and experience.
‘The afloat session was brilliant, being able to see the specialist equipment in use and the techniques used.
‘I now feel more confident in what I could do to help if a situation occurs where our organisations need to work together to save an animal.’
If members of the public find a stranded dolphin, porpoise or whale, they should call the BDMLR’s Rescue Hotline on 01825 765546.
In an emergency at sea or at the coast, always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
RNLI media contacts
Claire McRae, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07738681546, [email protected]
Brian Rankin, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07810862468, [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
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.