Success in assessments for Walmer RNLI volunteers
Launch and recovery vehicle driving and head launcher assessments were successfully undertaken by Walmer RNLI volunteers yesterday, 6 February.
No matter how well trained and competent sea-going lifeboat volunteers may be, unless there is a committed and equally well-trained shore crew to back them up, our search and rescue units would be unable to launch to help those in danger at sea. Their role is vital in ensuring that crew can get to sea and recover ashore quickly and safely.
After undergoing months of following a structured training and development plan, volunteers Carl Hubbard and James Brown were successful yesterday in being passed out as launch and recovery vehicle drivers for Walmer’s Talus and Bob Cat tractors by Gary Stanbury, one of the RNLI’s Assessor/Trainers for Plant and Machinery. Their final assessment included manoeuvring our D Class and Atlantic lifeboats in and out of their respective boathouses, winching the Atlantic carriage up the beach, ploughing the beach to flatten it thereby aiding safe launch and recovery, and controlled figure-of-eight driving across the shingle. Emergency procedures were also tested.
James and Mattthew Curry were both also passed out by Gary as head launchers. The station can now boast eight volunteers capable of undertaking the head launcher role and ten launch and recovery vehicle drivers.
Speaking after their success, Walmer’s Lifeboat Operations manager Denis Brophy said: ‘Congratulations to all three and the station’s thanks for the time and dedication they have devoted to achieving their success. Special thanks also to everyone who has helped them with this achievement. Excellent team working.’
Photo 1: Matthew Curry, Carl Hubbard, Trainer/Assessor Gary Stanbury and James Brown after the assessments.
Photo 2: Carl Hubbard and James Brown on board the Talus launch and recovery vehicle.
Photo 3: Winching the carriage.
Notes to editors
Walmer lifeboat station was established in 1856.
It currently operates two inshore lifeboats – a B Class Atlantic 85 Donald McLauchlan and a smaller D Class Duggie Rodbard II.
Crews have received 28 Awards for Gallantry
To find out more about Walmer lifeboat station go to https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/walmer-lifeboat-station
RNLI media contacts
- Chris Winslade, Lifeboat Press Officer, Walmer Lifeboat Station on 01304 374475 or 07906 623037 [email protected]
- Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 07827 358256 [email protected]
- Hatti Mellor, RNLI Regional Communications Manager (London/East/South East) on 07724 801305 [email protected]
- For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789 or [email protected]
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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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.