RNLI volunteer crews from north and south Wales collaborate on a joint exercise
Three crew from Flint RNLI accepted the offer to visit Port Talbot RNLI for a crew exchange.
Both stations have developed a strong relationship over the last six months after the Port Talbot Lifeboat Operations Manager, Clive Morris, met Flint RNLI Launch Authority, Bill Dewsbury at a meeting.
On a cold and windy morning on Sunday 25 February, volunteer Crew Members Carly McCarthy and Erin Louise from Flint RNLI joined an experienced Port Talbot crew for their weekly exercise. The exercise was led by Helm James Jennings and covered a surf, launch which isn't something that the Flint crew get to experience due to their coastal location.
They were given a tour of the local area including our deep harbour and the River Afan, which is an alternative launch site from the Aberavon slip. Trainee Helm Carly McCarthy even took the opportunity to take over as helm in preparation for her up and coming assessment.
This exercise was a different one for the Flint crew as they are used to launching in a fast flowing estuary rather than directly from the beach and into surf. Interestingly both lifeboat stations were established in the same year in 1966 and have both operate D class inshore lifeboats.
Port Talbot RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Clive Morris said:
'The visit by our fellow crew from Flint RNLI shows that although located miles apart, our volunteer crews can come together as one crew and work in harmony.
'Demonstrating their specialist training, which is also designed to enable our crews to operate safely and efficiently even in unfamiliar conditions - the crew are able to adapt to the environment and apply their skill set.'
Flint RNLI Launch Authority, Bill Dewsbury said:
'Visiting Port Talbot Lifeboat Station has been a valuable training experience. Our crew members have been able to immerse themselves in a different set of challenges and the crew had the opportunity to discuss the similarities and differences in the way that we operate.
'All of our crew give up their time as volunteers to do the same thing - save lives at sea and we thank the Port Talbot crew for their hospitality and look forward to welcoming them to Flint in the near future.'
Notes to editor
- The RNLI is remembering its remarkable history, celebrating the modern lifesaving service they provide today, and looking forward to inspiring and welcoming a new generation of lifesavers and supporters.
- They are thanking the lifesavers and supporters for everything they have done to keep the charity saving lives throughout this time – everything they do is thanks to commitment, dedication and generosity. This has not changed for 200 years.
- The RNLI are calling on you to join them, to carry the lifesaving service into the future and help achieve their mission to save everyone.
- For more information on the RNLI's 200th anniversary visit: RNLI.org/200.
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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