Capsize exercise a success for Whitby rowing clubs and RNLI.
Children from two local rowing clubs took part in a capsize exercise with RNLI volunteers.
Youngsters from both the Friendship and Fishermans clubs gathered on Tate Hill Beach, with RNLI volunteers on hand in the water in drysuits.
Whitby RNLI water safety officer Gemma Scire said: 'Not only is the training good fun, it's a great refresher for the rowers at the start of the season.
The main aim of the session was to get the younger rowers used to what it feels like when your boat capsizes.
We talked to the rowers about cold water shock - and how to prevent it by staying calm and breathing slowly.
We also shared the float to live message, which is an easy one to remember, if you get into trouble in the water, and start to panic, lay on your back and float until you feel calmer. Usually it is when people start to panic and gasp that they can take on water into their airways.'
Richard Dowson, Whitby RNLI crew member said: 'It was fantastic to get to know the club members and support them in this valuable training exercise. It is important that we work together as a community to make sure that these safety messages are shared as you never know when they might save a life.
We love seeing the rowing clubs out on the water, enjoying what our coastline has to offer, in a safe and responsible way.'
For more information contact Lifeboat Press Officer Ceri Oakes on 07813359428 or [email protected]
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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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