Summer 2013
St Ives RNLI volunteers greet
Her Majesty The Queen
RNLI - the charity that saves lives at sea
Issue 3
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n Queen St Ives visit
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Open gardens In aid of RNLI
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n History Stations link to war hero
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n Saving lives
Between the flags
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n Challenge Youngsters canoe for RNLI
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Special guest n
Widow names lifeboat
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n Honour Medal for Penlee chairman
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n Focus Proud to be a lifeboatman
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n Rally Ex-lifeboats event at Fowey
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n Incidents Lifeboat stations round-up
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n Safety Lifejacket checks and flags
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n Events What’s on
Cover picture: The Queen meets crew members at St Ives RNLI station
n RNLI press officer for the South West Amy Caldwell and Lizard Lifeboat Station volunteer press officer Bernice Putt
Here comes the summer! W
elcome to our third edition of the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly RNLI magazine, again our thanks go to the Falmouth Packet Newspapers for helping us to produce this edition at no cost to our charity, and the advertisers who offer their support so generously.
My name is Bernice Putt and I am the volunteer Lifeboat press officer at The Lizard lifeboat station. I would like to thank all my colleagues for contributing items for this edition. Well, it’s all go at present here in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly as we prepare for what we hope will be a warm and sunny summer. Our lifeguard teams have been busy recruiting and training, and a number of beaches around the region already have daily lifeguard cover. From the middle of May, 43 beaches will have lifeguards on patrol between 10am and 6pm, seven days a week (a further 14 have patrols from 6 July, with a total of 57 RNLI lifeguarded beaches across Cornwall to choose from during the peak summer season). Included in this issue is a very handy map showing the beaches that have lifeguard patrols, and a list of lifeboat stations. As you will see, our lifeguard and lifeboat stations were extremely busy throughout 2012. Figures show that although the number of call-outs dropped, the
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number of people either assisted or rescued, actually increased. With over 19 million people visiting the south west of England, the average number rescued is relatively small, but unfortunately statistics show that many call-outs are avoidable. When visiting a beach please find out about tide times, and ask about the local conditions. When putting to sea in your craft whatever its size or your experience, please ensure all your boat’s equipment is maintained and serviced, that you are carrying the correct safety gear and know how to use it, and that you check the weather forecast. At beaches, lifeguards will use a simple flag system to indicate the safe area to swim or to surf or use your boat; details of this appear inside this magazine. You can also consult local boat users or the harbourmaster for advice on local conditions. Finally if necessary you can always phone the Coastguard station at Falmouth on 01326 317575. The station is manned 24 hours a day and they can give you advice or information on weather forecasts or tide times. For this edition I would like to introduce Amy Caldwell, press officer for the RNLI in the south, who has been busy helping me put together this edition of the magazine – over to you Amy. . . Thanks Bernice. I am extremely excited to be invited to help Bernice
Newsquest Cornwall, Falmouth Business Park, Bickland Water Road, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4SZ The opinions expressed by the RNLI are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. Published by the RNLI. Produced by Newsquest Cornwall (part of the Gannett Group) from its
guest edit the third edition of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly RNLI Magazine. Within these pages, you can find out more about the RNLI, the charity that saves lives at sea and the hard work and commitment shown by our volunteers. This edition is jam packed, not least because there has been so much happening, including a visit by Her Majesty the Queen to St Ives RNLI lifeboat station, where she took time to meet the crew and fundraisers as they embark on their appeal to raise funds towards the launch and recovery vehicle for their new Shannon class lifeboat. The excitement didn't stop as no sooner had they said goodbye and they were called to a shout, still wearing their shirts and ties they set off. You can read all about it and see pictures of the day on pages 5 and 6. We've rounded up all the best bits of the busy start to 2013 for the volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards on pages 21, 22 and 23 for you to catch up on. The events page is full of RNLI events including lifeboat days throughout the summer, with more events being organised as we speak, please check the RNLI's website for further details www.rnli.org.uk We'd love to see you at any of these events, please do come and day hello, and thank you in advance for your support. Please enjoy this third edition and if you'd like to make comment, please feel free to drop us a line at feedback@rnli.org.uk
office at Falmouth Business Park, Bickland Water Road, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4SZ. Printed at Newsquest Print Centre, Fleet House, Hampshire Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XD.
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n St Ives coxswain Paul Whiston, right, introduces the crew to the Queen Pictures: Phil Monckton n A little girl at St Ives is presented to the Queen, albiet reluctantly
n The Queen unveils the plaque at St Ives RNLI
n Lifeboat crew volunteer Scott Perkin’s son William Perkin presents a picture to the Queen and Prince Phillip
Queen’s visit launches RNLI charity appeal
A
VISIT by Her Majesty The Queen to the RNLI lifeboat station at St Ives on Friday 17 May 2013 also marked the official start of a special appeal by the charity. HM The Queen was accompanied by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and together the royal couple visited to meet the local RNLI team who uphold the charity's tradition of saving lives at sea. The occasion coincided with the start of an appeal to raise funds towards the £1million cost of the launch and recovery vehicle for the new Shannon class all-weather lifeboat that it's hoped will arrive in the town in late 2014. At the visit the royal couple met the volunteer team who run the lifeboat station and their families and viewed the current lifeboats, the Mersey class all-weather lifeboat The Princess Royal and the D class inshore 4
lifeboat Colin Bramley Parker. They also met the volunteers who run the charity's shop before unveiling a plaque to mark the visit. Derek Hall is the volunteer RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at St Ives; 'We're extremely honoured to have welcomed Her Majesty The Queen to our lifeboat station, especially as she is the RNLI's Patron, and to be able to introduce her to the many volunteers who maintain the charity's lifesaving tradition around the coast of St Ives. It's a truly wonderful way of thanking the families of our volunteers too for their support and commitment. 'Here at St Ives we are also launching a special appeal ahead of the arrival in late 2014 of a new 25-knot Shannon class all-weather lifeboat for St Ives to replace our current Mersey class lifeboat. We need to raise funds towards
the £1million needed to fund the new lifeboat's purpose built launch and recovery vehicle and this project begins in earnest right now as we head in to the 2013 summer season at St Ives.' Paul Whiston is the volunteer RNLI Coxswain at St Ives: 'To me it's very fitting that our present Mersey class all-weather lifeboat is The Princess Royal and today we presented Her Majesty The Queen with a framed picture of the lifeboat in action at sea. This lifeboat has already given us 22 years of service and we are very proud of her. However, the new Shannon class will offer improved speed and manoeuvrability thanks to updated design techniques and water jet propulsion. We just need to help raise the funds needed now for the launch and recovery vehicle.'
n Crowds gathered to show their support for the Queen and the RNLI
n Group shot the St Ives RNLI team and their families
Picture: Nigel Millard
n Meeting the D class crew and shaking hands with Paul Le Bas Picture: Nigel Millard
Picture: Phil Monckton
n The Queen with the RNLI crew Picture: Nigel Millard
n A bouquet for the Queen Picture: Phil Monckton 5
St Ives RNLI launched straight after royal visit Crew comes to aid of fishing vessel in difficulty off Pendeen AFTER the volunteer crew of the St Ives RNLI lifeboat had a morning they will remember forever meeting Her Majesty The Queen and his Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh in the morning, they were called out just a few hours later to a small fishing boat in difficulty off Pendeen. Following reports from another vessel, the lifeboat was launched at 3:30pm to assist the 18 foot Plymouth Pilot fishing Boat Janet Ann which had suffered engine failure off Pendeen with one person on board. Although another fishing boat, the 16 foot Suzie was in the area and n St Ives lifeboat crew were called out to a ‘shout’ after the Royal visit towing the Janet Ann, there were serious concerns that the vessel Pendeen, Suzie had the Plymouth On reaching the area, Coxswain would not be able to tow her to Pilot Janet Ann in tow, but were Paul Whiston said 'when we got safety and so the lifeboat was struggling to get anywhere. We there the boats were getting close called to assist. took over the tow of the casualty to the Three Stone Oar rocks off
vessel and towed her back to St Ives.' While making their way back the crew of the lifeboat also became concerned for the Suzie as she was not able to make the same speed as the lifeboat, and so the St Ives inshore lifeboat Colin Bramley Parker was also launched to ensure that everything was OK. Fortunately when they reached the Suzie she was by then making good progress home and so the inshore lifeboat returned to station. The lifeboat returned to St Ives at 5:30pm with the Janet Ann which was then moored outside the harbour as the tide was too low to get in. The volunteer lifeboat crew recovered the lifeboat to the station after a long and very varied day they will never forget.
Braving the chilly waters for the Looe RNLI
n AS beachgoers look forward to some Summer fun on Cornwall's golden sands and remain hopeful the weather should call for a dip in the sea to cool off, hats off to the 200 people who braved the chilly waters in Looe on New Year's Day to help raise a staggering £1,000 for the RNLI. 6
Tiptoe through the tulips
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VER 20 stunning gardens across the south west will open their gates to the public this summer, giving Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) supporters the opportunity to enjoy a peek inside a host of beautiful and varied estates. It's a chance to tiptoe through the tulips whilst raising vital funds to support the volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards around the region. Acres of parkland, modest town, romantic country and enchanting formal gardens in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset and Gloucestershire will be available to view on specific dates between May and September, each offering something unique and interesting for the visitor. One of the gardens boasts a 1960's model railway, while another features possibly the largest Ceanothus arboreus in the UK, originally planted some 40 years ago. Many have been reclaimed, helping to preserve pieces of gardening history from as far back as 200 years ago. Other, more modern gardens have been recently landscaped, and plants include native blooms, exotic subtropical trees and shrubs and rare collections, all beautifully and carefully tended by their owners. Many gardens offer plants, produce, paintings, and crafts for sale; most serve homemade refreshments, and there's entertainment at some.
n RNLI supporters will have the chance to visit 20 beautiful gardens across the south west this summer Dianne Long, RNLI Volunteer Open Gardens Coordinator says; 'We're delighted to be able to offer such an exciting selection of unique and inspiring gardens to visit across the south west this summer. Thanks must go to the garden owners who put in many hours of preparation in order to open their wonderful gardens for others to enjoy, and to their supporting RNLI branches and guilds for all their work throughout the year in organising our Open Gardens scheme. Thanks to all visitors to these
beautiful gardens and their shared support for the RNLI. Whether you are green fingered yourself or simply enjoy the pleasure a garden can bring, we hope you go away with some gardening tips and renewed enthusiasm for your own green space.’ For more information on an Open Garden in your area please visit www.rnli.org.uk/events or why not think about opening your own garden, please contact email supportercare@rnli.org.uk or telephone 03003 009901 (Local rates apply).
Facing up to fundraising Lifesavers won’t be the only people working hard in aid of the RNLI on the coast this Summer – meet the gang who want to chat rather than ‘chug.’
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HERE’S a word for a certain kind of charity worker that, in the past few years, has grown from urban slang to a term recognised in the Oxford Dictionary: chugger. It means ‘a person who approaches passers-by in the street asking for donations or subscriptions to a charity’. Made from the combination of the words ‘charity’ and ‘mugger’, it’s pejorative term, usually directed at dogged agency staff who are often found in busy shopping areas. Say ‘chugger’ to one of the RNLI’s face-to-face fundraisers, though, and they’ll point out that they’re a very different breed. For a start, if a face-to-face fundraiser approaches you and asks if you’d like to make a regular donation to the RNLI, the chances are you won’t be in a high street. You’ll probably be by
n RNLI fundraisers Alex Margoram and Nicole Slaney the sea, or at an event such as a lifeboat station open day or boatshow. And the person talking to you will be working for one charity only. So, where does the RNLI find these outgoing people who relish the challenge of gaining more support for the RNLI? That task falls to people such as Lucy Smith. Lucy, who manages RNLI face-to-face fundraisers in the South Devon and Dorset area,
finds candidates through universities and, increasingly, surf lifesaving clubs. ‘We get some fantastic young people! We are proud not to use agency fundraisers. ‘We have a number of volunteers who work with us just at the big events – they are a huge asset to the team and we’re always working towards having more. What I explain to them is that they are not selling.
They are not chuggers. They are simply being passionate about what the RNLI does.’ Among those who find it easy to talk passionately about the RNLI are Alex Margoram and Nicole Slaney. They met lifeboat crew members and lifeguards as part of their training before taking to the beaches to recruit supporters. ‘When you talk to the lifesavers and see the rescue footage, it’s humbling and a real motivation to encourage more support,’ says 23-year-old Nicole. ‘Our training also involves role play, which increases your confidence. We do team-building exercises too, because we have joint targets rather than individual ones. That way we’re always supporting and helping each other rather than competing. ‘Not everyone Nicole talks to donates, but even if they don’t she knows the work she and Alex do is important. ‘Hopefully we’re planting a seed in people that will mean they’ll listen to safety messages in the future,’ she says. 7
Station’s link to war hero O
N Thursday 28th March 1942 one of the most dramatic incidents of the Second World War occurred when the harbour at St.Nazaire, France was blockaded by the British destroyer HMS Campbeltown. HMS Campbeltown sailed from Falmouth on the evening of March 27th with the intention of crashing the ship into the harbour gates to stop any German ships or U-boats from leaving the harbour. This was one of the most daring raids of the Second World War. The Commanding Officer of HMS Campbeltown was Captain Stephen Halden (Sam) Beattie. Captain Beattie survived, but was captured by the Germans. For his gallantry he was awarded the Victoria Cross. This story is amazing not only for the daring raid, but because so many medals were awarded to the crew for their actions. The Lizard lifeboat station has a proud connection with Captain Beattie because he served as Honorary Secretary at the station between 1973 and1975. But there is also a coincidence involving Captain Beattie. In 1993, 20 years ago this May, the lifeboat was tasked to rescue a yacht called Heptarchy which was in difficulties 40 miles off The Lizard having suffered engine failure, and it's sails blown out by
n Captain Stephen Halden (Sam) Beattie (right), and (above) The Lizard lifeboat who helped launch the Heptarch in 1993 the horrendous weather conditions. The skipper of the vessel was on board with his wife, son and seven friends. It was Tim
Beattie, Captain Sam Beattie's son. This rescue remains one of the most dramatic carried out by The Lizard lifeboat.
RNLI auction a stunning success ON Friday 26th April the fundraising committee at The Lizard Lifeboat station organised an auction of promises and gifts, held at the Top House Inn, The Lizard. Auctioneers for the evening were local fisherman and former lifeboat crew member John Trewin and station deputy launching authority (DLA) Mike Pamphilon. Local businesses and residents had generously donated a fabulous display of items for the event, which ranged from meals out, dressed crabs and lobsters, beautiful paintings, babysitting and even a cake a month for a whole year! Over 60 lots were auctioned during the evening, and a superb total of ÂŁ2632.34 was raised for The Lizard Lifeboat station. There were too many to name individually for their support, but huge thanks and gratitude go to everyone who came along to the event and gave so generously. Thanks must also go to the landlord of The Top House Inn, The Lizard, James Glosby and his wife Donna. A special mention must also go to the auctioneers for the evening, John and Mike who delivered an unforgettable evening of fun and entertainment.
n Deputy launching authority Mike Pamphilon was auctioneer for the evening
n Rachel Tonkin, The Lizard Box secretary, with Matthew Bray, son of second mechanic Johnny Bray 9
n Luke, James, Paddy, Elise after the Polzeath incident on May 21 when they saved a man who had collapsed in the water
Staying between the flags saves lives
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HERE was a speedy response when a man collapsed while in the water between the RNLI’s red and yellow flags on Polzeath beach in May. Within seconds he was being assisted by two local surf instructors and then RNLI lifeguards who were on patrol. The 71 year old man collapsed faced down in the water right by
local surf instructors, Paddy Driscoll and Luke Purser who were moving their students away from the bathing area at the time. As they started to help the man, RNLI lifeguards James Bradley and Elise Webster who were on patrol, raced in to the water fully clothed. The four managed to get the man out of the sea and then pro-
vided him with casualty care until the air ambulance arrived to take him to hospital. Chris Rowlands, RNLI Supervisor at Polzeath, says the speedy response ensured the man survived his medical ordeal; ‘The doctors who cared for him say he was only seconds from death when in the water and that thanks to the very quick actions of
Paddy, Luke, James and Elise he was saved. This gentleman’s group were the only family within the flags at the time and fortunately they prove the worth of adhering to the RNLI advice to stay within the red and yellow flags when swimming and paddling at a lifeguarded beach. We wish the man well and hope he has a speedy recovery.’
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Fowey boys tackle twelve hour challenge for RNLI Youngsters canoed around harbour to raise money for charity
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OUR Fowey teenagers canoed around their local harbour for a marathon 12 hours to raise money for the RNLI. Fergus de Grey-Warter (14), Ben Bridge (14), Oscar Sioufi (13) and Jake Sandy (14) took to the water in shifts from 7am on Saturday 30 March and raised an amazing £1,000. The boys who all go to Fowey Community College, enlisted help from their families and the local lifeboat station and stayed on the water until 7pm. Fergus says; 'We all spend a lot of time on the water and we know the RNLI will always be there for us so we wanted to give something back. We're delighted with the amount raised.' Guy Botterill, RNLI fundraising manager, says he's really impressed by the challenge the boys set themselves and their commitment; 'Teenagers get so much bad press that it's really exciting to hear from four lads willing to put so much effort in to supporting our charity. Their commitment is as impressive as that shown by our volunteer crews.'
n Four young canoeists, form left to right, Fergus de Grey-Warter, Jake Sandy, Oscar Sioufi and Ben Bridge in front of the Fowey RNLI Trent class all-weather lifeboat Maurice and Joyce Hardy
RNLI lifeguards reign supreme at surf championships RNLI lifeguards James Mitchell, Mark Oliver and Mark Harris competed in the recent English National Surfing Championships at Watergate Bay in Newquay. All three, who provide safety cover on Newquay’s beaches made it to the finals with James and Mark Oliver taking the top spots in their categories The event was run over the three day May Bank Holiday weekend with some of the UK’s best surfers competing to take a range of surfing titles. The excitement culminated on the Monday when sunshine combined with a good three to four foot swell and a light off shore wind to make perfect conditions for the finals. Lifelong surfer but first time competitor, RNLI lifeguard Mark Oliver competed early in the day to secure the top spot in the Men’s Masters Division. While fellow RNLI Lifeguard Mitch (James)
Mitchell took the Men’s Seniors Division title. The last event of the English Nationals is always the Men's Open Division final, with Mark Harris (Egor) representing the Newquay RNLI lifeguards. Egor had his work cut out in his final where he would face Russell Winter, England's most decorated surfer and former World Championship tour surfer, French surfer George Fontaine and Lewis Eyre, former British Junior Champion. Egor took third place with a good showing in a close final. Anton Page, RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor said; ‘Although disappointed that Egor had not made a clean sweep for the lifeguards, Russell is a local from Newquay and everyone was stoked for him. There is no denying that he is still, after all these years the best competitive surfer in the country.’ n Mark Oliver and James Mitchell celebrate their English Nationals win 13
n Patricia Bird from Kent named the new lifeboat in memory of
her husband George
n The RNLI team at Bude at the formal naming ceremony
Special guest names lifeboat
T
HE volunteer team at Bude RNLI lifeboat station held a formal naming ceremony and service of dedication for their new D class inshore lifeboat George Bird on Saturday, May 18. The event was hosted at the lifeboat station where the donor of the lifeboat, Mrs Patricia Bird from Kent, named the new lifeboat in memory of her husband. The event coincides with the 50th anniversary of these extraordinary lifeboats being placed on service by the RNLI. Chris Cloke is the RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at Bude: 'It's always a very special occasion when we welcome a new lifeboat to a station and we are
delighted that Mrs Bird was able to perform the naming. “We're very pleased with the D class she has generously provided us with and enjoyed celebrating the arrival of George Bird in style at this special event.” “We also used the occasion to remind people of the importance to our charity of volunteers. We urgently need to find new helpers and supporters, including recruits for the crew and people who can help with our fundraising events.” George Bird replaces the station's former D class inshore lifeboat Henry Philip that was on station from 2004 to 2012. During this time the lifeboat launched 69 times and rescued 29 people.
n The George Bird in action
n In May, The Lizard lifeboat station played host to a film crew and production team from the BBC children’s channel CBBC. They were carrying out some filming for their very successful series Hero Squad, which gives children aged 12 to 13, the opportunity to experience working with crews from the emergency services.
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Honour for Guild Chairman J
ANET Madron, Chairman of the Penlee RNLI Ladies Guild, was been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen's 2013 New Year Honours list for her enduring service to the Cornish community in the wake of the Penlee lifeboat disaster in 1981, in which Janet's husband Stephen sadly lost his life. Thirty years on from the disaster which saw all hands lost on the Solomon Browne when it went to the aid of the stricken coaster Union Star, Janet has been selfless in consistently giving her time to support the crew and the families of the lifeboat station over the intervening years, and helping to raise funds. Under her chairmanship, the Guild has raised £375,000 since 2000, together with many thousands of pounds at the lifeboat station shop, where Janet regularly commits hours of her time as a volunteer. Speaking of her award, Janet said: “In the 42 years I have been involved with the RNLI the charity has changed a lot, especially the lifeboats, but I feel it's a wonderful cause and I believe the volunteer crews deserve the very best. “I don't fundraise to win
awards; I do it for those like the crew of the Penlee lifeboats who put their lives on hold to help others in trouble at sea.' In 2012 Janet was honoured by the RNLI, receiving a Gold Bar to her Gold Badge at the charity's Annual General Meeting in London. In a year where the charity's volunteers were also awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Volunteering Award, the New Year Honours serves to mark the unfaltering dedication of selfless individuals on whose commitment charities like the RNLI rely on. RNLI chief executive Paul Boissier said: “We are thrilled to see so many of our volunteers in this year's New Year Honours List. Volunteers are at the heart of our organisation and come from many walks of life, but are united by one common goal - to save lives at sea. “From the volunteer crews and lifeguards who are at the forefront of rescues to the people who give up their time to raise vital funds, it is wonderful to see such commitment and dedication n rewarded by our patron Her Majesty The Queen.”
Janet Madron chair of the Penlee RNLI Ladies Guild Picture: RNLI/Nigel Millard
Model support for RNLI raises vital funds
R
NLI supporter Mick French volunteers his own time displaying his scale model lifeboats all over the country to raise funds for the charity. In 2012 he raised an amazing £2,660 with his models alone, and each Christmas he raises even more with a fantastic festive light display at his house in Carharrack. Mick said: “I am a big fan of the RNLI and the work the volunteer crews do around the coast of Cornwall. “The money I raise is vital because the RNLI relies on public support to continue its lifesaving work.” Mick, who is also a committee member of the Liskeard Steam and Vintage Club, also presented Looe RNLI with £800 raised during the 2012 Boconnoc Steam Rally. 16
n Mick and Margret French with Mick's scale model lifeboats which he displays nationally to raise funds
Proud to a be lifeboatman A
LL the RNLI all-weather lifeboat stations around the coast of Cornwall have one or two fulltime members of staff who are responsible for maintaining the lifeboat and ensuring its readiness to go to sea on a rescue. At Falmouth lifeboat station this person was mechanic Dave Proud. On Wednesday 24 April, Dave retired from the RNLI. As a fitting send off, Dave took part in a final exercise involving Falmouth all-weather and inshore lifeboats, The Lizard & Fowey all-weather lifeboats and a search and rescue helicopter from 771 Squadron, RNAS Culdrose. Dave was well respected by all his peers around the coast and we wish him all the very best for the future.
n David Proud, on the right in the picture, with Ed Bray The Lizard lifeboat crew member
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Port of Fowey to be host for RNLI ex-lifeboat rally F
OWEY will be home to more lifeboats than usual on Saturday 29 June when the town hosts the annual RNLI ex lifeboat rally. The event attracts former lifeboats that are now privately owned, from all around the south west. The free gathering gives the public a rare opportunity to climb onboard these lifesaving vessels of the past and to meet the owners who lovingly restore them to their former glory. This is the seventeenth year that the popular annual event has been held in the port of Fowey and it’s hoped ex lifeboat crews will be arriving from as far afield as Portishead near Bristol and Salcombe in Devon. All the former RNLI vessels are now cared for by private owners or charities and will be open to the public at Berrill’s Yard pontoon (opposite the lifeboat station) from 11am to 4pm on Saturday 29 June.
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n Lifeboats from all over the south west will be in attendance at Fowey on June 29
Lifeboat incidents round-up A look at what the RNLI stations in Cornwall have been up to
The Lizard lifeboat THE Lizard lifeboat was tasked on Thursday 4 April to carry out a search 11 miles south east of the lifeboat station after a merchant ship reported to Falmouth Coastguard sighting what they believed to be a capsized rigid inflatable boat (RIB) floating in the sea. At the time of launching it was uncertain whether anyone was with the RIB. The weather conditions on scene were wind north-easterly 5-6, moderate sea and swell and good visibility. It took the lifeboat approximately 30 minutes to arrive on scene and using the last known position of the RIB as the starting point for a search, they carried out several passes of the area. After nearly an hour of searching, the RIB was located capsized, the lifeboat crew recovered it onto the lifeboat. It was quickly evident, as the engine still had its covers fitted, that this boat was unmanned and was a tender to a larger craft that had possibly been washed away. Penlee lifeboat The volunteer crew at Penlee RNLI Inshore
lifeboat received a launch request from Falmouth Coastguard on Tuesday 9 April at 12:30pm to assist a kayaker who had capsized in heavy swell near Mullion. Guided by the Coastguard Cliff Rescue teams from Mullion and Porthoustock the crew located the casualty in a small gully unable to get to safety. The lifeboat was manoeuvred into the gully and a crewman was put ashore to assist the casualty. However, the large breaking waves, made it difficult to keep the lifeboat close enough to shore to recover the casualty so it was decided that the Coastguard Cliff Rescue team would assist the casualty and crew member up the cliff to safety. Newquay lifeboat Newquay RNLI lifeboat volunteers were tasked at 8:50pm on Tuesday 7th May 2013 to assist two people who had fallen over the cliff at East Pentire. Both of Newquay’s inshore lifeboats were launched. Three adult males had climbed down the cliff onto rocks below. As they ascended, one fell approximately 25 ft back into the sea; hitting rocks on his way down. One of the group continued to the cliff top to raise the alarm and the third man scrambled back down into the water to assist the man up onto rocks about 8ft above the sea. Once on scene, volunteer crew member and paramedic Christian Brown was transferred from the D class to assess the injured man. The uninjured casualty was transferred to the D class then to the waiting Atlantic class
lifeboat and taken back to the safety of the harbour. A rescue helicopter from 771 Squadron, RNAS Culdrose was also tasked, on scene the winch man was lowered down and he and Christian managed to strap the casualty into a stretcher who was then flown to hospital. Padstow lifeboat Four men have been rescued from their grounded vessel thanks to the professional actions of the Padstow RNLI lifeboat crew. The group were onboard a converted fishing vessel that hit rocks in the Camel estuary as they headed towards Padstow harbour. The lifeboat crew volunteers launched at 5am Monday 29 April when it was reported that the Courageous II had gone aground and was holed and that the vessel’s crew were in immediate danger. The lifeboat reached the scene in just 12 minutes; volunteer RNLI Coxswain Alan Tarby skilfully bought the Tamar class all-weather lifeboat Spirit of Padstow alongside the stricken vessel in very shallow waters. The four men assembled on the aft deck (back) of the converted fishing vessel and were swiftly transferred to the lifeboat and taken back to the lifeboat station where they were checked over by paramedics. St Ives lifeboat St Ives volunteer RNLI all weather Mersey class lifeboat The Princess Royal was tasked to reports of a life raft drifting a mile off Godrevy lighthouse Monday 13 May. The life raft was n Turn to page 22
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Lifeboat stations incidents round-up
initially spotted by RNLI volunteer crew member, Barney Stevens who is a member of the RNLI lifeguard team patrolling Gwithian beach. Barney contacted Falmouth Coastguard and using his information with further details from the National Coastwatch Institution based on the Island at St Ives and who had sight of the empty liferaft, the lifeboat crew located it two nautical miles north of Godrevy lighthouse. Rock Lifeboat Rock RNLI Inshore lifeboat launched on Saturday 13 April following reports of a sailor being swept in to the sea while launching a catamaran from the beach. The crew launched at just after 9am to search for the man who had lost his footing and been swept out in to the tidal stream. He’d been assisting the boat’s owner to launch when the accident happened. Conditions were reasonable with an outgoing tide and a wind of force two to three, but it was cold. After around 20 minutes in the water, the man managed to get himself to the shore where the lifeboat crew found him cold and tired, but otherwise in good health. The RNLI volunteers then went back out on the water in their D class inshore lifeboat Rusper to escort the owner of the catamaran as he sailed back to the shore. Falmouth Lifeboat On Wednesday March 20, at 4.04pm the Falmouth RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew’s were tasked to a car in the river Fal, near the King Harry Ferry. Both the inshore and the all-weather lifeboats proceeded to the scene. Falmouth Fire Brigade, the Police, Falmouth and Portscatho Coastguard Rescue Teams, a rescue helicopter from RNAS Culdrose, the Pilot Cutter LK Mitchell, harbour launches and other boats in the area were also asked to assist. When it became clear that a diving operation was needed the MTS Valonia carrying commercial divers was also tasked to attend. On arrival on scene, the crew of the inshore lifeboat made 22
several attempts to snag the submerged car with its anchor and line, bravely assisted by a member of the public in a snorkel and mask, but all to no avail. Eventually a line was secured to the car by the commercial divers and the Fire Brigade managed to haul the vehicle clear of the water where sadly the body of a female passenger and two dogs were recovered. Fowey Lifeboat On Wednesday 27 March, both Fowey RNLI lifeboats launched to rescue a family of four and a very scared small black dog called Derek, cut off by the tide on Polmear Island. Two young girls were transferred to Charlestown to the waiting ambulance, as one girl was very cold, wet and in a worrying condition. A lifeboat crew member remained on the rock with the mother, a third child and Derek. All four were then reunited in Charlestown. The mother was extremely grateful and apologetic for causing the incident but the crew reassured her that Polmear Island catches many people by surprise because the tide rises very fast and the rocks become incredibly slippery very quickly. The lifeboats were accompanied throughout the incident by a dolphin that is currently staying in the harbour area. Bude Lifeboat On Saturday 9 February, Bude Inshore lifeboat was launched to rescue a 14 year old boy who was cut off by the tide at Cross Rock, Summerleaze beach. After landing him safely on the beach the lifeboat returned to station. Within minutes the lifeboat was again launched to a report that a male casualty was in difficulties in the River Neet, which flows into the sea at Summerleaze beach. Once on scene at the back of the Castle, the crew located the casualty on the bank side beneath a 10 metre drop, after carrying out emergency first aid the casualty was transferred back to station to a waiting ambulance.
Lifeboat stations incidents round-up
Port Isaac Lifeboat On New Year’s Eve afternoon the Port Isaac D class inshore lifeboat Copeland Bell with three crew launched to reports that a fisherman had been washed off rocks and in to the sea. In extremely challenging conditions the crew located the man, who had been in the water for around an hour, and pulled him into the lifeboat. At this point it was getting dark and there was mixed reports suggesting another person might be in the water. The lifeboat crew and a helicopter team spent a further half an hour searching before finding a life ring, which an onlooker may have mistaken for someone in the water. By this time the lifeboat crew were north of Tintagel Head and the decision was made to make for Boscastle to get the casualty to paramedics as quickly as possible. The helicopter continued to search the area. The lifeboat sustained some damage during the rescue and with conditions building it was decided to leave it in Boscastle overnight. The lifeboat was taken back to Port Isaac by road earlier on Tuesday 1 January 2013 and after some minor repairs was placed back on service. Sennen Cove Lifeboat On Monday 13 May Falmouth Coastguard were contacted by the skipper of a 60ft trawler from Padstow reporting the vessel had suffered engine trouble and they were disabled and drifting, 24 miles northwest of Land's End. The Sennen Cove RNLI Tamar class lifeboat City of London III was launched, with six volunteer lifeboat crew on board, to go to her assistance at 3.55 pm. Once on scene the lifeboat crew set up a tow arriving in Newlyn began at midnight. The lifeboat returned to station after ten hours at sea. Looe Lifeboat Both Looe lifeboats were launched on Monday 6 May to search for two missing people in the Portwrinkle area. A 64-year-old man and his female carer were overdue from a trip to the beach. The Atlantic class lifeboat 'Alan and Margaret' and D class lifeboat Ollie Naismith launched in foggy conditions, and started a search of the coast between Portwrinkle and Downderry. The conditions were challenging as visibility was low, and in some places only around 50 yards, due to the thick fog. The casualties were located safe and well, but cut off by the rising tide, by the volunteer crew of the Atlantic lifeboat. The two people were then taken to Portwrinkle where they were met by the Tamar Coastguard team. St Mary’s Lifeboat The relief St. Mary's lifeboat the Duke of Kent was launched at 1.40am on Wednesday16 April to search for an orange Humber RIB with two people on board who were lost in the fog. The two male occupants were returning to the island of St. Agnes after a night out on St. Mary's. The weather conditions were relatively poor with a 25 knot south/south west wind and fog that reduced visibility at times to less than 500 metres. After a long search involving other craft and the police, the RIB was located south west of Samson. The two casualties, who by this time were very cold and wet, were taken on board the lifeboat which returned to St. Mary's harbour where the men were taken to St. Mary's hospital for the night. The lifeboat then relaunched to assist a small white yacht they had come across earlier in the search for the RIB. The vessel was located near Southard Wells, Samson, in a freshening wind. The yachtswoman, who had sailed single-handed from France, had dropped anchor but was unable to lift it back on board. The yacht was towed safely back to St. Mary's harbour. 23
Race to the rescue R n The Sennen lifeguards were called into action on the second day of the season
Early season medical emergency at Sennen
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NLI lifeguards at Sennen in West Cornwall dealt with their first major incident on the second day of their 2013 season when a man collapsed in a local café. They were able to provide the casualty with vital care until ambulance personnel arrived. The alarm was raised when the RNLI lifeguards were called to the beach café by staff who reported a man in his late twenties, had collapsed. RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor James Uren and colleague James Taylor were sent to the scene and after assessing the casualty, administered oxygen and monitored the man until an ambulance rapid response car arrived with the paramedic confirming the casualty
needed to be taken to hospital. Two further members of the RNLI team, lifeguards Bert Wright and Jack Hoare continued to patrol the beach and surf during the incident. James Uren, RNLI lifeguard supervisor, says; ‘The lifeguards all acted very swiftly when the alarm was raised and managed to deal with the incident in the café while ensuring the beach and surf were constantly patrolled and monitored. They worked professionally with the paramedics and the public and I’m proud we were able to put our training to such good use early in the season.’ The condition of the casualty isn’t known by the RNLI.
NLI lifeguards Phillip Stevens and Sara Rowe were called to the rescue of a canoeist after he was swept out in a rip current and capsized at Godrevy beach. The charity’s lifeguards quickly sprang into action after being alerted to the incident by RNLI lifeguard Josh Daniels. Although the conditions were extremely testing, with a fresh offshore South Easterly wind and a big 6 to 8 foot swell, the pair put their training into action and, using their rescue watercraft (RWC), reached the casualty very quickly. The canoeist had entered the water at Red River and was very quickly swept out in the rip current. He was then hit by a large wave and capsized. By the time the lifeguards arrived on scene, the casualty had lost his canoe, which had been broken in half by the breaking wave. Sara swam into the surf zone to see
what the situation was, while Phillip kept the RWC in a safe position and waited for a signal from Sara to come in to pick them up. Sara calmed the gentleman down and held him on a number of occasions whilst they were hit by a series of waves between 6 and 8 foot in height. She instructed the man to take a breath each time and then dove under the white water, pulling the casualty down at the same time. Phillip successfully picked up Sara and the casualty and they were returned to shore. The gentleman, who was in his thirty’s, told the lifeguards that he would not have been able to return to shore without their timely intervention. He did not require any further medical assistance and after expressing his thanks he left the scene to be reunited with his wife who had witnessed the whole incident from the shore.
n Phillip Stevens and Sara Rowe were called to the rescue of a
canoeist who had capsized off Godrevy beach
n St Agnes D Class in surf, one of the final 12 in the RNLI's Photographer
of the Year Competition
Picture: John Julian
Crews in RNLI photo comp finals CORNWALL'S crews are finalists in the RNLI's Photographer of the year competition. Volunteer lifeboat crew members from St Ives and St Agnes were shortlisted in the RNLI's annual Photographer of the Year competition. 24
A shortlist of 12 images, submitted by RNLI volunteer crews and lifeguards from around the coasts of the UK and Republic of Ireland were showcased on the charity's Facebook page for the public to vote on.
Among the final 12 was John Julian's dramatic image of the St Agnes D class lifeboat in surf. Also in the final twelve was Tim Royall's image of the St Ives Mersey class all weather lifeboat on the beach at low tide.
n St Ives all weather Mersey class lifeboat on the
beach at low tide.
Picture: Tom Royall
Record number of lifejackets checked O
n Saturday, April 13 a free lifejacket clinic was held for all seagoing folk in the Fowey area, organised by a volunteer member of the RNLI lifeboat crew. In total 183 lifejackets were checked, 13 had to be condemned and around 30% of the lifejackets needed replacement parts to ensure they operated properly if used in an emergency. 56 people visited the clinic at the Fowey Gallants Sailing Club during a five hour period and around a quarter of them hadn’t been to the annual event before. This pleased organiser and RNLI crew volunteer, Marcus Lewis; ‘This means the message about the importance of having your lifejacket checked
annually is getting through to new people and that can only be good news if folk are going to stay safe on the water. The day started in startling fashion when the very first lifejacket checked had no gas bottle in it, which means it wouldn’t have inflated automatically in a crisis.’ ‘One child’s lifejacket had been fired then repacked leaving the empty gas cylinder in place and without the knowledge of the parent who had been confidently getting her youngster to wear it. Of the 13 lifejackets that were condemned, some were punctured and others had obsolete firing mechanisms.’ ‘I must thank the volunteer team from Ocean Safety in Plymouth who were Iain Cook,
Alistair Ham and Steve Eales, who worked tirelessly to check each lifejacket thoroughly. They were supported by John Burford of the Upper Deck Chandlery who handled the sales side of the replacement parts needed. In fact I thank the whole team of people who helped ensure the day was a success, including the RNLI’s Sea Safety volunteers from Fowey and Looe who provided lots of advice for people and promoted the value of personal locator transmitters.’ Also attending the event were the volunteers from the National Coastwatch Institution and the Boatwatch scheme backed by Devon and n Iain Cook from Ocean Safety checks a Cornwall Police. lifejacket during the RNLI clinic
Always follow RNLI safety advice
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Black and white chequered flags indicate an area zoned by lifeguards for use of watercraft such as surfboards and kayaks. Never swim or bodyboard in these areas.
The red flag indicates danger. NEVER enter the water when the red flag is flying, under any circumstances.
Red and yellow flags indicate the area patrolled by lifeguards. These are the safest areas to swim, bodyboard and use inflatables.
The orange windsock indicates offshore wind conditions. You should NEVER use an inflatable when the sock is flying.
DURING 2010 over 19 million people holidayed in the south west. Although there are many attractions to visit, at some point during their holiday most people will spend time on the beach and with over 300 miles of coastline and 200 beaches, there are plenty to visit. With many of the best surfing beaches available and some of the prettiest secluded coves that are steeped in history, you certainly don't need to ask why people flock to visit Cornwall. RNLI Lifeguards patrol 57 beaches in Cornwall and in 2012 they dealt with 6,137 incidents assisting 6,888 people. The busiest beach was Perranporth in Cornwall, where RNLI lifeguards dealt with 615 incidents and assisted 672 people. Second busiest was North Fistral near Newquay where the charity's lifeguard's attended 394 incidents, assisting 439 people. When visiting a beach please consider going to one with a lifeguard patrol. With rip currents and many other hidden dangers, the lifeguards will always be able to advise you on the best places to surf and swim. They also display a simple flag system to advise beach visitors (see left). In 2012 the volunteer lifeboat crews in the region launched 1,507 times. RNLI lifeboat volunteer crews were called and spent a collective 5,567 hours at sea on emergency call outs.
In keeping with the weather conditions, the RNLI's Flood Rescue Team had their busiest year on record, deploying 11 times across the country with six of their destinations being in the south west. In December volunteers assisted 12 people caught in flood waters at Lostwithiel, Cornwall. Many visitors to Cornwall take to the water in all types of craft, from inflatable dinghies to yachts worth thousands of pounds, but whatever type of craft you use the advice is always the same: n A lifejacket is useless unless worn - make sure you fit yours correctly n Get some training - know how to handle your boat and be confident in your own abilities n Check your engine and carry spares n Check the weather and tides before going afloat n Carry a means of calling for help like a VHF radio or flares. Mobile phones don't always work and are not waterproof. n Tell others where you're going and when you expect to be back n If you don't know the area or tidal conditions seek some advice. There are plenty of people you can talk to from local boat users to harbourmasters or the local lifeboat crew or lifeguard's.
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Lifeboat Events Summer 2013 June n Sunday 2 June - Castle 2 Castle Open Water Swim, Falmouth. (Event now full) n Wednesday 5 June 10am-6pm - Padstow Harbour Day n Thursday 6 - 8 June - Royal Cornwall Show, Wadebridge n Wednesday 12 June 6.30pm - Bude Lifeboat Run, Bude Rugby Club n Friday 14 June - Race Night, Football Club, The Lizard. n Friday 14 to Sunday 16 June - Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival n Saturday 22 June - Mullion Harbour Day (including The Lizard Lifeboat) n Sunday 23 June, 2-6pm - St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly - water carnival with raft races, sailing races, swimming and greasy pole. n Wednesday 26 June - Evening Falmouth River Trip contact Josie Bee 01326 313048
n Plenty of activity at Coverack Lifeboat Day n Sunday 14 July 2pm - 5pm - Penberth Lifeboat Day, Penberth
n Saturday 3 August 11am - 4pm Charlestown Regatta
n Thursday 25 July 11am - Land's End Air Sea Rescue Day
n Sunday 4 August 6pm - Padstow Sea Sunday, Padstow Quay
n Thursday 4 July 10am - 6pm - Padstow Harbour Day
n Friday 26 July 7pm-11pm - Horserace Evening, St Austell Rugby Club
n Sunday 11 August - The Lizard Lifeboat Day, Kilcobben Cove, The Lizard. TR12 7PN
n Sunday 14 July, 2-5pm - Open Garden at Penberth, West of Penzance. Tel. 01736 871916
n Sunday 28 July - The Lizard lifeboat Annual Fete on the Green at The Lizard
n Saturday 10 - 17 August - Falmouth Week, Events Square, Falmouth
n Sunday 14 July 10am-4pm - Bude lifeboat station Open Day.
n Sunday 28 July 12noon - Sennen Cove Flag Day
n Sunday 18 August - Porthleven Lifeboat Day, Porthleven Harbour
n Saturday 29 June 11am - 4pm, Fowey Old lifeboat Rally, Berrill's Yard Pontoon, Fowey July
n Sunday 14 July, 12noon-4pm - Open Garden at Trevesco, Common Close, Mullion, TR12 7HY, tel. 01326 241323
August n Saturday 3 August - Coverack Lifeboat Day
n Sunday 18 August, 11am-4pm - Open Garden at Lawithick, Penarrow Rd, Mylor, Falmouth TR11 5UD tel. 01326 374501 n Sunday 18th August - Newquay Lifeboat Day. n Sunday 18 August All Day - Dragon Boat racing, Discovery Quay, Falmouth n Monday 19 August 10am - 6pm - Padstow Lifeboat Day n Saturday 24 August 1pm-4pm - Garden Fete, Princess Pavilion, Falmouth n Sunday 25 August 11am - Sennen Cove Lifeboat Day n Monday 26 August - Bude Lifeboat Day. (There are various events over the weekend from Sat 24 through to Monday 26 August). For details tel. Paul Finn on 01288 356256 September n Sunday 1 September 11am - 4pm Charlestown Lifeboat Day & Songs of Praise n Sunday 15 September 10am - 6pm Padstow Harbour Day n Saturday 21 September 10am-1pm Autumn Fair, Methodist Church, Falmouth
n Dragon boat racing in aid of the RNLI will be taking place in Fallmouth in August 28
October n Thursday 10 - 13 October - Falmouth Oyster Festival, Events Square, Falmouth
We need your help!
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ELLO again, I'm Bernice Putt and I've worked on this edition of the Cornwall RNLI magazine with Amy - you met us in the introduction. I'm one of the RNLI's many volunteers and I love the work, like so many who sign up to support our charity. So what do I do? Well I'm the Lifeboat Press Officer at The Lizard and I aim to promote what we do. From rescues to celebrity visits and all that the station is doing to fundraise. One of the real benefits is that the RNLI provides me with really good up to date training. I attended a media course at the RNLI College in Poole where I not only got to meet other volunteer Lifeboat Press Officers from all around the coast but also received training from someone who had for years worked in television and radio, which was fantastic. Volunteering can be fun, volunteering can be rewarding, volunteering can be productive, and for the RNLI it's essential. But many hands make light work, and those of us who already volunteer could really do with some help. Even if you've only got an hour to spare, we can fill it! Our charity is supported by a vast army of volunteers who perform many roles within the service. Over 4,600 work aboard the lifeboats at the 236 stations around the coast of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, and over 150 volunteer as lifeguards who patrol the regions beaches. But volunteering for the RNLI doesn't mean you have to go to sea or train to be a lifeguard. And it certainly doesn't mean you have to give up loads of your valuable time! Even if you can only spare an hour or so here and there we can still find a role for you within the RNLI. You could help raise the vital funds required to keep the service running as 98% of the RNLI total income comes from donations collected by volunteers. There is a fundraising branch or guild within a few miles of you that needs your time; they are not exclusively located on the coast, many are based inland. There is also a place for anyone who can only help on an occasional basis; the RNLI has a register of casual volunteers. But there is also a need for volunteers to help educate both children and adults in sea and beach safety through arranged talks.If you have time to help please visit the RNLI website volunteering page at www.rnli.org.uk/volunteercornwall or telephone 0300 300 9901 for more information.
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MAGES taken from Newquay RNLI's helmet camera during a shout to a single handed yachtsman who'd injured his hand in rough weather. Both Newquay and Padstow's lifeboats were launched in the early hours of Thursday 23 May. Newquay's volunteer lifeboat crew transferred the casualty onto their inshore lifeboat and transported him back to Newquay for medical care, while Padstow embarked on an 8 hour passage to tow the yacht into Padstow harbour though big seas 29