Sea swimming safety talk success

Whitby RNLI's first water safety talks earlier this year were a success, with around 90 people attending over two sessions – the second being added due to high demand!

Four of Whitby RNLI's volunteer crew shared their expert knowledge with sea swimmers from Whitby and beyond. Presentation topics included safety top tips, tides and lunar cycles, equipment, local considerations, and how to spot the signs of hypothermia – with an opportunity for questions at the end from the swimmers in attendance.

Founder of Whitby Wild Swimmers and Whitby Lifeboat Press Officer Ceri Oakes says: 'We all learned something from the talks, the knowledge and experience the crew have to share is invaluable. Even if people just took one thing away with them, it has made a difference and could help keep them safer at sea. We’d like to thank all those who attended and for the kind donations in our collection bucket. And a special thank you to Betty Bayliss and Hazel Thomas who made teas and coffees on the day.'

There are interesting and exciting RNLI events happening all around your region. To find events near you, visit RNLI.org/events.

As a supporter, you are helping our lifeboat crews and lifeguards carry out thousands of rescues every year. Come rain or shine, they’re still saving lives. Here are some highlights, and you can read full accounts of other rescues on the following pages:

6 PORTRUSH | PAGE 10

7 DUN LAOGHAIRE | PAGE 14

8 FRASERBURGH | PAGE 16

You can also watch and read the latest rescues online at RNLI.org/news or facebook.com/RNLI.

1 Running Aground

RAMSGATE | 4 DECEMBER

Both inshore and all-weather RNLI crews launched to two people onboard a small motor yacht, which had suffered engine failure while crossing Louisa Bay. Powerless and drifting, the vessel was swept inshore and, with incoming waves breaking over its bow, it was in danger of sinking. Unable to safely tow the boat back out to sea, the inshore lifeboat crew carefully navigated the shallows, took both casualties off and transferred them to the protection of the all-weather lifeboat. The motor yacht eventually ran aground.

2 Outboard Overboard

ST DAVIDS | 29 NOVEMBER

The crew launched just before midday to someone onboard a stricken fishing vessel off St Davids Head. The small boat had lost its engine overboard and was drifting for a while before someone spotted the casualty waving and raised the alarm. Our volunteers towed the vessel to Porthgain Harbour and deployed their inflatable Y boat to help the fishing boat alongside the quay.

3 Last Call For 2022

SEAHOUSES | 30 DECEMBER

Our volunteers joined forces with North East Ambulance Service when an elderly person was taken ill on Holy Island. With the water at high tide, the causeway was closed to road traffic. The RNLI crew took ambulance paramedics onboard and made best speed to the island. They were met by a Coastguard Rescue Team who transported the paramedics to the patient.

4 Poorly Skipper

RYE HARBOUR | 29 JANUARY

The lifesavers launched to help a yachtsman who was experiencing engine difficulties in worsening weather and starting to feel unwell. The impending low tide would make travelling upriver difficult for the yacht with its large keel, so our crew safely towed it into Rye Harbour and cared for the skipper in the lifeboat station’s crew room.

5 Trapped On Rocks

FALMOUTH | 19 FEBRUARY

Falmouth crew worked with three Coastguard teams when a woman and her dog got cut off by the tide and became stranded on rocks. A Coastguard swimmer headed over to help the casualties while the lifeboat crew carefully veered down to meet them. The pair were brought onboard the lifeboat and taken to waiting coastguards at West Portholland.