At an open meeting in the village in 1980 the decision was taken to investigate the feasibility of providing a fully equipped, privately funded inshore rescue boat to administer emergency support within the confines of the Bay.
An enormous amount of voluntary work ensued, not only in raising the necessary funds, but also in the evaluation of a suitable boat and its equipment, crew training, and the standardisation of operating procedures under the control of HM Coastguards. The concept of a future Runswick Bay Rescue Boat was, however, up off the ground.
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The summer of 1982 saw the first Rescue Boat, "Claymoor", in service in the village. Following the example of the RNLI in the choice of craft, the village purchased a 16 ft inflatable boat from Humber Boats in Hull powered by a 40 HP Mariner outboard motor. The boat was equipped similarly to the hugely successful RNLI D class ILB with VHF radio and a vast array of safety equipment. "Claymoor" was launched on service 35 times until its replacement in 1986. |
One of the first principles in the service's development was that the crew would be provided with the best equipment that could possibly be afforded. Fund raising has hence always taken a high priority in terms of effort and over the years there has been a steady refinement in the boat and its equipment, casualty care and in crew clothing. For example, all crewmen are now dressed in dry suits with RNLI type Dunlop life-jackets, helmets and with thermal suits for winter service (it costs approximately £1000 to equip each crewman ~ the boat operates with a 3 man crew). The equipment for casualty care is impressive including a full first aid kit with inflatable splints, self inflating life-jackets, and immediate access to a forced air resuscitator.
In 1986 a new Rescue Boat was purchased and took up station in the village. Also built by Humber Boats, the new boat was a 17-ft semi rigid inflatable powered by a 40 HP Mariner engine. Experience gained over the years indicated a semi rigid to be more suitable for the majority of our tasks. The boat proved to be faster and more manoeuvrable, more sea kindly and gave a much improved ride for the crew. This boat was named the "Christine Appleton" after the late wife of the organisation's Secretary and was launched on service on 30 occasions until its replacement in April 1992. |
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In 1987 following several winter time incidents in the Bay it was decided to extend the normal Easter to October period of operation to full year round cover. This decision complemented an increased trend in winter boating and boardsailing in the Bay. HMCG supported this increase in their resources, the only difference from seasonal cover being a slightly increased reaction time.
For such a small organisation to maintain full year round operational readiness, an enormous burden was inevitably placed throughout the winter on the same very few personnel. Consequently, the present decline in year round fishing and boating within the village, led to the decision being taken in 2005 to return to seasonal/ holiday time cover only. The situation will be reviewed on an annual basis.
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In 1991 the RBRB received official recognition from HMCG when it was made a fully declared facility within the sea rescue organisation. Coinciding with ten years of successful operational service in April 1992, the organisation celebrated the launching of its latest Rescue Boat by the Marchioness of Normanby. Named "Lady Normanby" the boat was a modern 'deep V' 17 ft semi rigid inflatable built by Humber Boats and powered by a 55 HP Mercury outboard engine. This boat was launched on service on 40 occasions until its replacement in 2000. |
The replacement, the Enita Margaret, similar to the Lady Normanby but a foot longer, took up station in June 2000. Keeping pace with improving technology, this boat sported many electronic features including a GPS navigator and plotter. The boat was launched on service 33 times until its replacement in 2007.
The new boat, The Spirit of Runswick, took up station in April 2007. this is a 5 metre Humber Assault RIB driven by a 4 stroke Yamaha engine.
The new boat is lighter and slightly smaller as is the engine but can still achieve a respectable 26 Knots with 3 crew.
We moved to a 4 stroke engine to reduce pollution and keep Runswick Green, it is also much quieter so should not disturb residents on Sunday mornings
In November 1995 the Rescue Boat won the North Yorkshire Village Ventures Award, presented every other year to an organisation that has made an outstanding contribution in the local community.
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