RUNSWICK BAY RESCUE BOAT
CREW TRAINING

The desire to participate in the Rescue Boat in any capacity is strong and there is currently a pool of 15 trained crew members from which to draw. Crew turnover is remarkably small and there are now many years of experience among the crew. Those forced to work or study away from the area remain involved and become operational during weekends and holidays.

Training is organised by the Crew Leader, assisted by the helmsmen. His role is to ensure there is always a crew available, and that each new crew member receives instruction in the following categories before being accepted as fully operational crew:-

Rescue of person in the water
  1. Personal equipment
  2. Basic First Aid
  3. The boat - its equipment and handling
  4. Rescue drills
  5. VHF procedure

Continuation training coupled with acquired personal experience may result in the crew member being promoted to helmsman. Before this decision is taken the crewman will have proved himself competent in the following areas:-

  1. Handling the boat and crew in all operational sea states and situations.
  2. Organising a crew and initiating a launch.
  3. Knowledge of the boat's operational area - especially inshore.
  4. Working experience of combined operations with other rescue services.
  5. Leadership
 Recovering a person into the boat

Combined training with Whitby Lifeboat and RAF Air Sea Rescue helicopters is arranged throughout the year. Each crewman receives formal instruction in First Aid, with refresher training run in the village. VHF training is given to all new crewmembers.

The Rescue Boat runs its own Cadet scheme for youngsters who are able to participate in many aspects of the training, and with a view to their joining the crew at sixteen.

Being a crew member is a fantastic opportunity to learn how to handle a boat, how to undertake high speed manoeuvres and most importantly to build self respect and the inner confidence which comes from offering your services voluntarily to save people lives.

If you are interested in joining the crew we would be delighted to talk to you. Please contact the Runswick Bay Rescue Boat Crew Leader: -

Dave Sewell
The Poplars
31 Runswick Lane
Hinderwell
Saltburn
Nth Yorkshire

If you would like to join the Runswick Bay Rescue Boat Association, offer your services in any way, or make a donation, you will find details of how to do this on the Finance and Fundraising page.

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