15/03/2008
Spring Update
This has been a very busy
spring for Baltimore lifeboat with preparations for the new
inshore lifeboat, three shouts, an exercise with the Schull
Inshore Lifeboat and the rolling out of the Lifeboat Sea Safety
Officer Strategy.
Lifeboat crew met recently with representatives
of Schull Community Lifeboat to discuss combined operations
and training. It was decided to conduct a joint training exercise
in February to practice working together as a team and to
pass on some useful RNLI skills and procedures to the Schull
crew. The exercise was deemed successful and it is expected
that further joint exercises and indeed combined lifesaving
operations will follow. The Schull lifeboat crew were able
to draw on the skills acquired by our own newly trained inshore
lifeboat helms who will crew the Atlantic 75 inshore lifeboat
when it arrives in Baltimore in April. The Schull lifeboat
is similar in size and design to the RNLI inshore class.
All elements of the project to have the Baltimore
Atlantic 75 operational by the Summer are coming together.
Recruitment and training of crew, supply of equipment and
plans for the base at the Pier are all underway. We anticipate
some intensive training during April when the boat and its
launching rig arrives.
In addition to the significant time and resources
spent rescuing those in distress, the RNLI’s is committed
to prevention and education. It actively promotes sea safety
through its Lifeboat Sea Safety Officer (LSSO).
Our local LSSO at Baltimore Lifeboat Station
is Michael Walsh, a former member of the lifeboat crew with
a vast amount of experience. Michael can be contacted on 086
2663766
The LSSO is a voluntary role attached to the
local lifeboat station. The LSSO acts as the local point of
contact for anyone looking for help and advice on any sea
safety related issues. This can include anything from a quick
discussion on any one item of safety equipment, such as lifejackets
for example, to local information relating to local hazards,
tides weather and so on for a visiting boat user, to arranging
a visit on board a boat to look at all the safety equipment
on board. In addition, the LSSO will be able to arrange for
presentations and demonstrations to local clubs and groups
covering areas such as lifejackets and buoyancy aids or marine
distress flares. The LSSO can also arrange to have an RNLI
sea safety presence at local events as appropriate, such as
regattas, Lifeboat Station Open Days, maritime festivals and
so on. There will be a lifejacket demonstration on Sunday
25th May during the Wooden Boat Festival. There will also
be a sea safety stand at the Lifeboat Open Day on Sunday 29th
June . The open Day will be held on the pier this year so
that members of the public can learn about both our all weather
lifeboat and our new inshore lifeboat.
Finally we wish to give a fond farewell to
Collin Williams RNLI Divisional Inspector Ireland, who is
taking up new duties in Wales. Colin has been a great supporter
of Baltimore Lifeboat Station and we will miss his energy,
enthusiasm and good humour.
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