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The RNLI patrols more than 70 beaches in the UK, has an active fleet of over 300 lifeboats nationwide, and assisted more than 10,000 people in trouble at sea last year. For another angle on our nautical-theme, I went along to meet some of the bravest members of our community at our local station, down on The Stade |
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In our sea-faring town, the locals have suffered their share of tragedy at the hands of the waves. It was in 1857, when a sailing vessel and all its crew were lost off the coast of Hastings, that funds were first raised to purchase a lifeboat. The boat was stationed in a boathouse at Rock-a-Nore and six years later, the RNLI took control of the station. The current station was built in 1995, housing a 12m Mersey class lifeboat, a tractor and D-class inflatable lifeboat. It was designated as the first visitor centre for the RNLI because of the importance of tourism to the area, and it has more than 40,000 visitors each year. Nine medals for Gallantry have been awarded to the crew: two Gold, three Silver and four Bronze. Coxwain Martin Phillips comes from a family of boatbuilders at Rye Harbour. He began as a volunteer 15 years ago and took on his role as the only full-time member of staff in 2002. When we meet in his office with a view out over the waves, I ask if he isn’t put off by the risk. “No, I’m not. It’s probably because the training gives you so much confidence. Sometimes I come back after a rescue and think ‘that was a bit sketchy’ but it’s only after that you consider the risk.” The station responds to between 40 and 70 calls a year. Rescues include assisting large ships from one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, only ten miles from our coast. This lane links the North Sea and the Atlantic and sometimes there are big merchant ships passing through. |
In May 2006, 700 people were on board a ship that caught fire and four lifeboats from Sussex attended: Hastings, Eastbourne, Newhaven and Shoreham. Other rescues include incidents involving fishing boats, yachts and, in the summer, lots of swimmers. Last summer, in just six busy weeks, they went to sea 32 times! Inflatables are apparently a constant problem. The RNLI recommends that we don’t use them at all, but if we must, tether them to the shore. Any general advice on staying safe on the beach? “Keep within your depth and always be aware of the tide. It can easily take you out further than you intend and leave you too tired or to swim back.” Other than Martin, all crew members are volunteers and none are professional mariners. There are 20 sea-going volunteers and 15 shore-helpers. The RNLI is always open to volunteers, men and women. If you can swim (!), you’re enthusiastic, and you can get down to the beach at the bleep of a pager - night or day - you’ve got the basic requirements. |
To find out about volunteering at RNLI or to make a donation, contact: Royal National Lifeboat Institution |
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