Walmer RNLI volunteers exercise with Coastguard rescue helicopter

Among the elements of the RNLI’s Operational Competency Framework (OCF), a programme of activities that ensures crew remain competent and current in their knowledge and skills, is an optional Helicopter Operations activity.

Although there is an online training video which crew are required to watch, there’s nothing like the real thing.

Last Sunday, 28 September, the volunteers were fortunate enough to take advantage of a joint training exercise with HM Coastguard helicopter just off the station between Sandown Castle and The Butts. Crews went afloat on the station’s Atlantic 85 Hounslow Branch and D Class Duggie Rodbard II to take part in the exercise though the practical element mainly was undertaken using the station’s larger lifeboat.

Crew were rotated between the two boats to give them the opportunity to manoeuvre the Atlantic lifeboat into position to take a winchman from the helicopter. Whilst on board, the winchman gave advice about angles of approach, speed and positioning due to downdraft.

Walmer volunteers have been involved in several incidents requiring the assistance of the Coastguard helicopter so far this year.

Speaking afterwards, helm James Evans said: ‘It was a great and worthwhile experience. It will give our crew confidence to carry out these manoeuvres in real life situations.’

Notes to editors

Walmer lifeboat station was established in 1856.

It currently operates two inshore lifeboats – a B Class Atlantic 85 Hounslow Branch and a smaller D Class Duggie Rodbard II.

Crews have received 28 Awards for Gallantry

To find out more about Walmer lifeboat station go to https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/walmer-lifeboat-station

RNLI media contacts

• Chris Winslade, Lifeboat Press Officer, Walmer Lifeboat Station on 01304 374475 or 07906 623037 [email protected]

• Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 07827 358256 [email protected]

• Hatti Mellor, RNLI Regional Communications Manager (London/East/South East) on 07724 801305 [email protected]

• For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789 or [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.