George shares this report on behalf of Cowes RNLI. Ed
Youngsters from the Island and mainland who belong to the RNLI’s junior organisation, Storm Force, were given a thorough but enjoyable insight into the life-saving work of the charity at the Cowes lifeboat station this weekend.
Click on images to see larger versions
Station volunteers turned out in force to oversee a wide range of activities; these included learning how to use a VHF radio at sea, hands-on First Aid CPR training on two ‘unconscious’ dummies, how to rescue people in the water – with members of the lifeboat crew taking the role of those in need of help, and learning how to keep safe when on or near the water.
Click on images to see larger versions
In addition then there was a chance to climb aboard the station’s Atlantic 85 RIB ‘Sheena Louise’, stationed at the top of the slipway, and receive a briefing from crew members.
Offered all activities
To ensure the 35 youngsters attending sampled all seven activities there was a change-round every 15 minutes, signalled by a pager sound usually associated with a call-out alert.
Click on images to see larger versions
Lifeboat Visits Officer, Penny Maclean, said
“The idea of the day was to introduce the young people to what it was like to be a crew or shore crew.
“As a result of the frenetic few hours they spent at the station I hope we have encouraged these families to continue to support the RNLI, and perhaps the young people themselves to become volunteers one day.
“And all the 23 Cowes station members who turned out for the event did the station proud, pulling together throughout.”
This view was enthusiastically endorsed by Samuel Fieldhouse, the RNLI’s Young Education Manager for the South East, who took charge of the VHF radio facility.
Click on images to see larger versions
Also gratifying was the feedback from many of the youngsters, some of whom came from as far afield as London and Horsham; the overwhelming number rated the visit ‘excellent’.
Click on images to see larger versions
Never satisfied to rest on their laurels, Penny and her team can be relied upon to look for ways to make next year’s Storm Force Day even better!
Image: © Nick Edwards
