NeWs FROM THe DART LIFeBOAT DART LIFEBOAT
www.dartlifeboat.org.uk BAY WATCH
Yippee! it’s that time of year again with many of us look- ing forward to our holidays. A well-earned rest from the daily grind with lots of sun, sea and sand or maybe just a long lazy day at the beach. Here at RNLI Dart we are thinking sun, sea and saving lives. The RNLI trained lifeguards are now regularly patrolling
many of our beaches nationally. Have you ever wondered, as I have, how these dedicated young people qualify to keep us safe at the beach and become RNLI lifeguards? I asked Chris Rampling, a Senior RNLI Lifeguard (also
a volunteer RNLI Dart Lifeboat Crewman) who works on the beaches within the South Hams. He said, “The first thing you need to do is to qualify for The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) and the National Rescue Standards Beach Lifeguard (NaRS BL)”. Once you have obtained these qualifications you can apply to the RNLI to become a lifeguard. If accepted by the RNLI further in-house training is given; starting with two weeks induction training on the particular beach area the lifeguard will be responsible for. Lifeguards are First Aid trained and are authorised to administer certain drugs. They are also trained in the use of life saving equipment such as
Rip currents continue to be a common cause of rescues
a defibrillator. Throughout the season RNLI lifeguards are continually
trained and assessed. Qualifications maybe for life, fitness sometimes isn’t. Chris told me that physically you have to be very fit. It was the mere mention of a 200m run on soft sand in under seven minutes that made my leg muscles go to jelly. The 25m underwater, the 25m surface sprint and a 400m swim within specified times made me realise that these guys really are at the top of their game physically. As a keen swimmer I for one feel really safe knowing that the RNLI lifeguards are watching my back. As I am writing this article my phone has just pinged and I think you may be interested in the content. Chris Rampling and Dave Pascoe have just rescued a surfer who got caught in a rip at Bantham. Thankfully everyone is O.K. What more can I say other than, “excellent result, three cheers for Chris and Dave.” Rip currents continue to be a common cause of rescues
RNLI lifeguard cover on local beaches in Summer 2015
Full Season 2 May – 27 Sept Bantham & Sedgwell Cove
Main Season 16 May – 27 Sept Challaborough Peak Season 4 July - 6 Sept
Burgh Island, Thurlestone, Hope Cove, Blackpool Sands & Slapton Sands
and last year saw the winter storms alter the topography of many beaches. To stay safe we urge everybody visiting the beach to choose one with lifeguards. Swimmers and body- boarders should swim between the red and yellow flags. The black and white flags are for surfers and other craft. Remember if you see someone in trouble call 999, ask
for the coastguard or tell the lifeguard. If you get into trouble stick your hand up made into a
fist (you don’t want Aunty Gladys to think you are waving and having fun) and shout for help. Always swim with a friend. If there is no flag there is no lifeguard cover. Respect the water. Keep safe. Wishing everyone a great summer from RNLI Dart. Riki Bannister. RNLI Dart Assistant Lifeboat Press Officer.
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