Byline: Experience an RNLI lifeboat rescue at the ‘Sail, Power and Watersports Show’ in London

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Ever wanted to witness first-hand the life-saving work of RNLI volunteer lifeboat crews? Well now, for the first time at the ‘Sail, Power and Watersports Show’, you can…

…It’s 6am, the pager sounds – you’re heading out on a ‘shout’. You rush to the lifeboat station, get your kit on, jump aboard the lifeboat and it’s launched down the slipway before accelerating out into the swollen seas to search for a stricken yacht…

For your chance to experience a rescue, as witnessed through the eyes of a volunteer lifeboat crew member from the bridge of a Tamar class all-weather lifeboat, visit the RNLI’s stand (A34) at the ‘Sail, Power and Watersports Show’ at Earls Court in London (26 – 30 November 2008) and have a go on the Lifeboat Training Experience simulator.

Commenting on the RNLI’s presence at the show, Andy Whyte, National Campaigns & Events Manager for the RNLI, says:

‘In the run up to the RNLI’s national fundraising day – SOS Day – on Friday 30th January, I’d like to put out an SOS to all sail, power and watersports enthusiasts attending the show, on behalf of all the RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards! We sincerely hope that visitors to the show will experience the lifeboat training simulator for themselves and that, as sea users, they’ll think about making a regular donation to the charity or get involved in raising money on SOS Day.’

‘More than half* of the 8,141 RNLI lifeboat launches last year were to recreational sea users in leisure craft. As a charity, we rely on the generosity of public donations to help keep our lifeboats afloat.’

The RNLI’s stand (A34) will also include lifejacket clinics with RNLI Sea Safety volunteers, a chance for a spot of Christmas shopping as RNLI Christmas cards, calendars and stocking fillers will be for sale; along with the chance for leisure sea users to make a regular donation to the charity by becoming a member of the RNLI.

Notes to Editors
· *4,287 of the 8,141 RNLI lifeboat launches in 2007 were to recreational sea users in leisure craft (2007)
· RNLI SOS Day: RNLI supporters throughout the UK will be holding SOS themed events culminating on SOS Day on 30th January 2009, with the aim of raising £1 million. From sponsored silences to sea shanty sing-alongs, anyone can get involved.  More information on how to show your support is available at www.rnli.org.uk/sos
· Visit the ‘Sail, Power and Watersports Show’ at Earls Court, London (26-30 November 2008) www.earlscourt2008.com

RNLI media contacts
For more information and interview requests please contact Katie Wilton, RNLI Public Relations Officer on 01202 336789 / 07899 076 224 pressoffice@rnli.org.uk

RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.org.uk. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.org.uk/press

Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity 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 over 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 100 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. 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 137,000 lives.

A charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SCO37736). Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland.

Byline: Remember, Remember…don’t let flares off, unless in distress…this 5th of November!

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The RNLI’s team of Sea Safety volunteers are reminding people around the coast of the risk of firing distress flares (marine pyrotechnics) as a source of entertainment this Firework Night (5 November) because it is not only illegal but also potentially dangerous.

Marine pyrotechnics, commonly known as ‘flares’ are designed to be fired over water, so when the flare comes back down to the ground (if fired over land) it is likely to still be extremely hot and can cause serious burns or a fire. Flares are a vital part of safety equipment for those going to sea for work or leisure purposes but should not be used in non-distress situations.

Flares are intended as a means of signalling for help when in distress at sea to assist the RNLI’s lifeboat or the Coastguard’s rescue helicopter crews in locating vessels. That’s why any misuse of flares, such as for entertainment during halloween, firework and bonfire night celebrations, could divert search and rescue assets away from a genuine emergency.

As a lifesaving charity the RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crews will always respond to a call for help. While the misuse of flares equates to just under 3% of the 8,141 lifeboat launches in 2007, it is crucial that flares are not fired unless in a distress situation. In the past five years* lifeboats have launched a total of 1,175 times to incidents where flares were fired in false alarms or as hoax situations, that’s an average of 235 lifeboat launches a year.

Peter Chennell, RNLI Sea Safety Manager says:

‘Because it’s illegal to let a flare off in a non-distress situation, they are not a part of your marine safety kit you can easily familiarise yourself with. That’s why the RNLI offers free flare demonstrations to boating clubs or groups of sea users. We explain the differences between types of flares, how to use them and also show the correct and safe way to fire flares if you’re faced with a distress situation. After all, the worst time to be reading the instructions on a flare is the time you actually need to use it in a real life situation!’

When flares reach their expiry date they should be carefully disposed of, the temptation to fire them as a means of disposal should be avoided. Guidance on the disposal of time expired pyrotechnics is available on the Maritime & Coastguard Agency’s website www.mcga.gov.uk **

Commenting on the firing of flares in non-distress situations, Jim McWilliams, Head of Search and Rescue at the Maritime & Coastguard Agency says:

‘The firing of a red flare in a non distress situation is illegal under the Merchant Shipping Act and could divert valuable search and rescue assets away from a genuine search and rescue emergency. Marine distress flares are NOT fireworks, and if used incorrectly can be extremely dangerous. 
‘Out of date pyrotechnics should not be disposed of on bonfires, where they may explode unexpectedly. Marine flares are designed to be used in the maritime environment and should only be used in a distress situation.
‘Flares must never be used after expiry date.  Pyrotechnics must be treated as hazardous waste and should be disposed of responsibly in accordance with regulations and local rules.’ 

For more information on arranging a FREE RNLI flare safety demonstration for your boating club please contact 0800 328 0600 or visit: www.rnli.org.uk/seasafety

Notes to Editors:

• *2002 – 2007
• **Contact details for MRCC / Current policy on disposal of time-expires pyrotechnics:
  http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga07-home/emergencyresponse/mcga-searchandrescue/mcga-hmcgsar-sarsystem/mcga-sar-tepadvice.htm

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Katie Wilton, RNLI Public Relations Officer on 01202 336789 / pressoffice@rnli.org.uk

 
RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.org.uk. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.org.uk/press

Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity 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 over 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 100 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. 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 137,000 lives.

A charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SCO37736). Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland.

Byline: Switch with Which? and support the RNLI

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RNLI supporters could save themselves an average of £233* on household energy bills at the same time as helping to raise valuable funds for the charity that saves lives at sea.

Sound too good to be true?

The RNLI has teamed up with Switch with Which?, the only not-for-profit energy price comparison website in the UK. Switch with Which? compares thousands of tariff and payment options on both gas and electricity services offering what it calls ‘a transparent and impartial view of all their energy options’.

There’s no obligation to switch suppliers after comparing prices with Switch with Which? but those that do won’t be the only ones to benefit from this new partnership – for every supporter who changes their energy supplier, UK consumer association Which? will donate £10 to the RNLI. What’s more, anyone who switches both their gas and electricity suppliers will be guaranteeing a donation of £20 to the RNLI.

Clare Caunt, National Corporate Fundraising Manager for the RNLI, says:

‘As energy prices continue to rise, this partnership gives our supporters the opportunity to raise funds for the charity and potentially make savings themselves, an excellent initiative for all.’

With fuel prices set to rise again as Winter sets in, what better time to explore what’s available at switchwithwhich.co.uk/rnli or by call 0800 533 031 (quoting RNLI).

Notes to editors
· *£233 average annual saving per household that switched via the Switch with Which? service between 1st October 2007 and 31st March 2008.

RNLI media contacts
For more information or to request an interview, please telephone RNLI Public Relations Officer Becky King on 01202 663 510 or email bking@rnli.org.uk.
 
RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.org.uk. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.org.uk/press

Key facts about the RNLIThe RNLI charity 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 over 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 100 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. 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 137,000 lives.

A charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SCO37736). Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland.

Byline: RNLI responses to OFCOM Administered Incentivised Pricing proposals

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OFCOM’s consultation on including Administered Incentivised Pricing for the maritime and aeronautical sectors published 30 July 2008

OFCOM has proposed new charges (Administered Incentivised Pricing or spectrum pricing) for VHF land-based radio licences, and published a consultation document about its proposal, a summary of which can be found at: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/aip/summary/

 

 

3 October 2008 – RNLI’s response:

The RNLI is concerned that OFCOM is reviewing the charges for the use of radio spectrum and that OFCOM is proposing to introduce a scheme known as Administered Incentivised Pricing.

The RNLI currently pays £40,000 in licence fees annually to OFCOM for the use of radio channels in our station/boathouse radios, lifeguard radios, launching vehicles and pager system. Under OFCOM’s new pricing proposals this is set to increase by a staggering 600% to £260,000 per annum.

The current fees paid by the RNLI are at a discounted rate of 50%. However, the RNLI strongly maintains that, as a charity, it should not pay anything for the use of radio spectrum when it is used solely for safety and search and rescue (SAR) purposes – particularly as its for the provision of a first class marine rescue service, in order that the Government can meet its internationally agreed SAR obligations. 
 
Ships’ licences are not affected by this consultation and are already free of charge and the RNLI believe that there is a good case for channels used solely for safety and SAR to be made available free of charge to all users.
 
The RNLI is responding to OFCOM to clearly state its case during this consultation period. Additionally the RNLI is encouraging its volunteers to respond as individuals to OFCOM, with particular reference to question 6 on the consultation document, with the thought that nobody should have to pay for any channels that are used for safety and SAR and that charities should not be charged at all for channels they use for safety, SAR, training and other operations, which contribute to the safety of the UK citizen.

 

20 October 2008 – OFCOM’s consultation update

OFCOM published an update to its consultation on AIP for the maritime and aeronautical sectors in which it stated, ‘The RNLI may see its charges fall as a result of our proposal to offer a single, lower-cost licence for multiple users.’ For details, see http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/aip/update201008/

 

21 October – RNLI’s response to OFCOM’s consultation update

‘The RNLI welcomes OFCOM’s proposal, which will reduce the charity’s licensing costs, enabling us to direct those funds towards the RNLI’s primary objective of saving lives at sea. Ideally, we would still like to see a 100% discount on radio licensing fees not only for the RNLI, which as a charity is funded entirely by voluntary donations and uses allocated frequencies solely for safety and SAR purposes, but for all organisations, which contribute to the safety and saving of life at sea. However, we appreciate this proposal from OFCOM is a significant improvement on their previous proposal.

‘There have been some reports that this will affect the operations of our lifeboat service. We are pleased to confirm that this is not the case and our lifeboats and volunteers are available to launch as normal to anyone in danger at sea.’

 

30 October – The OFCOM AIP period of consultation closes

During the consultation period, the RNLI sent OFCOM a letter outlining its concerns about the proposals, to which OFCOM has emailed an initial response (31 October). OFCOM confirms it wants to work closely with the RNLI to find a solution and that it will continue the consultation process with the RNLI over the coming months.

 

4 November – RNLI comment as OFCOM AIP consultation period closes:

The RNLI has been greatly encouraged by the supportive response from the public to the situation. People have been responding direct to OFCOM, and a petition, (to protect the RNLI from paying licence fees for using Maritime radio frequencies), has been set up by a supporter on the No. 10 website. Already more than 12000 signatures have been added and its hoped that people will continue to register their support by signing up. Additionally the RNLI has been heartened by the cross-party political support it has received on the AIP issue.

Already OFCOM has outlined some proposals to the RNLI that include a reduction in the charity’s licensing costs. While the charity welcomes these proposals, ideally it would still like to see a complete exemption from AIP or a 100% discount on radio licensing fees not only for the RNLI, which as a charity is funded entirely by voluntary donations and uses allocated frequencies solely for safety and SAR purposes, but for all organisations, which contribute to the safety and saving of life at sea.

However, the RNLI appreciates their offer is a significant improvement on the previous proposal. Additionally it’s understood that that OFCOM will continue with a more detailed consultation process and will develop dialogue with the RNLI. Ultimately the matter is now in the hands of OFCOM and we await the outcome of their proposals that will be implemented in April 2009.

RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789; or email pressoffice@rnli.org.uk 

RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.org.uk. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.org.uk/press

Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity 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 over 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 100 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. 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 137,000 lives.

A charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SCO37736). Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland

Byline: Microsoft helps charity to weather the storm

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Microsoft is donating software, with a market value of £5M, to the RNLI over the next three years. The donation will allow the charity to focus its expenditure in other areas to support key life saving initiatives, such as RNLI MOB Guardian, which involves a large annual financial commitment.

MOB Guardian, whose infrastructure runs on Microsoft applications, is a man overboard and vessel locator system, developed by the RNLI to help reduce deaths in the fishing industry. In less than a year of being introduced, the system has already helped save 5 lives. The Microsoft donation will allow the charity to free up its funds, helping it to plan more effectively to meet its objective of making MOB Guardian more affordable to fishermen in the UK and Ireland. The donation also allows the RNLI to continue investing in innovation, particularly the Systems and Information Management System, which is also based on Microsoft technology and provides essential operator information to lifeboat crews and is in operation on the Tamar class lifeboat, the RNLI’s latest all weather lifeboat.

To thank Microsoft for its generous donation, the RNLI Chief Executive, Andrew Freemantle winched down to thank Microsoft Marketing Business Officer, Matthew Bishop, as he and his team participated in a sea survival training experience at the RNLI lifeboat college, Poole (Dorset).

RNLI Chief Executive, Andrew Freemantle CBE explains:

‘This generous donation from Microsoft will greatly assist the RNLI in maintaining its lifesaving services in the current difficult economic climate. It will help us to ‘weather the storm’, that we, along with many other charities, are facing. Indeed we are bracing ourselves to be fully hit by the storm next year, when the impact of reduced share and house prices on the value of legacy gifts – upon which we are so dependent – is expected to become apparent.

‘This exceptional donation from Microsoft gives us greater financial flexibility to continue supporting lifesaving initiatives such as the roll-out of MOB Guardian, which could help provide 1,500 fishing boats with a safety system over the next three years.

‘It gives me great pleasure to personally extend the thanks of the RNLI to Microsoft, which is not only giving a donation, but is more fully immersing itself in the work of our volunteers by putting its staff through crew training techniques; it is these techniques that help keep our crew safe, should the worst happen at sea – it must be remembered that our crews frequently go and brave the eye of the storm to help save others.’

Additionally Matthew was introduced to Dorset fisherman, Tom Russell who uses the RNLI MOB Guardian safety system. Tom, who often fishes alone up to 15 miles off the Dorset coast, explains how the unit is like having someone watching over him:

‘Not many fishermen wear a lifejacket – but having this device on the boat makes me wear a lifejacket – if I go in the sea I’m just as likely to be rescued, so I’ve just got to stay alive until the cavalry comes.’

Matthew Bishop, Business Marketing Officer of Microsoft says:

‘The way in which the RNLI is using the latest technology to save lives is inspirational. It’s not so long ago that volunteers were rowing out through the surf to try and locate those in danger by sight and good fortune.  The more fishing boats and sailors are covered by MOB Guardian and technologies like it, the safer those who work and play on the water will be. We’re delighted to support the vital work of the RNLI as part of our software grant programme, and look forward to developing many new initiatives in the coming years.’

Notes to editors

Photos are attached, captions as follows:
Photo 1: RNLI Chief Executive Andrew Freemantle winches down to liferaft to thank Microsoft Business Marketing Officer Matthew Bishop for Microsoft donation
Photo 2: (L to R) RNLI Chief Executive Andrew Freemantle presents Microsoft Business Marketing Officer Matthew Bishop with an RNLI Certificate of Appreciation
Photo 3: (L to R) Microsoft Business Marketing Officer Matthew Bishop meets Dorset fisherman Tom Russell and RNLI Fishing Safety Co-ordinator Sean Friday
Photo 4: (L to R) Microsoft Business Marketing Officer Matthew Bishop is welcomed on board by RNLI Finance and Information Systems Director Mark Hallam

RNLI media contactsFor other photos, quotes, interviews or more information please telephone Julia Sylvester, RNLI Public Relations Officer on 01202 663184 or 01202 336789 or jsylvester@rnli.org.uk
 
The RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.org.uk or www.rnli.ie. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.org.uk/press.

Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity 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 over 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 100 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. 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 137,000 lives.

A charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SCO37736). Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland

Key facts about Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.

About RNLI MOB Guardian
MOB Guardian consists of a base unit on the fishing vessel and crew personal safety devices (PSDs) worn by the crew. The base unit automatically transmits, via satellite, regular updates of a vessel’s position, course and speed to the RNLI’s monitoring station. If a regular update is missed, the monitoring station tries to regain contact with the boat and if no further updates are received an alert is raised with the RNLI, which is then passed to the Coastguard so that a search can be initiated.
 
If a fisherman wearing a PSD falls into the water, or activates the PSD manually, an alert is raised and transmitted within minutes to the RNLI operations centre. The information passed to search and rescue agencies is accurate and up to date, detailing position, name of vessel and even gives names of crew members. Searching for this vessel or crew members becomes far easier and casualties can be reached faster.

About Systems and Information Management System (SIMS)
One of the biggest risks for crew members aboard a lifeboat in rough seas is being injured while moving around. A bespoke RNLI solution known as SIMS addresses this using the latest in computer technology. SIMS means that many on board controls for operating and controlling lifeboats can be managed remotely and the crew can remain in their seats for longer. Using the system also allows better task sharing between crew members as various functions can be monitored and controlled from virtually any location on the boat. SIMS is built using solid-state technology and incorporates a chain of back-up systems. In the unlikely event that all back-ups should fail, the lifeboat can still be operated using conventional systems.

About the RNLI Sea Survival Experience
The experience offers a unique and challenging team-building day or corporate event. Held at The Lifeboat College in Poole, Dorset, it provides an opportunity to get a hands-on taster of the training that our volunteer lifeboat crews undergo. After a thorough briefing by RNLI Sea Survival Trainers, participants don standard-issue RNLI crew kit, undergo poolside drills and then enter the survival pool to learn the same skills and techniques that RNLI crew members rely on every day to save lives at sea. This includes survival swim, righting liferaft, closing and maintaining liferaft, helicopter recovery.  /tlc_virtual_tour/team-building

About Microsoft Software Donation
 
Microsoft is providing software licences, with a market value of £5M to the RNLI. The licences represent all of the RNLI’s Microsoft operating system and application requirements over the next 2-3 years. They will firstly facilitate the RNLI’s strategic move to a single Microsoft platform in its data centre, including the migration of its major business applications and messaging service. Secondly, they will enable forthcoming initiatives to improve information management and collaboration possibilities for staff and volunteers alike.

Byline: RNLI sets the standard for slipway safety signage

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RNLI sets the standard for slipway safety signage
 
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has produced a new guide to slipway safety signs and symbols, which aims to set a new national standard for the design and content of slipway signage. The guide, targeted at slipway owners and operators, was formally launched by RNLI Sea Safety Manager, Peter Chennell, at the UK Harbour Masters Association Autumn Seminar held in London this week (15 October 2008), as part of the RNLI’s commitment to sea safety education and information.

As small powered craft that launch from slipways accounted for almost one third of RNLI rescues in 2007*, communicating simple safety messages effectively is vital. The RNLI hopes that a standardisation in signage around the coast of the UK and Ireland will help to reduce the number of accidents and lifeboat launches.

The guide was developed by the RNLI during a two-year research and consultation programme in partnership with the UK Harbour Masters Association, UK Port Authorities and local councils. Research showed that at slipway locations around the coast of the UK and Ireland, users are often bombarded with different types of signs and a variety of information – public, statutory, hazards and safety.  The variety of different messages, materials, colours and sizes of signs can lead to public confusion and ‘sign blindness.’

To help combat ‘sign blindness’ the RNLI’s consultation culminated in the trial of the newly devised standard for signage in seven locations** across Devon, Dorset, Hampshire and on the River Thames in London in August 2007. The success of the trial helped identify three categories of signs suitable for display on public slipways: access signs, reminder signs and daily conditions signs. It also resulted in the final development of the ‘RNLI’s Guide to Slipway Safety Signs and Symbols’.

The guide is itself simple and clear to use, designed to help slipway owners and operators decide their signage requirements – which type of sign is needed, how many, where to locate them and, just as importantly the design of the sign. The guide contains templates so that signs can be tailored to each specific slipway location along with information on sign manufacture and the unique slipway location code (USLC). The USLC is a new scheme that gives each sign a unique code that is precise to its location that will help emergency services locate an incident.

Sea Safety Programmes Manager for the RNLI, Tony Wafer says:

‘We’re delighted that the RNLI’s guide to slipway safety signs and symbols is now in print. I’d like to thank the local and harbour authorities who have worked in partnership with us, and I now urge all those responsible for public safety on slipways around the coast of the UK and Ireland to contact the RNLI for a free copy.’

‘Ultimately I hope that RNLI slipway safety signs will be adopted nationwide by slipway owners and operators because we want to encourage all slipway users to have a clearer understanding of the local hazards, by-laws, tides and what to do in an emergency to help them stay safe on the water.’

The creation of the RNLI’s Slipway Safety Signage Guide follows on from the success of its Beach Safety signage Guide launched in 2005. Now adopted by around a quarter of beaches in the UK it also forms part of a new international beach safety signage system.  The goal is for the RNLI’s slipway safety signage initiative to receive endorsements from relevant safety and marine organisations to secure wider accreditation and adoption.

Notes to editors

• *Figures show that the RNLI’s 233 lifeboat station crews launched a total of 8,052 times during 2007, rescuing 7,715 people
• ** The 2007 trial of RNLI slipway signage took place in the following seven locations:
  Devon: Brixham Harbour, Paignton Harbour, Torquay Harbour.
  Dorset: Poole Harbour.
  Hampshire: Lymington Harbour and Langstone Harbour, Hayling Island.
  London: Putney Embankment on the River Thames in London
• RNLI safety signage photography available on request

RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789 / pressoffice@rnli.org.uk

RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.org.uk. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.org.uk/press

Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity 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 over 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 100 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. 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 137,000 lives.

A charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SCO37736). Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland

 

 

 

Byline: The following was taken from a Press release by RWE nPower Renewables on 1/5/2013.

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“EMERGENCY services from North Wales and the North West have taken part in a major simulated exercise at Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm.
Exercise ARGO used dummies instead of real people to test rescue procedures and recovery times from the 160 turbine site, which is more than eight miles offshore in Liverpool Bay. 
RAF Valley, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency at Holyhead, Rhyl RNLI, North Wales Ambulance Service and North West Ambulance Service worked with Gwynt y Môr’s construction staff and specialist Emergency Response Team to carry out the exercise yesterday evening (Tuesday 30th April). 
RWE npower renewables’ Gwynt y Môr Project Director Toby Edmonds said: “These sorts of emergency exercises are vital to ensure our procedures are fully tested and work effectively in the event of a real incident.
“We were very pleased to include the emergency services from across the region in this exercise and will be working with them to ensure lessons learnt from this exercise are fully incorporated in our procedures going forward.”
Gwynt y Môr has invested in an industry-leading Emergency Response Team which provides critical medical and rescue cover to workers operating in the offshore field during the construction phase. 
The team provided by Merseyside based Hughes Sub-Surface Engineering Limited, is believed to be the most highly skilled ever to operate on an offshore renewables project and includes experienced offshore medical technicians. 
The Emergency Response Team worked alongside Gwynt y Môr project staff to run the exercise.  Project Leader, Phil Keating, said: “We are delighted to be appointed by Gwynt y Môr to provide its emergency response cover.
“All our personnel are certified to the very highest level including emergency medical technician training, offshore survival, confined space training, swift water rescue, rope rescue and advanced climber training.
“This exercise was devised to reflect what could really happen offshore in an emergency and will be vital in improving our response in the event of a real incident.”
Exercise ARGO contained three different scenarios including retrieving a casualty who had fallen into the sea, winching an injured person from a wind turbine foundation and treating, recovering and taking to hospital onshore a casualty suffering from chest pains. 
The Gwynt y Môr Emergency Response Team, already situated in the field offshore, was deployed to the scene of the “emergency” immediately. 
In addition, the Coastguard requested RAF Valley and Rhyl RNLI to attend the exercise and rescue the casualties. 
Matt Crofts, Divisional Operations Manager for North Wales and the North West said:  “RNLI volunteers never quite know what they will face when the pagers sound and the call for help comes.
“Training is vital to ensure our volunteers are at the peak of their skills and exercises such as this are invaluable to strengthen our relationship with the other organisations who we may find ourselves working with in the event of a major incident.”
At 576MW, Gwynt y Môr is one of the largest offshore wind farms currently in construction in Europe.  It is a shared investment between partners RWE Innogy, Stadtwerke München GmbH and Siemens.
Once fully operational, energy generation from Gwynt y Môr is expected to be equivalent to the average annual needs of around 400,000 homes.
RWE npower renewables has set up a project information line which people can call if they have a query about the construction of Gwynt y Môr. The number is 0845 026 0587. 
For more information about Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm visit our website: www.rwe.com/gwyntymor

Martin Jones, Rhyl RNLI lifeboat Coxswain said “This exercise proved invaluable in our understanding of the specialised rescue techniques involving offshore wind turbine installations, and allowed us to adapt our own training to accommodate these skills. It was a very worthwhile exercise, and strenghtened our bonds between the offshore industry and the RNLI”.

Local information regarding the RNLI’s part in the exercise can be obtained from Martin Jones (Coxswain) at the boathouse on 01745 344040, or from Paul Frost, Press Officer, on 07894 105165.