Saving lives and advising people on the dangers of open water is something that RNLI Penarth experience on a daily basis. It’s safe to say that the RNLI’s expertise and quick thinking has impacted many people, with the latest annual statistics that are available for 2020 showing RNLI Penarth’s lifeboats were launched 42 times last year. Here, we speak to the heroes themselves and hear about the importance of staying safe when in open water. 

Speaking about RNLI Penarth, Tom Quinn, the Lifeboat Press Officer, said: “The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea, providing a 24/7 search and rescue service. In addition to the lifeboat volunteers who go out to sea to rescue people, here in Penarth we have teams of brilliant education and community safety volunteers who go into schools, clubs and community centres to inform people how to stay safe in the water.”

“This is only made possible by the work by many other volunteers who organise fundraising events and look after the station shop, and of course kind donations from members of the public – so as well as saving lives the lifeboat station is a real central part of the community.” 

When asked about why they think it’s important for the community to learn more about the safety of being in open water, Tom explained: “When you live somewhere like Penarth it’s great to make the most being right by the coast, whether it’s having a walk on the beach, going for a swim, sailing or any other water activities. But it’s very easy to get in trouble on the water. Conditions can change quickly and you can find yourself caught out if you’re not prepared.” 

Advising the public directly, Tom added: “The key thing is to be prepared: make sure you’re aware of weather conditions and tide times, and always carry a means of calling for help. If you find yourself in danger or you see somebody else in danger, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.” 

“Many people are very sensible when it comes to water safety, but it’s mainly about knowing the potential risks and what to do if you find yourself in trouble – the work our community safety volunteers, going into schools, sailing clubs and other groups in the community, helps make people aware of water safety.”

RNLI have already had a busy year, with the launch of their ‘Friendship Bench’ which aims to tackle loneliness, as well as completing crucial assessments. Their assessment day consisted of crew members being tested on some of their important skills such as navigation, anchoring and veering. That day also saw volunteer Liv Quinn complete her training and became a ‘fully competent crew on the Atlantic 85 lifeboat’. 

Find out more about RNLI Penarth’s assessment day here: https://penarthview.co.uk/assessment-success-on-a-busy-day-for-rnli-penarths-crew/