BOATING SAFETY
ON THE RADAR:
NEW BOATING CHECKLISTS
Following the first phase of our new boating safety campaign, we’ve now released a resource specially tailored to – and developed with – experienced boaters
If you’re a boater, you know how quickly things can go wrong at sea. And why it’s important to stay prepared. Complacency and forgetfulness are two of the biggest risks you face, so these essential checklists can be used to refresh your skills and as a helpful resource when situations arise.
To get them just right, we’ve worked with the RYA, Irish Sailing, the MCA and some of you. They span topics such as: before you go afloat, crew briefing, while you’re underway, and emergency action plans and procedures.
Sarah Pennicard
RNLI Water Safety Delivery Manager
FIND OUT MORE
'We hope these checklists will help you to reduce the risks and boost your skills. They’re available in digital and printed formats, so they’re always there
when needed. Keep a copy
onboard
and
review
them
frequently'
Scan the QR code or visit RNLI.org/check to get your checklists today.
DIRTY DOG POLARISED SUNGLASSES, BLACK
Made from Grilamide TR90, these sunglasses are lightweight, extremely flexible, and designed to bounce back to their original shape, making them perfect for any outdoor activity. 100% protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Case and cloth included with every purchase. One-year warranty, terms apply.
MEET OUR
In this issue of Offshore, quotes, practical advice and lifesaving tips are brought to you by:
ANGELA DAVIES
RNLI COLLEGE TOUR GUIDE
With 15 years' experience, if you want to know anything about the home of RNLI training, Angela is your person.
BRETT SHEPHERD
RNLI LIFEGUARD OPERATIONS MANAGER
Brett’s been a lifeguard since the early 1990s and has been involved in the delivery of the RNLI lifeguard service since it started in 2001.
GREG WEEKES
RNLI MANUFACTURING MANAGER
Greg oversees the manufacturing process of lifeboats at the All-weather Lifeboat Centre, making sure it runs as efficiently as possible.
CREW MEMBER, KINGHORN RNLI
Melanie saves lives along the south Fife coastline, volunteering on the crew of the B class lifeboat.
LIGA BEACH CLEAN PLACEMATS, SET OF 4
Each of these beautiful placemats is unique, made from cork and recycled plastics saved from our oceans. Recycled EVA is water- and UV-resistant.
35 x 25 x 0.2cm.
RRP £22
Ref: RS2072303
MELANIE MCGARVA
Photo: Matthew Duriez Photography
BEHIND THE SCENES OF SHANNON CLASS LIFEBOAT PRODUCTION
Get to know the highly skilled team behind Shannon class lifeboat production, and delve deeper into the refined processes used to bring this world-class design to life
Inside the All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole, a talented team is hard at work. Staff are producing a brand-new Shannon class lifeboat every 12 weeks. But how do they do it? Join RNLI Manufacturing Manager Greg Weekes and Shannon Production Group Leader Owain Hughes behind the scenes.
' We want to deliver the highest quality boats we can, so our volunteer crews have the best lifeboats to launch out to sea in'
RNLI Manufacturing Manager Greg Weekes
RNLI Shannon Production Group Leader Owain Hughes
Greg Weekes
STAGE ONE: COMPOSITE BUILD
It all starts with large moulds of the wheelhouse and hull. Each is built separately then glued together at the final build stage.
‘We make the Shannon’s hull and wheelhouse with an advanced composite material called pre-preg,’ Owain says. ‘Pre-preg is made of carbon and glass fibres that have been pre-impregnated with a synthetic resin.
‘We lay the pre-preg into the moulds, then add a foam core and inner skin. This is vacuumed down, pushing the material into the mould and getting rid of air bubbles,’ he says. ‘As the pre-preg is warmed to 80°C, the resin liquifies and runs into the glass and carbon fibres – at a certain point, it cures.’
Owain explains: ‘Traditionally, boats are built with a bucket of resin and an itchy matting. You roll the resin onto the matting, but it’s difficult to control the ratio. Too little resin results in structurally weak dry spots; too much produces a heavy structure – a slower boat that sits lower in the water. So, while we use the traditional method for some nonstructural components – like the bases of the seats – we make the outer shell with pre-preg.’
At the end of the 12-week cycle, the hull and wheelhouse are lifted out of the moulds and moved to the next area for the second stage.
STAGE TWO: FIBREGLASS PADS
Boatbuilders add bulkheads and stiffeners to the outer shells, then fit fibreglass pads. ‘This is the most critical step,’ says Owain. ‘All components and equipment will be mounted to these after painting so we don’t need to drill into the lifeboat.
'Shannons have around 2,000 fibreglass pads. We use wooden jigs to place them precisely. There’s a jig for every job and each one aligns perfectly. If a pad is positioned inexactly, the component won’t fit.’
‘Every Shannon is as close to identical as possible,’ says Greg. ‘Which makes future maintenance more efficient.’
The fibreglass pads are carefully positioned using the wooden jigs and glued onto the surface of the Shannon's structure
The pre-preg is laid into moulds of the Shannon’s hull and wheelhouse
ALC APPRENTICES
There are 16 apprentices learning and working in the All-weather Lifeboat Centre. Over 4 years, they work towards a marine-specific Level 3 qualification, getting hands-on experience building lifeboats.
‘I’m in the first year of my apprenticeship. Every day when I get home, I feel like I’ve progressed and added to my skillset. The Shannon is great – even though it’s relatively small, all the space inside is maximised.’
SAVING TIME AND MONEY: VENDOR-MANAGED INVENTORY
The RNLI is a charity, so the team is always working hard to save precious time and money. One of the ways the team does this is with a 'vendor-managed inventory’.
'Rather than having our nuts, bolts and consumables at a stores counter, these bins (pictured below) are strategically placed around the buildings.’ Greg says. ‘Our technicians can find what they need for their task quickly and don’t need to spend time searching. When a box is empty, they simply pull a lever, and a red flag pops up. Then the vendor comes in and replenishes the box. This saves us ordering and restocking them ourselves.’
‘Over the last 4 years, I’ve learned most of the key skills. I’ve been given more responsibility this year, working directly on the lifeboats rather than under another technician. So, when a new Shannon launches, I look at it and think: “That’s my work.”’
SEA TRIALS
'Then follows 7 weeks of trials and commissioning,’ says Greg.
‘Firstly, the team members get the systems running and fire up the engines. Then it has a Harbour Acceptance Trial. We follow set procedures to check everything works before going to sea.
‘After this, is the Sea Acceptance Trial. We check the lifeboat reaches its top speed of 25 knots, steers and responds to controls as expected, and has no excessive vibration.
‘Once it’s passed, our operations staff put the lifeboat through their own trials. Finally, the lifeboat is formally accepted into the fleet by one of the RNLI directors.’
The Shannon is now ready to go to one of the RNLI lifeboat stations, where it will help lifeboat volunteers save lives for years to come. ■
Words: Charis Jefferson Photos: RNLI/(Charis Jefferson, Nathan Williams)
Book your tour of the All-weather Lifeboat Centre at RNLI.org/rnli-college/whats-on
Josh Elms, Apprentice Technician (first year)
Harvey Zimmer, Apprentice Technician (fourth year)
Troon RNLI’s Shannon is lowered into the water for the first time in preparation for sea trials
POOLE
Golden sandy beaches, islands teeming with wildlife, and any watersport you could wish for. There’s so much to explore in Poole’s 100 miles of stunning coastline
THERE ARE VERY FEW PLACES LIKE POOLE. IT'S TRULY STUNNING
A local tourism board once described Poole with the sentence: ‘It’s a beautiful place.’ And that’s a perfect summation of it. There’s a glitzy harbour, full of life. But there are also multiple islands and bays that are incredibly peaceful. Some of my favourite anchorages are Bramble Bush Bay, Blood Alley and Maryland. You can do any open water activity here: wing foiling, paddleboarding, kitesurfing, even waterskiing and parascending! I’m a director and lead instructor at Powerboat Training UK. We run powerboating, motor cruising and personal watercraft operation courses in Poole. It’s an exceptional training location.
We’re blessed with numerous places to eat. A favourite among the crew at Poole Lifeboat Station is Custom House on the quay. Or, for breakfast at the start of a long day, I’d recommend The Fisherman Cafe.
For a long coastal walk, park near Sandbanks Beach, cross over the water on the chain ferry, and then walk all the way along sandy Studland Beach to Old Harry Rocks. Go up along the clifftop and down the other side and you’ll find Swanage – a traditional British seaside town. Relax and enjoy some time there, then catch the open-top bus back to Sandbanks.
taught
in
when I was a child. We spent most weekends out on Poole Park Lake. By the age of 9, I was sailing by myself quite happily. And that’s how my lifelong passion began. Now, I’m teaching my own son how to sail. We use the same sort of boat, in the same place I learned.
We have a huge sailing community in Poole. At weekends there can be hundreds of people out on the water. There’s plenty of space and areas to explore. One of my favourite routes is around the back of Brownsea, Green and Furzey Islands. There’s an amazing amount of wildlife. Last summer,
'It’s the perfect place for me to pursue my passion for sailing – and to teach my young son, too'
my dad, my son and I did that route. In just one trip we saw seals, ospreys and white-tailed eagles. I often see deer and dolphins, too.
Sailing in Poole is great, but it can be challenging. It’s not just open water –there are islands, winds, shallow water and complicated tides. I think if you can sail in Poole, you can sail anywhere! Before you go, always tell someone where you’re going and what time you’re planning to be back. Take all the right safety and communications equipment, even if it’s just a short trip.
PAUL GLATZEL LAUNCH AUTHORITY, POOLE RNLI
DAVE BURSEY HELM, POOLE RNLI
My dad
me to sail
Poole
Explore one of the largest natural harbours in Europe
Join a huge sailing community in Poole
Windsurfing is one of many popular watersports in Poole
CAUGHT ON THE PROP
WHEN KATIE* HEADED OUT ON THE WATER ON A JULY DAY WITH HER HUSBAND AND FRIENDS TO CELEBRATE HER RETIREMENT, NO ONE COULD HAVE IMAGINED SHE'D NEED ALL OF THEM TO HELP SAVE HER LIFE
Strangford Lough is a 58-square-mile inlet in the east of Co Down, popular with sailors and linked to the Irish Sea by a long channel known as the Narrows. On either side of the Narrows are the towns of Portaferry and Strangford.
The day began perfectly. 'Our friends had a lovely Bayliner boat so we went out to watch a series of races happening in the Narrows,' Katie explains. 'We'd had a lovely lunch and were enjoying watching the sailboats. After taking some photos, I ran back towards the stern and slipped, somersaulting overboard.'
' I was caught underneath the boat. After about a minute, I fell unconscious' Katie, casualty
* Names have been changed
Held underwater
'As I landed in the water, my lifejacket wrapped around the back of the propellor,' Katie recalls. 'I was frantically trying to loosen it or make someone see me but I was caught underneath the boat. After about a minute, I fell unconscious.'
Katie’s husband Jim* continues: 'We didn’t know Katie had gone overboard until we saw one of her shoes floating on the surface about 20m behind us. I jumped in and found her underwater. Diving down, I gave her mouthto-mouth as I tried to free her. Three to four minutes later, when I finally got her loose, she was dead. I looked up to our friends and said: "We’ve lost her!"
'Between us, we managed to bring Katie up onto the platform. One of our friends
LIFEBOAT:
Portaferry B
inshore lifeboat
Blue Peter V
was a GP and the other was a physio, so they checked her over. She didn’t have a pulse. They began CPR.
'As they worked to bring Katie back, our other friend called the Coastguard and I took over driving the boat.'
' I jumped in and found her underwater ... I looked up to our friends and said: "We've lost her!"'
Jim, husband
Think like a lifeboat crew
A quick extraction
Back onshore, the Portaferry RNLI crew were mustering. Alongside George Toma and Chris Jenkins, Helm Chris Adair chose professional paramedic Gary Meehan.
'We reached the Narrows in minutes,' says Chris. 'But were faced with a sea of boats, tacking back and forth across the fast-flowing channel. The wind was blowing and there was a bit of a swell, so we picked our way through the traffic with care. As we got closer, boaters began pointing. Then we saw the crew of the Bayliner waving us down.
'It's a big, high boat with a swim deck close to the waterline, so I pulled the D class alongside and Gary and George went aboard with oxygen.
'Many things can go wrong at sea and the response from Katie's husband and friends made all the difference here. They worked together as one crew to give Katie the best chance possible.
'Strong communication can help your fellow crew act quickly. One thing we do as trained lifesavers, is keep open communication with each other at all times. Everything we do, we communicate. That means if someone says: "Going off seat four" and I'm in the driving seat, I know not to suddenly pull forward or steer hard to port or starboard. This information helps us keep each other safe by knowing our positions on the boat and what the risks may be.'
‘Everything
we do, we communicate’
CHRIS ADAIR, HELM, PORTAFERRY RNLI
The Portaferry RNLI crew arrive on scene
'Katie had just regained consciousness thanks to the CPR but was pure blue – I’ve never seen someone so blue around the lips in my life. Gary checked her over and said: "We need to get her out of here."
'Transferring her aboard the lifeboat, we made our way back steadily while continuing to administer oxygen. She had marks on her back where the propellor had caught her and, while still not talking, would groan as she was jolted by the swell.'
A lucky outcome
'Pulling into Strangford Marina,' recalls Chris, ' we met the Coastguard and ambulances – then her husband and friends, who'd followed behind. I noticed Jim was white and shaking like a leaf, so I asked the paramedics to check him over.’
Jim says: 'As they transferred her to the stretcher, I heard her scream: "My back!". It was amazing to hear her voice.'
Katie wasn’t out of danger yet: 'I was so cold. The paramedics intubated and sedated me, then we went to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast – where I arrested again. I woke up 6 days later in intensive care.'
Jim remembers: 'Every night I dreaded a phone call to say she hadn’t made it. But on the Friday morning I got a call: "Katie’s been asking for you. She’s up and walking around." I woke up the kids and said: "Your mum's going to be okay."'
SHARE YOUR STORY
' I woke up 6 days later in intensive care'
Katie,
casualty
And, apart from some scarring on her back, Katie's now doing great. 'I went back out on the water 3 weeks later.'
Chris says: 'This was a very lucky outcome and Jim should feel very proud that he was able to save his wife. And they did the right thing, calling for help so quickly. She needed oxygen and a safe extraction. If they’d attempted to bring her back themselves in such a distressing and panic-filled moment – and surrounded by so many boats – the situation could have escalated.
'We're really glad we could be there for Katie and her loved ones that day, and so pleased that she’s made a full recovery.'
FIND OUT MORE
For more boating safety advice, head to RNLI.org/boating. ■
Offshore is a community to share our experiences and broaden our horizons. Do you have a story you can share about ways you’re advancing a watersport, or about a time things went wrong on the water? If so, please email offshore@rnli.org.uk.
Words: dunnāco lee-morikū
Photos: RNLI/Portaferry
Into the care of the Coastguard and paramedics
HOW TO: TREAT A WEEVERFISH STING
Maybe you’ve seen a weeverfish warning sign at a beach, or heard horror stories from friends. So who are these little creatures and what should we do when we encounter their spines?
One of our few venomous fish, weeverfish are found on beaches around the UK and Ireland.
Typically about 15cm long, but sometimes as small as your pinkie, they lack a swim bladder so spend most of their time nestled into the sand – lower jaw jutting forward determinedly as their eyes scan the water above for small fish and crustaceans to eat. Their name is thought to be from the Anglo-Saxon 'wivre', meaning 'viper'.
Weeverfish’s dorsal fins and gill covers have spines with venom glands at the base, to protect them from being squashed. To beachgoers unaware of their presence, these can cause a nasty sting –one of the most common injuries RNLI lifeguards treat. To minimise the risk, you can wear reef shoes
in the shallows. And, as they’re easily spooked, shuffling your feet through the sand could also reduce the risk.
Lifeguard Operations Manager Brett Shepherd says: 'Typically, people have one to three puncture wounds (which look like red dots) on their foot, accompanied by redness and soreness. Pain levels vary – often depending on the number of punctures and the depth of penetration – and can take a few minutes to build. As a lifeguard, I treated grown men in tears and perfectly calm babies! Once, while lifeguarding, I stepped on a weeverfish but didn’t notice the pain until my foot began warming up when out of the water. The stings are easily treated with knowledge and care.'
1 2 3 4 5 6
LIFEGUARD OPERATIONS MANAGER BRETT SHEPHERD SHARES HIS TOP TIPS FOR DEALING WITH WEEVERFISH STINGS
WASH THE AFFECTED AREA
Gently wash away sand and debris so you can see what’s going on. Sea water should be used at this stage – fresh water can increase the pain.
PREPARE SOME VERY WARM WATER
Imagine you’re running a bath that you want very warm, but not so hot that it causes a burn or makes you want to jump out. If there are no lifeguards nearby, try asking a nearby beach vendor, or beach hut for help.
IMMERSE IN VERY WARM WATER
Use a bowl or bucket large enough to submerge the affected area. Submerge until the pain goes, but for at least 30 minutes. The water may need topping up to keep it warm enough.
KEEP
If topping up, it’s really important not to pour hot water into the bowl while the foot, or other affected area, is submerged. First remove it completely, then add the hot water and test it as you would before putting a baby in a bath.
The warm water will normally ease the pain enough to walk away. But if pain persists, take the over-thecounter pain medication you that usually use at the recommended dose – or seek medical attention.
If you begin to see signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling and difficulty breathing or nausea and vomiting, get straight to hospital.
Weeverfish have three sharp spines on their dorsal fins
Immerse in very warm water to ease the pain
WHAT WOULD YOU DO NEXT?
DO YOU
You’re crossing a causeway on foot and are half-way across when you realise the tide is rising much quicker than you anticipated. It’s now breaching the edges of the causeway and puddles are forming on the path. What do you do next?
STUART EBDY
TRAINING COORDINATOR AND HELM AT QUEENSFERRY RNLI
A Run across the causeway to get to the other side?
B Stay where you are and call the coastguard?
C Turn back and head to the mainland?
A man clings to a pillar alongside the submerged causeway
Stop moving, dial 999 or 112, ask for the coastguard (B) and follow their instructions. Every causeway is different – some are short, some are miles-long and some even have safety shelters. The coastguard will have local information, tide times and heights and know how long help will take to arrive. As lifeboat crew, if we know exactly where you are, we can get there quickly and get you to safety.
Although it’s tempting to continue walking (A) or turn back (C), the tides around our coastline can rise very fast and by the time you get to the other side, you may be swimming or swept off. If this happens, remember to Float to Live – tilt your head back, relax, move your hands, and spread your arms and legs.
It’s very easy to get caught out, so always check the safe crossing times by reading the signage – and never cross unless it’s safe to. Don’t risk it. RNLI ANSWER
1,534
PEOPLE AIDED AFTER TIDAL CUT-OFF IN 2024
CLINGING ON: CRAMOND CAUSEWAY RESCUE
In August 2023, Kinghorn and Queensferry lifeboats were paged following a 999 call reporting someone in the water at Cramond Causeway. The Queensferry crew found a man holding onto one of the concrete pillars alongside the causeway, then Kinghorn RNLI approached and pulled him aboard their lifeboat.
‘The casualty was clearly hypothermic and unable to communicate with us,’ says Melanie McGarva, Crew Member at Kinghorn RNLI. ‘He had severe lacerations to his
fingers and toes where he had been clinging on as the tide rose around him – something that will stay with me forever. He was assessed by our crew who are trained in casualty care, taken to Cramond Village and then rushed to hospital where he was treated for hypothermia, lacerations and secondary drowning.’
‘Always check the safest times to cross by using the signage available,’ adds Melanie. ‘If you do find yourself cut off or spot others in trouble, call 999 or 112 immediately and ask for the coastguard.’ ■
Photos: Sunny Kang/Blast! Films, RNLI/(Kinghorn, Nigel Millard)
Melanie McGarva, Crew Member at Kinghorn RNLI