About this time of year I get to catch up with Phil Denham from the RNLI – he’s the support co-ordinator in the Community Safety team and is in charge of the roadshows in Scotland and the north of England.
The roadshow visits boating events, angling shows and community clubs, where it operates a free lifejacket clinic for anyone who wants to bring theirs along for a free safety review.
They also have a calling-for- help display – a hands-on look at products ranging from basic whistles and flares to electronic devices linked to the satellite system.
Their intervention display stand has information and advice on all types of waterside and waterborne activities as well as information on how you can join or support the RNLI in your area.
As one angler put it, I bring my lifejacket to an event at the start of every season for them to check it , a donation into a box is a cheap “thanks for possibly saving my life’’.
The RNLI celebrated its 196th birthday this past Wednesday. Founded as The Royal National Institution for the Preservation of Life From Shipwreck by Sir William Hilary, it has saved thousands of lives since then.
Hilary’s quote, “With courage, nothing is impossible” is woven into an organisation thatismadeupof95percent volunteers – ordinary people doing extraordinary things, supported by expert staff, all working together to help communities at home and abroad save lives.
There is a treasure trove of stories over the decades – brave people risking everything to help others. I’m sure most people who fish have seen the rescue boats or have personal experience of the RNLI.
In the beginning, oars and willpowerwerereliedontosave people lost at sea. In 1838, Grace Darling became a national hero when she and her father William rowed a mile out to sea rescuing sailors from the stricken SS Forfarshire.
Technology has come a long way, though – lifejackets were introduced in 1854 by Captain Ward, 1930 saw the introduction of the first fast motor lifeboat, Sir William Hillary, with its top speed of 18knots.
The equipment has improved exponentially ever since, with more than 400 lifeboats operating around 19,000 miles of coastline in the UK including advanced all-weather boats capable of high speed that can be operated safely in all weather conditions.
The courage of the volunteers, however, has remained the same down the years.
Visit www.rnli.org/ for more details.
