TRAINING EXERCISE TURNS INTO RESCUE FOR ARNSIDE COASTGUARD RESCUE TEAM

At 3 o clock on Saturday afternoon a training exercise turned into a successful rescue for Arnside Coastguard Rescue Team when a member of the team was taken ill during the exercise on the Kent Estuary.

Two members of Arnside Coastguard Rescue Team

The Arnside Team were undertaking training with their new Rescue Water Craft, due to come into service during the summer season, when one of their colleagues became unwell and was deemed in need of medical attention. The area in which they were training was approximately 600 metres away from the nearest road, and so the Rescue Water Craft they were using for the training was deployed to collect a rescue stretcher and medical supplies, and the casualty was carried by the team to a waiting ambulance from North West Ambulance Service.
Richard Hackwell, HM Coastguard Technical Rescue Consultant was assisting with the training, along with Ben Granata of K38 UK.

Richard said:

Rescue Water Craft are increasingly being used for safety and rescue in a wide variety of water conditions, with the team being trained in their use on Saturday afternoon afternoon. The team performed well, effectively utilising the new craft and demonstrating its capabilities in the challenging operating conditions of the Kent Estuary. The craft certainly proved its worth and was crucial to Saturday afternoons rescue, and Im confident it will be an invaluable asset in the busy summer months.

Chris Turner, Fylde Sector Manager, HM Coastguard said:
With many more people choosing to holiday in the UK this year we are prepared for a busy summer, and the new Rescue Water Craft will enhance our ability to deliver search and rescue around the coast. If you are visiting the coast this summer and you spot anyone in danger, always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.


Posted By: Rosie Tapping

For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Press Office
023 8032 9401