Charity

Fishguard RNLI launched to two dramatic rescues over the weekend

Published

1 month ago

August 7, 2024

VOLUNTEERS at Fishguard RNLI were called into action twice over the weekend, responding to two dramatic rescue operations that resulted in the assistance of six casualties and the administration of vital medical treatment.

The first alert came at 3:10 pm on Saturday, 3 August. The day had been sunny, drawing many people to the waters around Fishguard for various coastal activities. HM Coastguard requested the launch of the charity’s D class inshore lifeboat, Edward Arthur Richardson, to assist two climbers at Needle Rock, directly across the bay from the lifeboat station.

Initial reports indicated that at least one climber had sustained an injury and both were unable to ascend the cliff face unaided. Coastguard cliff rescue teams proceeded to the top of the cliff while the lifeboat navigated towards the base, surrounded by rocks and shallow water.

Upon arrival, the lifeboat helm assessed the situation. Given the calm conditions, it was determined safest to deploy the anchor further out and veer down to the casualties, allowing the lifeboat to approach the rocks without running the engine astern, thus avoiding potential damage from submerged rocks. Oars were used to manoeuvre the lifeboat into position.

Both climbers were safely brought aboard, fitted with lifejackets, and provided with survival bags for warmth. An initial assessment revealed injuries to one casualty’s shoulder and both arms, caused by a dislodged rock that struck the climber below. The injured climber’s helmet had been cracked by the impact. Casualty care-trained crew members administered first aid, dressed the injuries, and provided pain relief before discharging the casualties with advice to attend A&E.

The second call came at 6:41 pm on Sunday, 4 August. HM Coastguard requested the lifeboat to assist following reports of two personal watercraft inside the harbour with four casualties, including three people in the water.

The lifeboat crew quickly located the first watercraft with one person aboard, who did not require medical assistance but could not restart the engine. The crew advised the person to remain on the craft while they assisted others. The second watercraft, initially more challenging to spot, was located some distance away with three people clinging to it. All were wearing buoyancy aids and were safely brought aboard the lifeboat. Though uninjured, the trio had been in the water for a considerable time.

To prevent the watercraft from becoming a navigational hazard, it was towed to the slip at Goodwick, where the casualties were met by a Coastguard team and family members. The lifeboat then returned to the first casualty, discovering that the engine had failed due to a detached kill cord. Unable to restart the engine, the lifeboat crew took the person and the watercraft under tow to the local slip.

Barry Scott, Volunteer Launch Authority for Fishguard RNLI, oversaw both operations. He praised the crews’ dedication and preparedness: “Our crews train hard for these moments, so that when they are needed, they are ready to answer that call. The climbing accident is not something we see often in our area, but the crew successfully recovered two casualties and provided the necessary medical attention they required. Fortunately, the most seriously injured casualty was wearing a helmet and had a means to call for help.

“For the second time in two days, our dedicated volunteer crew put in another great effort. When there are casualties in the water, there is always that extra urgency to launch, and our crew were quickly on scene and the casualties recovered safely from the water.

“It is great to see that all casualties involved were wearing the correct equipment for their type of activity. I would like to take the opportunity to remind anyone enjoying activities around the coast to check and ensure they have the correct equipment, including a means of contacting help, which should be within reach at all times. If needed, call 999 or 112 and ask for Coastguard.”

Fishguard RNLI continues to stand ready to assist those in distress, exemplifying their commitment to safety and rapid response.

Charity

Welsh RNLI Lifeboat stations gear up for RNLI 200th anniversary scroll relay

Published

1 day ago

September 19, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is set to mark its 200th anniversary in 2024 with a unique relay-style event involving its stations and shops across Wales. Throughout September and October, RNLI locations in Wales will participate in the ‘Connecting our Communities’ event, a key part of the bicentenary celebrations.

This commemorative relay features a scroll bearing the RNLI pledge, which is being passed through RNLI communities—including lifeboat stations, shops, lifeguard units, and fundraising branches—across the UK and Ireland. At each stop along its journey, representatives from the RNLI will sign the scroll, reinforcing the charity’s commitment to saving lives at sea.

The scroll’s journey through Wales includes visits to numerous RNLI stations and shops, with the schedule as follows:

Penarth Lifeboat Station: 20 September
Barry Island Visitor Centre and Shop: 21 September
Port Talbot Lifeboat Station: 21 September 2024
Burry Port Lifeboat Station: 22 September
Saundersfoot Shop: 23 September
Tenby Lifeboat Station: 23 September
Little and Broad Haven Lifeboat Station: 25 September
St Davids Lifeboat Station: 25 September
Fishguard Lifeboat Station: 26 September
Cardigan Lifeboat Station: 26 September
Aberaeron Fundraising Branch: 27 September
Aberystwyth Lifeboat Station: 27 September
Aberdyfi Lifeboat Station: 28 September
Barmouth Lifeboat Station: 28 September
Abersoch Lifeboat Station: 29 September
Pwllheli Lifeboat Station: 29 September
Moelfre Seawatch Centre: 2 October
Beaumaris Lifeboat Station: 2 October
Conwy Lifeboat Station: 11 October
Llandudno Lifeboat Station: 12 October
Rhyl Lifeboat Station: 12 October

This event offers an opportunity for the RNLI community to come together in celebration of the charity’s two centuries of service. Established in 1824, the RNLI has saved countless lives through its search and rescue operations along the coastlines of the UK and Ireland. The scroll relay serves not only as a commemoration of the RNLI’s rich history but also as a reaffirmation of its ongoing mission to save lives at sea.

The RNLI continues to rely on the generosity of the public and the dedication of its volunteers to maintain its vital life-saving operations. As the organisation approaches this milestone anniversary, it is inviting communities across Wales and beyond to participate in the celebrations and support its ongoing work.

Charity

RNLI scroll to arrive in Tenby for 200th anniversary signing ceremony

Published

2 days ago

September 18, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE RNLI 200 scroll, which is currently making its way across lifeboat stations and RNLI communities throughout the UK and Ireland, is set to arrive in Tenby on Monday, 23rd September. The scroll, which bears the RNLI pledge, will be signed by members of the Tenby Lifeboat Station team in a special public ceremony.

The signing event, scheduled for 4:30pm, offers the local community and visitors the chance to witness this significant moment in RNLI history. The scroll is part of the RNLI’s bicentenary celebrations, symbolising the unity and dedication of the organisation’s lifeboat crews, lifeguards, shop volunteers, and fundraising branches.

The RNLI 200 scroll has been travelling through numerous lifeboat stations, shops, lifeguard units, and fundraising branches, as it connects RNLI communities in a shared celebration of the organisation’s rich heritage and its ongoing commitment to saving lives at sea.

All are welcome to attend the signing at Tenby Lifeboat Station to mark this memorable occasion.

Charity

Welsh rugby great supports lifesaving charity in unique partnership

Published

3 days ago

September 17, 2024

Herald Sport

WELSH rugby great Shane Williams, MBE, has thrown his support behind Wales Air Ambulance and four of its medics who will be taking on Ironman this weekend.

Like Shane, the Charity’s medics Mike Palmer, Ruby Thomas, Simon Cartwright and Caroline Arter, will push their bodies to its limit to take on the ultimate challenge of Ironman Wales – swapping their flight suits for tri-suits.

The gruelling long-distance triathlon consists of a 2.4-mile sea swim, a 112-mile hilly bike course and a marathon through the streets of Tenby. 

Shane’s new sportswear brand, AGILIS, has provided each of the medics with Wales Air Ambulance branded tri-suits free of charge, but the support doesn’t end there. The unique partnership will see AGILIS support the Charity in future events, providing discounted sportswear to enable the Wales Air Ambulance to raise even more funds.

Shane said: “I am very proud to say that myself and AGILIS will be working in partnership with Wales Air Ambulance. Obviously, it’s a fantastic Charity and cause, we’ve all seen the great work that they have done, how amazing they are and the difference they make to a lot of people’s lives, so I am very proud to be associated with them on this adventure.”

Since retiring from the professional game Shane has found a new passion for endurance sports.

As part of the unique partnership between the brand and the Charity, the former Wales and British and Irish Lions international rugby player will show his support to the lifesaving Charity by wearing one of the Wales Air Ambulance tri-suits.

Shane continued: “I can’t wait to get out there with all the great fantastic people. I’ve met the crew taking part on Sunday, there are some real good triathletes there. I’m looking forward to seeing them do their business on the Ironman course and what’s exciting is that I’m going to be running and cycling in the Wales Air Ambulance colours, red and green! I’ve got the Welsh colours back on! It will be a very tough day, but I’m very proud.”

AGILIS will be supporting the Charity moving forward and has also donated hoodies for the medics to wear on the day. Shane will also be meeting up with the medics on Saturday, prior to the triathlon.

Mike Palmer, a Critical Care Practitioner onboard Wales Air Ambulance, said: “Shane Williams is not just a legend of rugby, but also of triathlon. It means so much to me and my colleagues to have the support and mentorship of someone who has pushed his body to the limits numerous times on one of the toughest Ironman courses in the world.

“To have been gifted the suits, and to wear the same as Shane on Sunday is remarkable. Balancing 12-hour shifts, a master’s degree and the intense training hasn’t been easy. There’s been many times that I’d be going for a long run before starting my shift at 7am, but we’re so near now and I’m so excited (and nervous) to step foot on that start line.

“We’re all so passionate about the Wales Air Ambulance, and me, Caz, Ruby and Simon continue to see first-hand the impact this charity has on people’s lives. So, on Sunday, when we feel like we can’t go any further, we’ll think of our patients and our supporters – and that’ll give us the push to carry on.

“Thank you to Shane, AGILIS and to all those who have donated to our challenge so far. If you can, please donate via our JustGiving page, and cheer for us on Sunday.”

Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.

It is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector partnership. The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the charity’s vehicles.

As a pan-Wales service, the dedicated crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care.

The 2008 World Rugby Player of the Year has further shown his commitment to the all-Wales Charity by signing up to another event alongside his AGILIS colleagues. The trio will be raising awareness of the lifesaving charity next month in the second largest half marathon event in the UK, the Cardiff Half Marathon.

Laura Slate, Communications and Engagement Manager for Wales Air Ambulance said: “Every day, our crews deliver advanced medical care to people across Wales, and alongside the 12-hour shifts, Caz, Mike, Simon and Ruby have been training for this massive challenge and raising money for our charity.

“We are absolutely delighted to be working with AGILIS and Shane and are incredibly grateful for the donation of tri-suits for the critical care practitioners. The company and the Welsh rugby great have already shown their dedication to our cause, and I offer my heartfelt thanks to all those who have been involved in creating this partnership. We are a proud Welsh charity, and Shane is a proud Welshman – it’s a perfect match, and we’re excited to see how the partnership will grow.”

The Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £11.2 million every year to keep its helicopters in the air and its rapid response vehicles on the road.

Laura continued: “There are many ways in which individuals and organisations can support us. AGILIS is great example of how businesses can contribute to our lifesaving service by supplying goods and services at a reduced rate, alongside traditional fundraising activities. It all helps us to ensure that as much money as possible goes directly to our frontline service for the benefit of the people of Wales.

“Good luck to everyone taking part on Sunday, and a special thank you to Shane and our heroes of the sky.”

Show your support to the Wales Air Ambulance Ironman team by donating to their JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/page/caroline-arter-1710187476943.