RNLI

This week’s speaker was Joanne Wibberley, a volunteer for more than 15 years at RNLI Kinghorn. Joanne has spent four years as a crew member, ten years as a helmsman and is now management.

Crew are from 15 years of age up until 54 years. They are required to learn how to handle a boat, navigation and first aid. Most of all they require committed working volunteers.

The RNLI’s biggest boat is the Shannon which would would cost £1m.  The boat at Kinghorn is an Atlantic 85, 8.5m long, 3m wide three crew. Introduced into the fleet in 2005, the Atlantic 85 is the third generation of B class lifeboat and is gradually replacing the Atlantic 75.  In 2010 the Kinghorn boat cost £200,000

From Kinghorn at 46mph they can reach Leith in 12 minutes cover an area from Elie and  Aberlady Bay, Cramond and Dalgety Bay. Next nearest lifeboat station that they work with is at South Queensferry.

An example of what they do is using a direction finder to someone who has set off a beacon in a sea kayak, this one was definitely a life saved.

Kinghorn has possible 35 crew members but the boat sits on a trailer and to launch they need a tractor driver! Only 5 tractor drivers currently of whom 2 are ill.

The service from Kinghorn was established in 1965 and in 1995 their own station was built. Lots of calls are for dogs in the water or lead to humans struggling in water. Trips and falls from harbours, rocks and coastal path. People stranded by tide. Other call outs to commercial shipping.

The way it works:-

Dial 999.

Crew receive pager and phone alert.

Run to lifeboat station. 

Put on a ‘woolly bear’ and the plastic / rubber yellow suit that seals under arm and neck. 

Put on helmet that plugs into the boat, only way for crew to communicate when at sea. 

Average seven minute call out to launch time. 

The RNLI is charity dependant upon contributions. As a charity, they depend on donations to help meet the cost of saving lives at sea. Their volunteer lifeboat crew members give their time for free, but they need training, well-maintained equipment, lifeboats and shore facilities. The support provided means crews can save lives quickly, safely and effectively.

There are 238 lifeboat stations around the British Isles, the busiest is Tower on the Thames. In Scotland the busiest are Kinghorn, Queensferry and Broughty Ferry.

Joanne goes into Fife schools to teach children to be careful of the water. Stress how cold it is because you are twice as likely to drown in Scotland than the rest of the UK all due to the shock effect of the cold water.

In proposing the vote of thanks on behalf of the club Mark Todd said how impressed by the commitment of the Kinghorn volunteers in providing such a vital service. 

Next week’s speaker will be Captain Gerry Purvis.