The Beach Rescue tna scheme showed off its first ever beach lifeguards at two photocells on Friday 25 May.

Lifeguards were put through their paces at two locations - Fistral beach at Newquay in Cornwall and Sandbanks beach at Poole in Dorset On show with the lifeguards was their new kit including rescue boats, a jet ski, rescue boards, beach vehicles, radio and emergency first aid equipment. They also carried out demonstrations of the rescue work to be carried out on beaches this summer.

The RNLI has recruited head lifeguards, their deputies and seasonal lifeguards, and enlisted the support of volunteer clubs for weekend and peak cover in order to run the trials.

The lifeguards are fully qualified and will be managed, trained and equipped to provide the same level of service as that given by our lifeboats and their crews' said Peter Bradley, RNLI sea safety manager.

All equipment for the trials is being provided and maintained by the RNLI from the divisional base in Saltash, Cornwall- There will be full liaison and cooperation with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the relevant local authorities, the volunteer lifeguarding clubs and the flank lifeboat stations.

At the end of the trial year there will be a full assessment of the project before a full report is made to the RNLI executive committee, who will decide its future.

Half the cost of the trial is being funded by a generous benefactor with the balance coming from an exisiting legacy.

The launch resulted in some excellent press and TV coverage - most of which was highly accurate and very positive.

Straight to work The beach rescue teams are already proving their worth. In one of their first incidents, a teenage boy had dived into the shallows of Whitsand Bay in Cornwall - a beach that had no lifeguard presence at this time of the season last year. The RNLI lifeguards were quickly on hand and applied a neck collar, placed him on a spinal board and administered oxygen, before he was transferred by air ambulance. The hospital later confirmed that these prompt actions prevented the boy becoming a quadriplegic and he will be walking again in a few weeks.

Later in the same area, an unexploded bomb was located and identified by RNLI lifeguards. The team quickly contacted HM Coastguard who in turn called out the Royai Naval Bomb Disposal Team and ensured that the beach could reopen in good time.

One of the key objectives for the trial was to ensure a coordinated rescue service from the beach to the open sea. There have been several excellent examples of the lifeboat crews and beach rescue team working together effectively to ensure clear operational limits and standard operating procedures.

These are just some of the positive early results from the trial, but indicate that it could have a significant impact on safety around our coasts.

The trial is currently planned to last the summer and the RNLI will be talking to the local communities involvedThe Lifeboat is published four times a year and is sent free to RNLI members and governors. The next issue will be Autumn 2001 and will appear in October 2001.

News items should be received by 21 August, but earlier if possible. All material submitted for possible publication should be addressed to: The Editor, The Lifeboat. RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1H2.

Photographs intended for return should be accompanied by a stamped, addressed envelope. Contributions may be held for subsequent issues and, to reduce costs, receipt will not usually be acknowledged unless requested.

For further information on how to join the Institution as a member or governor contact: Membership, RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ. Tel: 0800 543210.

Any products or services advertised in The Lifeboat by third parties are not in any way endorsed by the RNLI and the RNLI shall not be responsible for the accuracy of any information contained in such advertisements nor has it investigated or verified any of the information.

The Lifeboat is published by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and printed by The Friary Press, Bridport Road, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1JL.together with the beach users to understand their reaction to the scheme. It is also be keen to discover how much more aware the younger generation will be of the RNLI as a result of this trial. At the end of the summer all this information will be brought together and the executive committee of the RNLI will then carefully consider whether the trial will continue.

Reaction from supporters around the country has been very positive, with a few questions raised on the costs involved and the issues of full time RNLI lifeguards.

From a cost point of view, the RNLI wanted to cover the initial costs to ensure control of the project. A very generous benefactor has funded half these costs and the remainder have been funded from a legacy - if the proiect were to continue, a significant contribution from any beach owner involved may be required.

In relation to full time lifeguards, the task of providing immediate and effective cover can only be achieved by continually manning the beaches during prime daylight hours. It would be unrealistic to assume that this constant cover could be delivered with volunteers alone.

However, volunteers will be a key part of the scheme by providing supplementary cover, particularly at weekends.

The most important objective is to help save more lives and to discover the most effective way to achieve this aim.

Moving inland The first inland lifeboat station, at Enniskillen in Northern Ireland, went live on Thursday 24 May.

Enniskillen will become the 40th RNLI station in Ireland. The setting up of Enniskillen lifeboat station is part of the pilot scheme to extend RNLI lifesaving skills by providing a rescue service on large expanses of inland waters.

Lough Erne Yacht Club is the base for the new Enniskillen station.

The large stretch of water being covered extends across 50sq miles over two loughs which attract a high level of leisure activity including fishing, sailing, caneoing and over-the-water flying. At busy times over 600 people can be on the stretch of water each week.

'This is an exciting moment in the history of the RNLI and for hfesaving in general' said Angus Watson, the RNLI's inland waters project manager. 'We already operate one of the best lifeboat services in the world and we feel this is an opportunity to extend our skills to an inland water where we can really make a difference and potentially save more lives.' It is estimated that over 250 lives are lost each year around inland waters - more than around the coast - and there are several thousand more potentially life-threatening incidents as leisure usage increase each year.

The new lifeboat station will be served initially by an Atlantic 21 inshore lifeboat but it may prove necessary to have additional resources on the lough in the long term. Eighteen lifeboat crew have been enrolled and trained ready for operation.Snap It! for the lifeboats Anyone who can work a camera and enjoys a challenge is invited to join in the fun by taking part in the RNLI's first Snap It! competition, in Putney on Saturday 18 August. This trasure hunt style event promises to be a fun day out for all the family and will be sponsored by the photo specialists Snappy Snaps- Teams of two to six people will be invited to search for answers to questions provided on the day and obtain photographic evidence.

Each team will be given a competition pack, including a disposable camera and other survival requirements.

The teams will work against the clock to take the photos, have them developed and return to the finish point. There will be fantastic prizes to be won, including an APS camera kit, CD player and photo equipment, as well as goody bags for all children taking part in the competion.

Anyone interested in taking part should contact Rebecca Connor on 020 7839 3369 or email [email protected],Lifeboat stations open day Burnham on Crouch station open day 2000 The RNLI operates 224 lifeboat stations throughout the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland and those where access and volunteer numbers allow will be open, free of charge, on the weekend of 30 June/1 July so that visitors may see over the lifeboats and talk to the crews.

Certain lifeboat stations will be offering fun activities for children and everyone taking part will receive a special certificate signed by one of the crew. Many lifeboat stations open on a limited basis all year round, but this is an opportunity for visitors to talk to the volunteer crews and see the lifeboats up close.

Lifeboat stations themselves, whether built in the last century or completely modern, have a unique atmosphere.

The lines of protective clothing with boots, lifejackets and helmets strategically placed, the awe-inspiring records of the rescues carried out at the station, combined with the presence of the ultra-modern lifeboat, ready and waiting to go, will give visitors a taste of the adrenaline buzz which surrounds any 'shout'.

Visitors to lifeboat stations throughout the summer will be able to take part in a national quiz based on the RNLI's lifeboat station locations throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland. Prizes include waterproof cameras, membership of Storm Force, the RNLI's junior membership club and other goodies.On to pastures new As announced in the Spring 2001 issue of The Lifeboat, former deputy director Ray Kipling has left the RNLI to run the Wessex Medical Trust.

Ray joined the RNLI in 1973 as a graduate trainee, moving into the public relations department in 1974. He was appointed public relations officer in 1980, moving on to become deputy director in 1988.

As well as working tirelessly in his role as deputy director. Ray also was responsible for the permanent secretariat of the International Lifeboat Federation, dealing with over 40 lifeboat societies worldwide.

Ray is also an acomplished author and has had three books published: A Source Book of Lifeboats (Ward Lock 1982); Rescue by Sail and Ray shows his appreciation for one of his leaving gifts Oar (Tops'1 Books 1982) and Strong to Save (Haynes Publishing 1995).

Ray will be sorely missed at the RNLI.

Everyone who has had the pleasure of working with him will be aware of what a cheerful, entertaining and hardworking person he is. The RNLI's loss is very definitely the Wessex Medical Trust's gain.

Sir Angus Fraser KCB TD We regret to announce that Sir Angus Fraser passed away on Sunday 27 May.

Sir Angus joined the Committee of Management in 1986 and served as a Deputy Treasurer from 1996 to 1998. He was elected a Vice President in 1994.

He also served on the Executive Committee, the Finance Committee and the Personnel Committee, and was Chairman of the latter from 1989 to 1998.

The funeral took place in June at St Michael's Church, Highgate and Highgate Cemetery.The RNLI is pleased to announce that David Brann has been appointed fundraising and marketing director. For the past six years David has been the Institution's marketing manager, in charge of the recruitment Aberdovey helmsman Phil Nicol recovered from his brush with death (see page 8) In time to travel in style to his wedding on Easter Saturday. This caused quite a stir in the village. However, the boat was never more than 150m from the boathouse and available for service.

Phil was under strict instructions from his new wife to have his pager turned off for the ceremony.

New hand at the FR helm and retention of members and donors, and legacy marketing strategy. He was responsible for the successful introduction of Offshore membership, aimed at active sea users. He has recently returned from a six month secondment to start The Legacy Promotion Campaign for the promotion of legacy giving to all charities.Thank you everyone An enormous Thank You' to the 35,000 supporters who completed the questionnaire we sent you with the winter edition of The Lifeboat. We have very nearly looked at all the information you have given us, and will be able to use it to look at new ways we can attract supporters in the future.

Some interesting results have come out of the survey so far - for example, over 50% of you list reading as a main interest, with travel at 48% and visiting places of interest and gardening at 46% - close rivals for your time! Making wwwaves The RNLI has launched a new section of its awardwinning website called Waves which will explore issues ranging from sailing to commercial fishing and invite opinions from a range of trade and user groups.

The views and opinions will be displayed on the site to stimulate debate which, in turn, and through increased awareness of safety, could help reduce the number of lives lost on the water.

Initially, there will be debates on diving, beach safety and motor boating - each with a range of opinion from relevant groups. These will be joined by debates on sailing, commercial fishing, sea angling, windsurfing, water skiing, personal watercraft and coastal walking.

Peter Bradley, the RNLI's national sea safety manager, commented 'For a long time it has been impossible to view all the arguments together in one place but Waves will make it possible for water users, manufacturers and the maritime media to do just that. We hope the issues raised will improve the standard of debate on water safety issues, so take a look today and have your say! www. I if eboats. org. u kKeeping you informed The RNLI produces a wide range of information booklets and leaflets aimed at keeping the public better informed about the lifeboat service.

Several new publications have recently been produced.

Fundraising for the lifeboats is a new publication available to branches, guilds and stations, in fact everyone who comes into contact with the general public. It presents the range of options that the public can choose from when considering fundraising support for the RNLI. It is intended to be handed out at shows and events, stations or coffee mornings for those who might be thinking about the RNLI for the first time. Copies are available from the fundraising department in Poole.

Beach safety starts here has been produced to tie in with the beach rescue pilot scheme.

Packed with vital beach safety information, it is an essential guide for anyone planning to catch some sun, sand and surf this summer. Copies are available from the sea safety department at Poole, or call free on 0800543210.

Several of the RNLI's museum guides have recently been updated.

New leaflets are available for the Royal National Lifeboat Collection at Chatham, the Grace Darling museum at Bamburgh and the Henry Blogg museum at Cromer.

Updates are also available for several of the RNLI's ever-popular information leaflets.

New issues include The Lifeboat Service Factfile, The RNLI in Wales & West /Were/a and the Isle of Man, and a range of RNLI posters. Copies are available from the PR department at Poole.Named in MayMay alone was a very busy month for official ceremonies, with no less than four new lifeboats being named and dedicated.

A brand new relief Severn class was named Volunteer Spirit at RNLI Poole Depot on 8 May.

She was primarily funded by branches and guilds, as their contribution to the 175th anniversary celebrations.

They were represented on the day by Helston branch which officially named her and handed her over. The following day another alt-weather relief lifeboat was named Corinne Whiteley at the very same location. The £l.2m Trent class was funded from the legacy of Mrs Corinne Whiteley of Mansfield. The generous bequest was made in memory of Corinne and her husband Alfred Harold Whiteley.

Weston-Super- Mare's new Atlantic 75 was named Coventry and Warwickshire, after the visiting holidaymakers who helped to fund her following an 18-month appeal which raised over £78,000. Appeal chairman, Sir Alan Veale, officially named her at The Winter Gardens on 19 May.

On 26 May, Arran's new Atlantic 75 was named The Boys' Brigade at The Old Pier in Lamlash by Margaret, Lady Thurso. The lifeboat is one of two to be funded from the Boy's Brigade millennium appeal, 'Lifeboats for 2000'.RNLI and BUSA join forces The RNLI is linking up with the British University Sporting Association and attending their national watersports events throughout 2001. The aim is to raise awareness among students attending the events. It is the first time the RNLI has taken such an active approach and talked directly with people in this 18-24 age group.

'We will be telling people who we are, what we do and taking details of individuals who may like to help us in the future' says Philippa Thompson, the RNLI's fundraising events organiser. The goal is to raise funds for the RNLI and start a rapport with younger people.' Volunteers wanted for Sea Safety campaign The RNLI is looking for enthusiastic volunteer safety advisers to help give sea users free safety advice. Teams of advisers will be offering sea safety advice from popular launching sites around the coast and additional volunteers are needed to boost the teams.

You don't need any experience to volunteer - just someone keen to help pass on advice which could help save lives at sea. You will be given full training on how to give safety information to users of all types of craft, ranging from jet skis to dinghies.

'We know that dangerous incidents at sea could be avoided if simple safety precautions are taken,such as carrying suitable lifejackets and flares on board' says Steve Wills, the RNLI's coordinator for this project. The volunteers we are seeking would play a key role in getting this information across to the public and could help prevent an accident from becoming an emergency1 says Steve.

Volunteer advisers need to be over 17, able to communicate well with people and spare one Saturday or Sunday once a month during the busy boating times.

Anyone wanting to volunteer can contact Steve Wills on freefone 0800 328 0600 for an information pack..