Brothers and stations uniteWhen Red Bay lifeboat crew were paged, there was no immediate threat to life for the couple on the yacht, Chtoe. Yet at Red Bay station brothers Tom and Paddy McLaughlin remember thinking: 'It was blowing a gale right up here... We knew we were going to something serious' Mr and Mrs Burston are experienced sailors and had lived on their sturdy yacht for nearly 20 years. They were heading for Portpatrick, Scotland when the conditions suddenly changed on 8 September 2002. The wind swung to the east and the impeller wouldn't work. When Mr Burston investigated, he could find nothing wrong with it, but by this time the conditions were rough. The couple decided to sail to shelter in Camlough harbour, but they feared that even if they got through the entrance, they wouldn't be able to stop in time. Sound judgment made them alert the Coastguard to their situation at this point. The Coastguard requested the launch of the Red Bay lifeboat at midday.

It only took Red Bay five minutes to launch their Atlantic 75. Four crew members, not the standard three, manned the lifeboat. It was thought likely that one of them would have to transfer to the casualty and Crew Member Careth Shannon's experience as a yachtsman made him perfect for the job. Tom stresses that it was a joint decision to take an extra man: 'We do things collectively as a crew, so we discussed it and knew Gareth's sailing ability.' However, there was no seat for Gareth, so it was a rough ride. He held on tight as the lifeboat made 20 knots on the five-mile passage to the yacht.

When they reached the casualty, conditions had worsened and Chloe was pitching and rolling in a 2m swell and breaking seas. Mr Burston remembers:'We were being thrown about something chronic ... getting a bit black and blue.' Chtoe was nearing Garron Point, an area with a notorious tidal rip from the Irish Sea and the Atlantic.

Tom, the helmsman, recalls: 'We realised we were always going to have to transfer someone, but when we first got to them there was no way it could be done.'While escorting the yacht, keeping a close eye on her, Tom discussed other options with the crew and decided that Larne all weather lifeboat should be placed on standby.

In the conditions, the VHP radio of the yacht was out of reach below deck, so thetwo boats could only communicate by shouting. Mrs Burston was fighting to keep a straight course at the helm. The yacht was now being battered by larger waves and the wind strength increased. Mrs Burston waved for help.

The Red Bay crew were quick to respond.

Tom made an approach to transfer Gareth, and Paddy called Belfast Coastguard to request the assistance of Lame's Trent class lifeboat. The Lame lifeboat Drjohn McSparran launched within 10 minutes with Jimmy Healy's brother Frank in command.

Meanwhile, Tom throttled the B class towards the yacht. In an extremely difficult manoeuvre, with Chloe surfing and broaching on the larger waves, Tom laid the port bow onto the yacht. Gareth quickly stepped onto the yacht and then Tom moved the lifeboat out of harm's way.

Gareth assessed the condition of the crew and took the helm on Chtoe. With Gareth's handheld VHF radio, communication was easier, but the breaking swell had increased to 3m. Gareth fought to keep a steady course towards shelter at Lame. Red Bay lifeboat stood by. Paddy commented: 'After we transferred Gareth, for the next 15 minutes the conditions were bad. There were lots of breaking seas coming at him, getting htm beam on.'Thankfully, the conditions eased as the two vessels passed Garron Point.

The Lame lifeboat was fast approaching from the south. By radio, Red Bay lifeboat requested that a crew member from the Trent be ready to transfer onto Chtoe via the Atlantic 75. Tom explains: 'We always knew there would have to be some sail work done, so we would have to transfer another crew member.' Larne lifeboat reached the casualty and the Atlantic 75 one mile south of Garron Point. Lame Crew Member Paul Johnston was successfully transferred onto the Atlantic 75 and then onto the yacht.

Under close escort of the two lifeboats, Gareth and Paul sailed southwest in improved conditions towards Glenarmmarina. Within two miles of Glenarm, they prepared Chtoe for a tow by Larne lifeboat.

Tom and Frank discussed the dangers of getting through the narrow entrance of Glenarm marina with a heavy (approximately 9-tonne) boat in tow. They decided that both lifeboats would be needed to control, enter the harbour and berth the yacht safely. The Trent class towed the yacht into the marina while the Atlantic 75 attached a short tow to Chtoe's stem, ready to act as a break and to help with steerage.

A large crowd of onlookers watched the manoeuvre as Chloe was berthed successfully over 2V; hours after the launch of Red Bay lifeboat. On shore, the couple thanked the lifeboatmen, who were relieved at the outcome of the service. Mr Burston later said of the lifeboat crew; They couldn't have been nicer or more helpful.' After a brief rest, both lifeboats set off back to their stations. Although the Red Bay crew had another rough ride, both lifeboats reached home safely.

Tom McLaughlin receives the Thanks of the Institution on Vellum for this service. Paddy McLaughlin, Jimmy Healy and Gareth Shannon receive a letter of appreciation. The actions of Larne lifeboat are also recognised by a joint letter of appreciation. Deputy Divisional Inspector for Ireland, Owen Medland, praised the teamwork of both crews and remarked that: 'A plethora of lifeboating skills were demonstrated by all on board.' Owen singled out Tom's actions, which prevented the rescue escalating into a more serious situation:'Tom McLaughlin showed great foresight and command during the service.'THE RED BAY LIFEBOAT Atlantic 75 lifeboat B-728 Dorothy Mary Funding: Bequests of Miss Dorothy Mary Raine and Mr David Stanley Raine THE CREW Helmsman Tom Mclaughlin Paddy Mclaughlin Careth Shannon Jimmy Healy RED BAY LIFEBOAT STATION Established: 1973 THE LARNE LIFEBOAT Trent class lifeboat 14-30 Drjohn McSparran Funding: Bequests of Miss Margaret McSparran, Mrs Arabella Frances Maud Cripps and Miss Susan Cochrane McCully with other gifts THE CREW Coxswain Frank Healy Willie McCauley Martin Agnew Karen Black Keith Leitch Paul Johnston Roy McMullen LARNE LIFEBOAT STATION Established: 1994 THE CASUALTY Crew of two on 12m yacht Chloe THE CONDITIONS Weather: Dry Visibility: Good Wind: Force 6, gusting 7 Sea state: Rough, 2-3 m swellDisaster averted at Whitby When two lifeboatmen at Whitby station spotted a small boat heading seawards one afternoon in January 2003, they knew the crew of three were putting their lives at riskHelmsman John Pearson and Mechanic Glenn Goodberry watched with concern as a small day boat with an outboard motor approached the harbour exit. The boat had only been bought 24 hours before and this was the three crewmen's first trip to sea.

They were apparently unaware of the danger they would meet out of the harbour.

Winds were only force 3 at the time, but high winds from previous days together with the meeting of fresh water from the river Esk and the incoming tide were resulting in a swell of up to 3m at the harbour entrance.

With fears for the safety of the men, John and Glenn left the boathouse to keep an eye on them. John recalls: 'We were hoping he would turn around.1 But the boat kept going. Glenn used his mobile phone to alert Number Coastguard. At 3pm the relief D class lifeboat, Cetrek, launched with John at the helm and Stephen Boocock and Philip Webster as crew.

The D class passed out of the harbour through breaking seas and, with the radio help of Glenn and the Coxswain on shore, they soon located the day boat. The crew had finally realised their mistake and were trying to turn back to the harbour. They were getting dangerously close to the surf line, so John told his crew to rig a tow ready for rapid deployment.

The situation worsened as the day boat was surfing down the waves, out of control and her outboard motor had failed. John still remembers one particular moment: The casualty was picked up by an extremely large swell and broached to port.

I was sure she would capsize.1 So John swiftly took the lifeboat alongside the day boat. Later, John commented: 'The inshore lifeboat handled exceptionally well in the conditions.' He turned both the vessels' bows to the sea and ordered the men into the lifeboat and they didn't need to be asked twice! John recalls: 'The three crew of the vessel responded immediately to my command to leave their vessel. They were very grateful.' With three extra people on board, now it was the lifeboat that was at risk in the breaking seas. John remembers: 'With my crew as well there was a lot of weight on the boat to get back into harbour.' John was discussing their options with those ashore via VHP radio when he observed a lull in the breaking waves. With razor-sharp reactions he judged the moment well and made a successful run for the harbour entrance and safety, to great relief all round.

John Pearson received a letter of appreciation from the Chairman Peter Nicholson, who thanked John for his 'judgment, leadership and skilful seamanship' during this swift 10-minute service. Glenn's role was also recognised with a letter from Operations Director Michael Vlasto who complimented Glenn: 'Your alertness and proactive actions were instrumental in saving precious time in the launching of the lifeboat.'The 'level-headed teamwork' of Crew Members Stephen Boocock and Philip Webster were also praised by Michael Vlasto and John was pleased that: 'The crew carried out their tasks without hesitation, displaying professionalism during a difficult service.'THE WHITBY LIFEBOAT Relief D class lifeboat D-491 Cetre* Funding: 25th Anniversary Appeal of Cetrek Ltd THE CREW Helmsman John Pearson Stephen Boocock Philip Webster WHITBY LIFEBOAT STATION Established: 1861 Medals: 5 Gold, 14 Silver, 16 Bronze THE CASUALTY Crew of three on 6m day boat with outboard motor THE CONDITIONS Weather: Overcast visibility: Good Wind: Force 4 Sea state: Rough, 3m swellJJfeguards in action Extended lifeguard season saves the day »Beach lifeguards at Perranporth were surprised to see a horse and rider galloping up to them on the afternoon of 26 October 2003 Two horse riders had been enjoying a sunny autumn day on Perran Sands beach when one fell off and was badly injured. Her friend phoned the Coastguard on 999 and raced on her horse to get help.

The lifeguards at Perranporth base, under the instruction of Carrick Supervisor Andy Thomas, reacted quickly. Drustan Ward and Darren Earl collected medical equipment with Andy and ran to the scene, accompanied by Tom Rees, a surf life saving club volunteer. The incoming tide meant there was no vehicle access but they ran the 2km in good time, reaching the injured woman in just over 10 minutes.

The four lifeguards found the casualty lying on her side near the water's edge. She was clearly in a lot of pain. The lifeguards worked together to treat and reassure her.

As part of their training, they had learnt to look out for possible spinal injuries and had practised treating this throughout the season. Afterwards, Andy commented that this training, along with the combined experience of the three lifeguards, was vital.

They carefully adjusted the woman's position so she was lying on her back, took her riding helmet off, covered her in their jackets to keep her warm and monitored her 'ABC1 - her airway, breathing and circulation. Tom ran back for more first aid equipment.

Andy soon realised that the lifeguards would have to move the casualty onto a spinal board and up the beach because of the fast incoming spring tide. This manoeuvre was done with great care and expertise, to avoid causing the woman any more pain or further damage.

The lifeguards kept the casualty as comfortable as possible while they waited for help. They also cleared a landing area for the Royal Navy Sea King helicopter, keeping the horses and people at a safe distance.

The helicopter arrived about 20 minutes after the lifeguards and took the casualty to Treliske hospital. Although the lifeguards haven't heard from the casualty since, they were delighted to discover that she had been discharged from hospital. Andy was grateful for the presence of two volunteer lifeguards, Tom Rees, the 'runner' during the incident, and Gavin Wells, who monitored the water's edge near Perranporth base while the other lifeguards were at the scene of the accident.

It was thanks to Perranzabuloe Parish Council and Perran Sands Holiday Park that the lifeguards were on duty throughout October. They requested extended lifeguard cover at Perranporth beach when they realised that good October weather was likely to attract more crowds than usual.

The increasing popularity of surfing and kite surfing also meant that the beach would be busy. The lifeguard season was originally due to end on 30 September but the additional donations from the Parish Council and Holiday Park enabled the RNLI to extend the service throughout October.

Greg Spray, RNLI Area Lifeguard Manager, praised the involvement of the Parish Council and Perran Sands Holiday Park: They are acting in an extremely responsible manner by ensuring that lifeguard cover reflects the changing safety needs at the beach.'.