One need only look at the cork-clad oarsmen of over 100 years ago or the 'lady launchers'of the 1950s to see just how much has changed over the decades in saving lives at sea. Today's crews and lifeguards have previously undreamt-of craft and kit to help keep them safe and to increase the chance of survival of those they go to rescue (see pages 9 and 33). However, as the technology advances rapidly, other things remain the same: the bravery and commitment of the volunteers - and the power of the sea.

Previous issues of the Lifeboat have described some of the competence-based training now available to lifeboat crews.

Through training they gain the knowledge and the practical skills they need to use the new technology. Due to wider social changes, the vast majority of crew members now come from a non-maritime background so they also need suitable training to feel at home on the water and become expert boathandlers. Even the surf-loving lifeguards must learn how to survive in the worst of conditions. Now, a new set of competencies has been introduced to crew and lifeguard training: fitness.

Drawing its people from a broad selection of society, the RNLI is not immune to the shift to a generally more sedentary lifestyle. Without suitable preparation, the physical effects of being an active part of a rescue team could be almost literally shattering. Technology can help - the high-impact-absorbing crew seats in the newTamar class lifeboats will significantly reduce the risk of back injury, for example.

However, the lifesavers themselves must have a minimum level of strength, stamina and 'aerobic' fitness to be able to put their training into practice. But how can this be assured? meet in an emergency? Scientific study Working with the University of Portsmouth's Department of Sport and Exercise Science, the RNLI has devised a fitness standard each for crew and lifeguards. If a candidate meets the appropriate standard, they can be sure that they will be physically able to perform most tasks usually required in their role, both routine and more 'critical'. Specially designed tests simulate these tasks and can be objectively measured, bringing both peace of mind to the trainees themselves and confidence to their team.

Professor MichaelTipton and PhD student Tara Reilly of the University of Portsmouth explain further:'Fitness standards contribute to the RNLI's duty of care to its staff and volunteers, helping to lessen their risk of injury. Based strictly on proven ability, they also make selection fairer and encourage continued training and development.' Lifeguard fitness Whilst accident prevention is a key part of the RNLI lifeguards' role, a high standard of fitness is paramount if they are to meet their target of reaching any casualty up to 200m from the shore within 3Yz minutes.

The fitness tests designed for RNLI lifeguards are the result of a study published in December 2002 - until this point there were no scientifically based medical or fitness standards for lifeguards anywhere in the world.

Research found that the most demanding tasks for lifeguards are towing a casualty at sea, paddling with a casualty on a rescue board and casualty handling. The study concluded that, as well as holding a recognised lifesaving qualification from an organisation such as Surf Life Saving Association GB or the Royal Lifesaving Society UK, all RNLI lifeguards should be able to demonstrate the following: Lifeguards' fitness tests • 200m pool swim in 3 minutes 30 seconds • 400m pool swim in 7 minutes 30 seconds • 25m pool swim underwater and a 25m surface swim consecutively in under 50 seconds • 200m beach run on soft sand in 40 seconds These tests have been used for real since the RNLI began its lifeguard service in 2003. New lifeguards take the tests as part of their interview process whilst returning lifeguards re-take the fitness tests prior to startingwork. They are then all tested again every month throughout the lifeguarding season.

The RNLI only takes on lifeguards who pass and if any recruited lifeguard fails an interim fitness test then they are immediately stood down from operational duties whilst another test is arranged, normally within a week.

Maintaining personal fitness is each lifeguard's own responsibility but the RNLI provides weekly swimming sessions and a structured self-coaching swimming fitness programme to support this. Anyone aspiring to become an RNLI lifeguard can join a fitness training programme while for those who cannot meet the standard or who wish to try a supporting role to the lifeguards, other volunteer shore-based opportunities are increasingly available.

Lifeboat crew fitness The standard for lifeboat crew members is underpinned by University of Portsmouth research into the relationship between the ageing process and back injuries, as well as an analysis of the most physically challenging tasks undertaken onboard all-weather and inshore lifeboats.

Research found that the most demanding tasks for all-weather lifeboat crew members are man overboard recovery, salvage pump handling and casualty handling, whilst inshore lifeboat crew members' toughest jobs are man overboard recovery, re-entering the boat from the water and anchor recovery.

These strenuous activities require various strengths (notably back and grip) as well as cardiovascular fitness. The research team worked with RNLI operational staff and volunteers at a selection of pilot lifeboat stations to create an ingenious set of simple gadgets to test these abilities, creating a portable 'fit box'.

These tests are new to the RNLI this year and are yet to reach most lifeboat stations. Unlike the lifeguard tests, the crew tests will allow a range of results from fail through borderline and pass to good pass. It is expected that most crew members will reach at least a pass. A borderline result will bring the chance to develop physical capabilities before a re-test.

Flexible retirement An added benefit of the fitness standard and tests for crew members is that a 'one size fits all' fixed retirement age is no longer necessary or appropriate.

Existing retirement ages are 55 for all-weather lifeboat crews and 45 for inshore.

If someone candemonstrate the necessary fitness levels and other competencies beyond these ages, they will now be able to remain in post for up to five more years. The option of retaining highly trained and experienced crew members for longer has to be good news, not least for their less-experienced colleagues who can continue to learn from them.

'The tests realty are nothing to worry about, so when your turn comes around, just relax and take it in your stride!' Under the new system, crew members below the current retirement age will be tested every five years, whilst those who have extended their service beyond normal retirement will be tested every two years.

The tests will take place at the individual's own lifeboat station and will be supervised by their Divisional Training Assessor, with an emphasis on testing those who will be extending their service beyond the usual retirement age first. Testing new recruits will be the next priority, taking place as soon as possible after their medical examination, followed by tests for boat officers, inshorelifeboat helms and hovercraft commanders and, finally, all-weather, inshore and hovercraft crew members.

In this introductory stage of the scheme the RNLI and University of Portsmouth will be closely monitoring how the tests work in practice.

First pass The first person ever to take the new lifeboat crew fitness tests was Staff Coxswain Mike Storey, pictured left after successfully completing the tasks. Mike's role takes him to every corner of the lifeboat service, delivering all-weather lifeboats anywhere around the UK and Rol coasts or acting as Relief Coxswain. He is himself 'of a certain age' so, by passing the test, he can continue his challenging role.

Mike reassures his colleagues that the tests take only half an hour to complete and are well within the capability of the average crew member: The tests are fair and certainly won't be catching people out. They'll help set a common standard - if you can't do this, you really shouldn't be doing the job.' He adds: 'You can never fully simulate the conditions onboard a lifeboat but the tests offer a good starting position, which can be built on through ongoing training.' Mike is interested to see how many crew members choose to take up the option of extending their service beyond the normal retirement age. His only concern would be that such extensions might prevent others from progressing to more responsible roles.

Overall, however, Mike has this message for all crews in the UK and Rol:'The tests really are nothing to worry about, so when your turn comes around, just relax and take it in your stride!' As the RNLI's saying goes, having been trained to the new standards, lifeguards and Inshore lifeboat crew members' fitness tests: three-minute step test for aerobic fitness rescue a 35kg 'dummy' (equivalent to sharing the recovery of a person) over the side of the lifeboat pull a rope, with a resistance of 15kg, 50m in 45 seconds (simulating raising an anchor) re-board the lifeboat via the stern • grip strength tests back strength tests All-weather lifeboat crew members' fitness tests: three-minute step test • lift a weight of 35kg to a height of 1.5m using lifeline strops carry a weight of 20kg for 10m, repeated using other hand • carry a stretcher with a 35kg resultant load for 10m • grip strength tests • back strength testsWhat is your opinion of the RNLI lifeguard and crew fitness standards? Perhaps you're a crew member or lifeguard who's already taken the tests - the Lifeboat would be very interested to hear from you..