Why women from across the south west met at Falmouth RNLI

Navigation charts, casualty care and a look inside the room where lifeboats get their call. That was the line-up when women from lifeboat stations across the south west gathered in Falmouth for a day built around them.

Falmouth Lifeboat Station recently hosted its first Women in SAR (search and rescue) day.

Who was behind it

The event was organised and led by Falmouth crew member Charlotte Mansell. She had help from fellow crew member Tamara Brookes and Falmouth RNLI Coxswain Luke Wills.

Women came from different lifeboat stations around the region. Gemma Wright, RNLI Head of Region for the South West, also went along to support the day.

What the day involved

There were sessions on navigation, casualty care and lifeboat familiarisation.

The group also visited HM Coastguard, getting a look behind the scenes at how lifeboats are tasked when a call comes in.

Building a network

Charlotte said: “Women in SAR events are an amazing opportunity to create a supportive network and sense of community.

“We recognise that we are very lucky to have so many amazing and supportive male allies and will continue to aim to make the RNLI a completely inclusive space.”

📷Women from lifeboat stations across the south west at Falmouth RNLI's first Women in SAR day. Credit: Falmouth Lifeboat