St Ives RNLI Respond to Three Shouts in Two Days

Three Callouts in Two Days: Busy Start to February for St Ives Lifeboat Crew

Volunteers at St Ives RNLI have had a demanding start to February, responding to three shouts in just two days.

The callouts, which were the station’s seventh, eighth and ninth of the year, took place on Tuesday 3rd February and Wednesday 4th February.

📷Credit: St Ives Lifeboat

Surfer Reported in Difficulty off the Coast

At 13.48 on Tuesday 3rd February, the inshore lifeboat was launched following a 999 call reporting a surfer drifting in a rip current and being carried towards the Godrevy and Gwithian area.

The inshore lifeboat, helmed by Jake Martin with two volunteer crew onboard, made best speed towards Hayle before carrying out a shoreline sweep towards Gwithian. A second 999 call later confirmed that the surfer had made it safely ashore.

One crew member was put ashore to check on the surfer’s welfare. With no further assistance required, the crew member rejoined the lifeboat and the lifeboat returned to station.

Speaking after the incident, Jake said:
“We remind people to never hesitate to make that call for help. If you see someone in difficulty on or near the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.”

Evening Shout During Training Night

The following evening, Wednesday 4th February, volunteers were arriving at the station for a scheduled training session when both lifeboats were tasked to another incident.

At 18.10, HM Coastguard requested the launch of the inshore lifeboat to assist police with a shoreline search in the Gwithian area. A further request followed at 18.19 for the all weather lifeboat to launch.

Both lifeboats launched promptly and headed to the scene. Shortly after launching, the crews were stood down. The inshore lifeboat returned to station, while the all weather lifeboat remained moored in the bay due to the high tide. Crew were back ashore by around 7pm.

📷Credit: St Ives Lifeboat

Training Continues After Stand Down

With the incident concluded, the planned training session went ahead as scheduled. The session was delivered by Ollie George, Coastal Lifeboat Trainer, and facilitated by Dickon Berriman, Area Operations Manager.

The training focused on Human Factors and Operational Decision Making, covering communication, leadership and teamwork, decision making, and situational awareness. These elements are set to be embedded into RNLI training going forward.

Once the session had finished, the crew recovered the all weather lifeboat back to the station, where it was washed down and made ready for its next service.

📷Credit: St Ives Lifeboat