Bridlington RNLI volunteers were called into action over the weekend (Saturday 23 May) when a jet ski got into difficulty during the station’s ‘Crew for a Day’ event.
Members of the public were enjoying the event that gives participants an insight into life as a volunteer crew member, especially for the younger generation, when the tasking came in from the HM Coastguard at 1.26pm. The crew responded swiftly to reports that a jet ski was experiencing mechanical problems one mile off the coast of Wilsthorpe.
The RNLI relief inshore lifeboat Richard Peter McFarland launched promptly with a RNLI volunteer crew of three onboard, demonstrating the very skills and professionalism that the ‘Crew for a Day’ initiative is designed to showcase.
After making best speed to the last reported location, the crew located the casualties and ensured the rider and young passenger were safe, well and hydrated. The casualties were then taken ashore, and then the volunteer RNLI lifeboat returned to Bridlington where it was recovered, washed down, refueled, and was back on service by 3.11pm.
The incident provided an unexpected but valuable real-life example for those taking part in the day’s ‘Crew for a Day’ event, highlighting the vital role RNLI volunteers play in keeping people safe at sea.
Bridlington RNLI helm, Sarah Berrey said, ‘While today’s ‘Crew for a Day’ event is designed to give young people a hands-on experience of what we do, it also shows that our volunteers are always ready to respond when the pager goes. This was a great example of the crew putting their training into action quickly and safely.’
Joel, from Doncaster, who was rider of the jet ski added ‘Being out at sea with a failed engine, on a small water craft with nobody around, would be a distressing experience for most people. Luckily for us we called 999 and asked for the Coastguard who were very responsive in getting the RNLI out to us.
Within 15 minutes we saw the comforting sight of the orange boat beaming towards us much to the excitement from my younger brother. Very quickly they were by our side and got us back to land. I would like to give a special thanks to Sarah and the two lads that saved us, extremely grateful.’
