The RNLI’s ambitious aim to drastically reduce the number of drownings in the sea around the UK and Ireland was spelled out by a leading member of the charity on the Isle of Wight last weekend at the annual Isle of Wight Lifeboat Board meeting – but it was also a day of celebration.
At the meeting, held at Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes, the RNLI’s national vice chairman, Vicky Wright, said around 190 people drown in coastal waters every year. Working with communities, the RNLI aims through a comprehensive prevention ‘ Respect the Water’ campaign to get this annual figure halved by 2024.
While lifeboats and lifeguards will continue with their life-saving role, the RNLI also wants to help inform adults and children that swimming in the sea, with its rip currents and fast moving water, can be much more dangerous than in a pool.
Vicky said:
“Many people who drown don’t intend to get into the sea at all; they can just be walking along a beach when their dog goes into the sea and they go in after them. Then there are those who in their exuberance, on a cold winter’s day, jump into the sea. And young men who go into the sea after drinking too much.”
The RNLI was also playing its part in combating the ‘epidemic of drowning’ in under-developed countries. The fact was that drowning was the biggest cause of death amongst under 16 year olds in these countries. Just through various organisations teaching them how to swim could greatly reduce this figure.
The Island’s Lord Lieutenant, Maj Gen Martin White, who is the board’s annual president, said RNLI volunteers on the Island had led the way in spreading the sea safety message, and establishing visits and education teams. “And the Island loves its lifeboats and what they do,” he added.
He also revealed that this was an extraordinary year of awards in recognition of Island volunteers’ dedication and service. Of the badge recipients, 5 were golds (over 20 years), 5 silvers (over 10 years) and 8 bronzes (over 5 years). Two others serving over 10 years received statuettes.
There was a posthumous award to the late Doreen Harris, a valued member of Bembridge Guild, and a special award for ‘outstanding service’ to Glyn Ellis, Manager of the Inshore Lifeboat Centre in East Cowes.
Maj Gen White also paid warm tribute to Lady Pigot, retiring as chairman of the board after 26 years, although she will continue as a vice president. He said:
“She has been a huge supporter, as well as being involved in other organisations in the Island community.”
He later presented her with a painting of Bembridge lifeboat station, done by the station’s coxswain, Steve Simmonds.
Lady Pigot (pictured left) recalled that her family’s association with the RNLI went back to 1915, her late father becoming a deputy chairman and her late husband the board’s president. She praised the outstanding crews and dedicated volunteers of the three lifeboat stations and those involved in RNLI shops and fund-raising events.
Hon Treasurer of the board, Tim Woodcock, reported that the RNLI had achieved a steady performance in 2014, ensuring continuing improvement in lifesaving capabilities whilst retaining a sound financial position. Taking into account expenditure incurred by branches and guilds, the Island generated a ‘very commendable’ £403,237. These included legacy receipts of £184,000, of which £100,000 came to East Cowes Branch, to be ring-fenced for Cowes Lifeboat Station.
Robin Ebsworth was elected the board’s new chairman and Caroline Peel the vice chairman. All other the current officers, including hon secretary Lesley Myland – praised for her work by Maj Gen White – were re-elected.
The 100-plus people attending the annual meeting were able to inspect a special display showing the work of the stations, guilds and branches, including a description of the rescues performed through 2014 by the local lifeboats.
Featured photograph L-R: Diana Chillcott, Jennifer, Stuart Dyer, Maj Martin White, Joan Harvey and Simon Walker
