RNLI lifeguards get special brief from SAR squadron

Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose based 771 (Search and Rescue) Naval Air Squadron will again be training with Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) Lifeguards across Cornwall, ready for the busy Summer Season ahead. 

Cornwall has a unique and wide-ranging shoreline with over 400 beaches that stretch over its 250 mile coastline. These range from secluded, barely accessible rocky coves to huge expanses of golden sands bordering the Atlantic. Collectively Cornwall has some of the most varied in character of anywhere in the UK and arguably in the world. 

In this the 75th anniversary of 771 Naval Air Squadron commissioning (24th May 1939), the red and grey Sea King Mk 5 helicopters will visit beaches between 24th June to 5th July at: 

Gwithian – 24th June
Perranporth – 25th June
Poldhu Cove – 26th June
HarlynBay– 1st July
Crantock – 2nd July
Tregonhawke – 3rd July 

The RNLI Lifeguards from the beaches will receive special briefs from the aircrew about preparing and setting up landing sites for the Search and Rescue Sea Kings. They will also be talking with the Lifeguards about rescue techniques and the medical support that the crews will use throughout the summer across Cornish beaches. 

  "It’s always a delight to work with the Cornish RNLI Lifeguards and the visits ensure we all fully understand each other’s capabilities and skills,” said Lieutenant “Teddy” Thurston, Deputy SAR Officer of 771 Squadron. “These briefings will not only refresh the knowledge of the lifeguards but offer a practical demonstration of the aircraft capabilities. They provide benefit to everyone who needs our help”.