Summer Report 2009

Foreword.

What a season,

I don’t really think you can designate the operation of Solent Rescue within the historical singular annual season methodology anymore. It is now more seasonal.

We believe the official reports should reflect this, and on that note, I introduce you to the bi-annual reporting system! This first report will be classed as “Summer”, and the next report will be classed as “Winter”.

So, here goes….

Summer Report 2009.

Introduction

Solent Rescue prepared extensively for the 2009 summer season by running a busy maintenance schedule on all aspects of the lifeboat. This is inherently a complex and specialised activity regarding logistical analysis.

Crew rose to the challenge and from the ground up, all assets were overhauled and any gripes resolved. Even with major projects regarding the replacement of a complete jet drive that would have been a nightmare in previous years, was evaluated and completed within a week of the decision being made. That includes, purchase, delivery, fitting and calibration.  A special thank you to O2 "It's your community" and Exxon-Mobil for putting substantial funds towards this vital purchase.

With all of the effort, we were in the best possible position to start in earnest upon the Easter bank holiday.

Well done all.

The season proper

Solent Rescue had a generally busy season, with both vessels being called into action immediately by Solent Coastguard.

Crew continued to give up their valuable time free of charge to ensure the main vessel could be afloat for all the major events in the Solent.

Solent Rescue attended over 50 incidents where both land and sea-based intervention was necessary, over ten of these situations were classed as more severe in nature and our crew were able to improve or at least halt the incidents from getting any worse.

A few of the most notable jobs are as follows;

Solent Rescue 1 had moored in Newtown Creek for a brief respite from the elements on a rather blustery and choppy day, when a vessel with a suspected fire 1 mile south east of the Lymington river entrance called up Solent Coastguard. We prepped the vessel in the event of being tasked by the Coastguard and duly were. We located the vessel and towed him back to Lymington to be met by two fire engines and a Coastguard mobile unit.

Another was during the Little Britain Cup where a Pan-Pan was called by a 44ft racing yacht with jammed steering, crew had just tucked into breakfast when they were called to go to the aid of the vessel. Having to take a large completely disabled craft into Cowes during extremely heavy racing with moderate to rough conditions was by far one of the trickiest rescues Cameron has ever helmed.

Crew continued to learn through experience and this was bolstered by all crew completing an intensive three day maritime first aid course provided by Haven Ambulance service as well as four more crew completing their maritime radio licensing exam.

The summer period is always focused on giving the crew experience whilst the quieter winter season is more focused on the background workings and training / qualifying.

This was also only the second year for the revival of the Solent Rescue Family Fun-day. It was a much bigger event than 2008 with even greater take up by other SAR units. There were a number of demonstrations and the Lowland dog rescue unit sent their dogs into the sea to show how these powerful rescue hounds can drag not just people but small craft too!

John Lewis still continue to help us in attaining our goals and have provided us with much guidance and critical support through a number of key issues. Not forgetting their substantial donation of people, banners marquees for the fun-day. THANK YOU.

We have seen a further bolstering of our numbers throughout the year, with 5 additional crew members (three of whom are red cross qualified medical full time professionals) and one full time fundraiser who helps us cover the cost of equipment maintenance and protective gear. Sue, from CFK Promotions is an avid supporter of our small unit and we do hope to further build upon the success of this partnership.

After the success of last years transformation of the Solent Rescue website, and bringing in donated services by the UK's top search engine optimisation company Impact Media Ltd, and a 'webby' award nominee The Logo Company, the website has seen a huge increase in traffic in the "on-season" of 1,026.29% with 34,442 visitors and 56,313 page views, compared to last years 3,058 visits and 9,473 page views.

The focus next year will be embracing new technologies, and expanding and improving on the content of the website, with the aim of becoming the UK's best website for an Independent Lifeboat, and information portal for the Solent Area.

Being fortunate to having a website team that is so well versed in modern day website building and maintaining workflows, the Solent Rescue web team have taken on two other marine related ventures; the new Independent Lifeboat website for the uk - http://www.i-lifeboat.org.uk; maintained by the SR resident webmaster Brian Tyndall, and Seadogz - Rib Charter Experiences; featuring design work by Annabelle Carey, and content copywriting by Cameron Critchfield.

In Closing

I am constantly surprised by the commitment and attention to detail the crew have honed through the sharing of knowledge within our organisation. Our policy of “No politics”, helps to ensure that all crew learn as much as they wish on all aspects of what it takes to keep a lifeboat station afloat.

From helming to rope handling, fundraising to trailer maintenance, each member of Solent Rescue evolves almost naturally into a position within our unit. This method seems to work well, as crew can focus on the parts they enjoy more but do not mind getting into activities that they would not normally do in order for us to achieve our operationally critical goals.

The winter season will result in more sea time and hands on graft to ensure we are stronger and more efficient in 2010.

A big thank you to all that have, and continue to support Solent Rescue, without you, this unit would not survive.