Saturday, May 19, 2012
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News Activity Log 2010 End of year report

2010 End of year report

I thought it was about time to update you all with a brief report for the year complete.

Another challenging year for the unit and again, another massive big thank you to all the crew for their continued support, without you guys and girls, our unit would not be able to operate.

With the finances being tight all over, tied with an unremarkable meteorological summer, a marked reduction in waterborne users of the Western Solent was observed and shouts were down accordingly.

A tally of our activities is as follows;

25 waterborne requiring assistance – including an MOB of a young child,

20 Stand off whilst casualty righted themselves - no action required.
In excess of 50 land based medical emergencies, at least 30 of these required a trip to hospital 8 were deemed as serious.

On this basis we have calculated the average cost per tasking.

Waterborne:     £8k / 45 = £177.0 cost per incident.
Land:                £2k / 50 = £40.00 cost per incident.
 
Although leisure activity was reduced, Solent Rescue movements were not, we had the privilege of being able to provide safety cover for the Little Britain Challenge Cup Regatta which had at one time over 100 vessels competing. We are glad to say, there was only one incident that required any intervention and this was dealt with within 2 minutes of the hail.

We look forward to working closely with the organisers again in the future on such a worthy and well natured event.

Cowes Week was a hard slog this year and we were involved in an emergency requiring Cowes, Hamble Independent Lifeboat, SR1 and Rescue 104 (CG Helicopter).

Hamble and Cowes extracted two casualties, with Hamble completing a high line, we shepherded the entire racing fleet away from the incident to ensure the casualty could be airlifted using the fastest route available.

A strategic decision has now been taken to actively raise funds for a new vessel and to ring fence cash collected accordingly. Money has already begun to flow in but we are still some way off our £70k - £80k target.

We still continue to promote training within our unit and with three of our crew obtaining the next stage of their RYA Powerboat qualification, we face 2011 with a positive outlook knowing that we have not just fought the fires but also built on the successes of prior years.

Looking forward, we are aiming to get another 3 of our crew into RYA training during 2011 and another three operational crew their VHF licensing. First aid qualifications are still valid and with refresher training in-house we will be looking to re-sit our formal certifications in 2012.

Furthermore we have the pleasure in appointing a full time fundraising manager who goes by the name of Sue McMenamin. GOOD LUCK SUE, £80k by June-11 will be adequate…. No pressure!

In Closing, we have already begun gearing up for the Easter activation of service and we hope to see you safely afloat in the Spring.

 

FURTHERMORE - Our thoughts are with Derek and his family in these difficult times, we’re all here for you.

19 January 2011 Cameron Critchfield