Dramatic and impressive changes in technology, boat design and training have made a substantial contribution to saving record numbers of people at sea.
Speaking to members of the Rotary Club of Hunterston, Ron Copeland from Largs, a former RNLI crew member and now a shore-based ambassador for the Largs RNLI station, provided a comprehensive history of the service.
Mr Copeland, who recently celebrated a half of a century with the Largs Lifeboat, said: “Since the late 1960s, the improvements have been tremendous.
"Today we have a modern Atlantic 85 craft which is not only faster than anything we’ve had in the last half century but it’s packed with the latest navigational technology and life-saving equipment.
"This, combined with the superb training now given to volunteers, has made a tremendous difference.”
The Largs station has 22 male and female crew including new recruits in training, learning the skills required to handle the lifeboat and deliver the best life-saving techniques available.
There are also launch and support personnel manning the station. This year, the Largs lifeboat is expected to clock up its largest number of ‘call outs’ ever made.
The previous record was 45 in a 12 month period but already, Largs crews have already attended 37 ‘shouts’ and are just two-thirds our way through this year.
Mr Copeland, who was recently honoured for his five decades of RNLI service by HRH Princess Anne in Buckingham Palace, explained how ever increasing numbers of calls for RNLI assistance come from people who buy rubber and plastic air-filled toys and go out to sea in these fragile floatation devices without wearing life jackets.
He said: “Increasing numbers of holiday makers and visitors to the Clyde Coast find that when the tide turns or the wind rises that they can easily get into difficulties and that’s when we launch the lifeboat.”
Today, the Largs RNLI station operates a powerful Atlantic 85 which Mr Copeland described as a “much faster, more adaptable and safer vessel that’s equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
All crew members now have man-to-man radio communications at all times
Mr Copeland continued: “We carry a range of life-saving and emergency medical equipment although as yet, not a defibrillator – high voltage and water do not mix, however perhaps one day, such a vital piece kit will be developed.
"The majority of medical emergencies our crews have to deal with are broken bones, abrasions and hypothermia.”
He emphasised that the important, life-saving work of the RNLI and its crews across the UK continues to be completely funded through voluntary donations with no government subsidies.
During what Rotarians agreed was an informative presentation, Mr Copeland showed photographs of previous Largs RNLI crews, recalling the names of many who were known to members from the town and surrounding area in North Ayrshire.
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