Whitby rowing clubs have joined forces with the RNLI to hold essential life-saving exercises for their younger members ahead of the forthcoming race season.
Whitby Fisherman’s and Whitby Friendship Amateur Rowing clubs invited their younger members down for a hands-on session in the water, in particular to prepare them for what to do should they capsize while out at sea.
Coxswain at Whitby Lifeboat Station, Richard Dowson said: “We had a debrief at the station with both clubs and explained about cold water shock. This is when you enter the water unexpectedly and the body goes into shock which can affect your breathing and lead to someone getting into serious difficulties.
“We talked to the rowers about Float To Live, the RNLI’s advice for anyone who enters the water unexpectedly. We then put these skills to the test by taking them into the water on their rowing boats, filling them with water and submerging the boats.
“The kids were fantastic, there were a few screams as the cold water flooded in but they all took it in their stride and did really well.”
The RNLI’s Float to Live advice is useful for anyone, regardless of how you use the water. It has helped save the lives of more than 50 people from children in rip currents to runners falling into canals, people swept out by waves and fishermen overboard.
The best way to float is to tilt your head back with your ears submerged. Try to relax and breathe normally and gently move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to.
Spread your arms and legs out to improve stability. Don’t worry if your legs sink, everyone floats differently. Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety. In a coastal emergency, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.
Lindsay Close, captain of The Fisherman’s team added: “It is really great to see the two clubs, who compete at sea, coming together for this session.”
