On station training

In addition to the training delivered at The Lifeboat College and by the RNLI's Mobile Training Units, regular station training is also undertaken. On station training involves weekly exercises and is all about teamwork, competence and safe procedures. Each time a lifeboat launches on exercise crew members will carry out various tasks to familiarise themselves with the range of equipment held on board the lifeboat. Various rescue scenarios are practiced, some involving other emergency services such as the UK or Irish Coastguard services. Each year, and at every station, a number of these exercises are observed by RNLI Divisional Inspectors.

Training on the beach

he RNLI lifeguards induction and training program is a comprehensive training program which builds upon the entry level lifeguard qualification and prepares them for all foreseeable incidents. This includes: -

• a formal welcome into the RNLI - an understanding of the organisation they are representing
• safety and wellbeing - how lifeguards should look after themselves, their team and the public
• human resources - polices and procedures required as part of their role as a lifeguard, be it paid or volunteer
• prevention - the skills needed to do the job
• critical incident management - and how lifeguards should apply those skills
• response - putting the skills into practice
• opportunities - how lifeguards can get involved in area other than their primary role
• advanced first aid skills
• equipment specific training - including inshore rescue boats and rescue water craft
• specific training for senior lifeguards and lifeguard supervisors
• delivering training - qualifications to help pass on the skills to develop existing and train future lifeguards

Lifeguard training is key to the effectiveness of our lifeguard service and we continually strive to improve the quality and efficiency of training delivered to our paid and volunteer lifeguards.