Duke of Edinburgh volunteers
We currently have three fantastic Duke of Edinburgh Award volunteers with us at PLIRB, each completing various levels of the scheme. We aim to devise a bespoke programme to encompass a broad range of training competencies to ensure their time with us is valuable. We hope they learn vital skills, build their confidence and understand the importance of working as part of a team and serving the community. And we hope that they will become our future crew!
Thank you to all three for choosing PLIRB as their volunteer programme! Although we can’t take any more at the moment, please contact us at plirbrescue@gmail.com if your son or daughter would like to volunteer at PLIRB.
On a shout
We were tasked by UKCG twice in March for very different incidents – the first was to a vulnerable person in the water in Bulverhythe and the second to a Mayday concerning a casualty vessel in difficulty two miles out to sea off Hastings.
While we typically cover the coastline between Camber and Fairlight, we are more frequently tasked to incidents further afield when neighbouring RNLI stations are not on service. We have an exceptionally quick response time and our crew train hard in many scenarios to ensure we are always rescue ready.
Dr Adrian Head
PLIRB were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Adrian Head, one of PLIRB’s founding members and crew. Adrian was also on Hastings RNLI and a local GP – loved and respected by many. We send our condolences and much love to Mish and all the family at this difficult time.
Congratulations to Shaun O’Hara!
One of our major projects is working to achieve Declared Facility Status. This is a significant exercise which all independent lifeboats must adopt to ensure we continue to be recognised as an official lifeboat service and meet the requirements of the Rescue Boat Code. It essentially means a complete review and overhaul of our operations – a lengthy and complex process!
A key part of this is crew training to ensure everyone is recognised as appropriately qualified (regardless of experience or time at sea!)
So a massive congratulations to Shaun O’Hara who has successfully completed all required qualifications. Shaun has been crew at PLIRB for 11 years, six of those as helm and has over 25 years’ experience being on the water. In just a few months Shaun has achieved: Advanced Powerboat, Day Skipper Practical, Day Skipper Theory, Professional Practices and Responsibilities and Sea Survival – all in addition to completing his ML5 medical and holding his Powerboat Level 2 and RYA VHF Radio.
Well done Shaun, a fantastic achievement and testament to his commitment to PLIRB and securing the future of our service.
On the run!
Springtime means marathons and we are honoured that people have been running to raise money for us!
In March, PLIRB volunteer Anthony Dixson took part in the Hastings Half Marathon – his first long distance event. And in early April Natasha Keats is competing in the Brighton Marathon!
A huge thank you to both of them! The money raised will be donated to the fund for our future new boat or to other major upcoming projects.
PettFest 2024 – Friday 24 to Monday 27 May
Two local businesses are getting together to organise a spring beer festival! The Royal Oak pub and The Old Butchers, Pett will be hosting the first PettFest event – a weekend celebration of great beers, ciders and music. To be held at the Royal Oak pub and featuring our very own Pett Slip Buoys! Look out for posters with more details!
