In a regular evening of training and community engagement, two new members of the Hastings Coastguard team found themselves plunged into local action and learning firsthand about their responsibilities and duties.
The new recruits, identified as Sam and Hannah, were part of a patrol routine in the local area of operations to familiarise themselves with the terrain and its challenges. However, the routine patrol swiftly turned into a moment of action and learning for the pair.
During the patrol, the team was alerted by a concerned citizen about a group of youths who had thrown two life rings off the harbour arm. Swiftly responding to the call, the coastguard team, with the new members, arrived at the harbour and successfully retrieved and restored the life rings. These critical pieces of equipment are now ready for use in an emergency situation once again.
In a significant contribution to their community education role, the team then took the opportunity to engage a different group of young people in a conversation about ‘tombstoning’ – the dangerous and often deadly practice of jumping from high platforms into water bodies. They discussed sea safety and the importance of leaving emergency life-saving equipment undisturbed.
Sam and Hannah experienced the critical importance of their roles in a vivid manner, turning their induction evening into a steep learning curve. The patrol was then resumed, covering the local Country Park area.
The Hastings Coastguard team continues to urge the public to immediately dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard if they witness someone in difficulty at sea. The quick action taken by bystanders can often make the difference between life and death.
