Safer Thames: by Paul Stallard

That is what we at Teddington RNLI Lifeboat Station strive for every day.

Teddington RNLI works in partnership with other boat users (commercial and recreational) to prevent accidents and train to rescue!

We learn from each other and we see things from each other’s perspective.

The RNLI outlines on the RNLI website our role as bridge-builder: ‘We always work to identify, grow and maintain effective partnerships and coalitions to further the cause of the wider lifesaving community.’

We interact with local River Thames clubs and companies to better understand their needs so that in a real-life rescue situation they know how we can help them and we know what they need from us.

Teddington RNLI managed a successful rescue training exercise with Hampton Canoe Club on the River Thames this week. (http://hamptoncanoeclub.co.uk/wordpress/)

The training exercise which took place early evening on Wednesday, June 20, just by Teddington Lock, was organised by Jon Barker and Jon Chapman, both helms at Teddington RNLI, in partnership with Andrew Wallace of Hampton Canoe Club.

Both Teddington RNLI D-Class InShore Lifeboats (ILBs) were deployed: (D-743 Olwen and Tom and D-785 Peter Saw). The majority of Teddington RNLI Crew and Shore Crew took part in the different rescue scenarios.

Andrew Wallace of Hampton Canoe Club was very pleased with the training: "My friends from Hampton Canoe Club often paddle these waters, and know how delightful, and sometimes how tricky, they can be. We all enjoyed it and it was great to meet so many of the crew. It's been useful and enjoyable to have a joint training session with the Teddington RNLI crew. We'd encourage other canoe clubs to consider training with their local RNLI or rescue services, so that paddling can become even safer."

Teddington RNLI’s two D-Class Inshore Lifeboats (ILBs) successfully completed a River Thames exercise involving Turks Launches.

The exercise took place on Tuesday 12 June, creating some drama in the evening just by Kingston Bridge on the Thames. All public were notified by social media and on scene that it was a training exercise!

Matt Allchurch, helm at Teddington RNLI, organised the exercise with Nick Tudor, General Manager of Turks Launches designing it to be a realistic simulation of a possible emergency on the river. (https://www.turks.co.uk/)

Nick Tudor was delighted with the outcome: "I would just like to say thanks to everyone involved. It was very enjoyable, and I think it all went quite smoothly from an operational side of things too. Training with the RNLI is always a fantastic experience for our Skippers and crew. We love any opportunity to refine our skills and learn from the wealth of experience the RNLI crews have to offer. Post exercise socialising is always a bonus too! We’re already looking forward to the next one.”

When you see Teddington RNLI on our joint training exercises you know we do it so that anyone who uses the river can relax knowing should an accident happen we are prepared and ready to help.

By Paul Stallard

Teddington RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer and Crew