EXMOUTH RNLI lifeguards have experienced first hand how people are winched to safety after joining forces with the crew of the Portland coastguard helicopter.

EXMOUTH RNLI lifeguards have experienced first hand how people are winched to safety after joining forces with the crew of the Portland coastguard helicopter.

The helicopter last week landed on the recreation ground, behind Exmouth rugby club, where three of the town's RNLI lifeguards were winched into the aircraft.

The lifeguards learned about the role of the coastguard and how it works, the available search and rescue resources and the kit onboard the helicopter.

RNLI lifeguard spokesman Joe Haines said: "It was a very beneficial exercise, meeting the helicopter crew and seeing the kit they have.

"All the lifeguards in the team should now know exactly what to expect if the coastguard helicopter is tasked to one of our beaches.