Exmouth RNLI crew to begin training to launch lifeboat from new boathouse

EXMOUTH RNLI this month begins training to enable its crew to launch and recover the Mersey all-weather lifeboat when it moves to the new seafront boat house.

EXMOUTH RNLI this month begins training to enable its crew to launch and recover the Mersey all-weather lifeboat when it moves to the new seafront boat house.

This month the voluntary crew begins carriage launch training on the beach - learning to operate the 19-tonne tractor which will tow the lifeboat carriage from the boathouse to the sea and back.

The new multi-million pound boat house, at Maer Raocks, is due to be officially opened on June 6 2009.

RNLI deputy divisional inspector Nigel Jones said: "The training is likely to take approximately 20 hours per crew member and involves shore helpers, tractor drivers and lifeboat crew.

"Once training is complete, it will mean Exmouth RNLI volunteer crew will be able to effectively operate from the new lifeboat station and continue to respond to call outs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.