Phil Davies, RNLI Deputy Divisional Lifeguard Manager for Wales has returned home to Pembrokeshire after spending nine days with the French equivalent of the RNLI. Phil, who is based at the RNLI’s Area Support Centre in Pembroke helped to run and facilitate an advanced lifeguard course in Brittany.
For the past three years, the RNLI has sent staff abroad to assist the SNSM (Societie Nationale Sauvitage en Mer) with training. Phil was joined by colleague Stuart Thompson, Area Lifeguard Supervisor from the North Division in delivering the course to lifeguards over a nine day period.
The SNSM, which provides both lifeboat and lifeguard services was formed in 1967. The organisation has a range of craft in their fleet including inshore and all-weather lifeboats, operating from 229 stations.
Phil says:
‘In France, there are approximately 400 deaths at sea from drowning, of which 150 can be directly linked to drowning from the beach. It was extremely useful to be able to offer the skills and training which the RNLI have provided me with and pass on my knowledge and experience to our counterparts in France.
‘The course was very intense and covered areas from swimming with a rescue tube, reel and line, board paddling techniques, surf swimming and body surfing, beach hazard identification and patrol techniques. We also covered working with helicopters and lifeboats, communications and working with the Coastguard.’
Back on home soil, Phil is responsible for helping oversee the RNLI’s lifeguarding operation in Wales. RNLI lifeguard’s first started patrolling beaches in Pembrokeshire in 2008 and after a successful first season, in 2009 began operating in Swansea, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The lifeguards will be funded by each relevant council, while the extensive training and equipment will be supplied by the RNLI.
