The Bridlington Coastguard Rescue Team is looking for new volunteers to join their ranks and help keep the coastline safe this January
Bridlington: The HM Coastguard has been dedicated to keeping people safe at sea and on land for over 200 years. It’s a big deal!
They’ve got some intense training for volunteers, including abseiling exercises. The Bridlington Echo recently took a peek behind the scenes at our local Coastguard Rescue Team.
Now, hanging off a 400 ft cliff might not sound like a blast to everyone, but for these Bridlington volunteers, it’s just part of the job. They’re gearing up to recruit more folks to help with rescues and keep everyone safe along the coast and cliff paths.
They work hand-in-hand with RNLI crews and assist Coastguard helicopters with landing areas and evacuating casualties when needed. Their callouts include cliff rescues, searches for missing persons, and dealing with people caught by rising tides.
The team covers about 25 miles of coastline, from Speeton to Atwick. It’s a busy job, and they’re always on the go!
Training is ongoing and varied, and they often assist the Search and Rescue helicopter. Sadly, they also have to deal with recovering bodies from the sea, which is why they have a solid training program for that part of the job.
Jordan Grebby, the Station Officer, oversees the training. He says volunteering with the Coastguard is super rewarding. You get to work alongside other emergency services to help those in need.
The team is made up of all sorts of people who dedicate their time to respond to emergencies. Everyone gets trained and equipped for their roles. Jordan adds that he’s never met a better group of ordinary folks doing extraordinary things.
This year has been particularly busy for the team, with record numbers of incidents. If you’re even a little curious about joining, reach out—you won’t regret it!
On November 25, they had to rescue a dog that went over a cliff near Sewerby Steps, bringing their total callouts to 224 for the year. Thankfully, the pup was rescued without a scratch!
John Bowles, a volunteer, shares that he’s always been active and wanted to be part of a real team. He loves helping people and craves both mental and physical challenges. The team is a great mix of backgrounds and ages, and they offer flexible availability.
Clive Stephenson, another volunteer, has been with the team for about eight years. He loves the camaraderie and even enjoys training, no matter the weather. He recalls a memorable incident where they had to rescue a man who fell into an old well while walking his dogs.
Clive says it’s time for him to step back and let someone new join, but he encourages anyone interested to give it a shot. You won’t be disappointed!
If you’re keen on joining the Bridlington HM Coastguard team, keep an eye out for their recruitment window opening in early January 2025. Check their Facebook or the Coastguard website for updates!
