Torbay Lifeboat Lifesaving Plan

Torbay Lifeboat Lifesaving Plan
Reviewed and updated JAN 23

Purpose
Ending preventable loss of life in the sea in Torbay Lifeboat’s area of operation through education, accident reduction initiatives, emergency response and community engagement.

Introduction
There are three major towns within Torbay with an overall population of 150,000+, a significant percentage of which are empty nesters and those actively retired, plus an influx of folk not used to coastal living. The population increases dramatically during the tourist season

Torbay Harbour is 16 square miles of open sea with 22 miles of coastline with Torbay Lifeboat also covering an area outside of the harbour limits from Maidencombe in the north, to Scabbacombe in the south. The area extends considerably when covering the flank stations of Dartmouth and Teignmouth, neither of which have an ALB.  The area also covers 50 miles seawards into Lyme Bay and the English Channel. 

There are three harbours and three marinas with hundreds of resident boats, four Sailing Clubs, Kayak and Rowing Clubs. Four slipways accommodate slip-launched boats, kayaks, SUPs, PWCs and dinghies during the summer season.

During 2022 there has been a huge increase in kayaking, SUPs, foils, and open water swimming, with the latter prominent all year round. The use of PWCs has also increased with a reduction in slip-launched wakeboard type craft.

Shore angling, coastal walking (Southwest Coast Path runs through the area) and scuba diving continue to expand particularly from Breakwater Beach at Brixham.

Numerous maritime events will be running out of all three harbours during the 2023 summer season (including National and International). The harbours also accommodate a significant number of Heritage sailing vessels and seasonal cruise ships plus hundreds of visiting vessels.

The largest beaches have gently sloping access to the sea without any surf, rip current or significant tidal currents, so are predominantly safe and family friendly, with the caveat that prevailing winds are generally offshore.  The beaches are consequently not manned by lifeguards or any Council/Harbour authority Beach Managers or staff.

The area is however, covered by 2 HM Coastguard Rescue Teams based at Paignton and Brixham, which may well expand to 3 in the future.

The mix of activities across some of the beaches is becoming an issue, particularly the mix of PWC, foils , SUPs and swimmers at Broadsands,  Elbury and Paignton being the highest by population.

Lifeboat Service Trends
In 2022 there were over 100 lifeboat launches again. The number of launches and reasons for launch have not changed to any great extent over the year with calls to assist police/HMCG with ‘vulnerable people’ remaining the major cause.

SUP users needed assistance for the first time and the overall beach related activity attracted calls for assistance.  Kayak shouts increased as did those for shore-based injuries.

Mechanical failure in all type of vessels was down.

There were four body recoveries.

Vessels including MFVs
In 2022 the majority of calls to vessels were for mechanical/electrical failure of one type or another, fire,  adrift or aground in a small number of cases, plus medevacs.

Multiple Activities
The undesirable and high-risk interaction between swimmers, manual craft, powered craft and PWCs inside the seasonal FIVE KNOT buoys is a significant risk which has constantly been registered with the Harbour Authority.

Diving

Whilst a low percentage of calls for help, diving incidents have a high risk of loss of life and numbers participating from boats and breakwater beach is high all year round. Absence of regular and current medical checks is the predominant cause of diving related incidents and injuries and remains a major issue, however most diving activities are club monitored.
Whilst a low percentage of calls for help, diving incidents have a high risk of loss of life and numbers participating from boats and breakwater beach is high all year round.

Wind surfing and kite surfing
This generally only occurs during period of high winds at Preston Beach. Foil Kiting is growing in various locations, however relatively low numbers of assistance calls.

SUPs
There has been a huge increase in SUP usage across Torbay, resulting in 12 lifeboat calls and a surprise that there aren’t more. This situation evolves from the easy access of SUPs and lack of understanding and/or training or awareness of the risks by the users, and therefore also lack of safety equipment.

Kayaking
Huge increase in sit-on kayaking which can also be purchased cheaply from multiple outlets. Users tend to lack equipment and any knowledge and pose a much greater risk than traditional kayak users who tend to be more experienced, skilled and often members of clubs.

Missing Persons/Persons at Risk or in Distress
This represents the highest % of Lifeboat calls by far. Persons reported as missing, in distress, vulnerable, at risk of drowning, with assistance being sought by the police or HMCG. Some are sadly repeat `offenders’ and most are recovered by emergency services, however there are a number of deaths that occur. 5 bodies recovered in 2022.

Cut Off By Tide
The areas where people, usually children/teenagers get cut off are well known i.e., Livermead, Corbyn and Roundham Heads but this number has reduced.

Off-shore Swimming
Growing numbers of participants with the major issue being collision with PWCs/Craft, plus swimmers not following advice regarding visibility (bright hats or swim floats) and swimming in the dedicated ski lanes etc. The huge increase in this activity is a major concern of the harbour authority re risks.

Injuries /illness
The majority of Injuries and illnesses occur ashore with the former the result of cliff falls and those scrambling on rocks, steps etc. Increased in 2022. There is of course the need for Lifeboat medevac from vessels.

Leisure Angling
Both shore and boat angling have risks especially as the former is often carried out alone from areas with difficult access. Not wearing lifejackets and not being aware of the dangers continues to be an issue but represents very small numbers of incidents around Torbay.

Dog walking
Every year there are instances where dogs/owners are rescued following coastal/cliff path falls.

Tombstoning
Jumping into the sea from height will always be an attractive activity for young people seeking thrills, however not checking sufficient water depth and prevailing hazards both above and below surface are often the cause for potential serious injury.

This activity is not considered a high risk one since this activity is predominantly undertaken by locals who know their area.

Injuries
All figures were based on Lifeboat launch data only and do not include HMCG data or incidents where the RNLI has not been involved.  The majority of incidents where Oscar 4, the harbour authority patrol boat assisted in the main were to inflatables and mechanical failure. The authority recorded numerous near misses across vessel types.

Plan for 2023
Actions as below but with an continued focus on slipways/beaches, SUPs, kayaking, PWCs, open water swimming and general beach activity.  LJ clinics will still be held in all three harbours and promotion of advice on board will increase when new format is available.

Planned / Existing Interventions (New action proposed)

General Boating (sail and power)

	Lead	Partnership Involvement	Resources
Promote Safety and carry out advice on board*/ashore in marinas, harbours and slipways +Presentations at clubs/orgs Subject to revised process from HQ	WSO	TBHA MDL Coast Watch	Flyers, checklists, booklets, other RNLI and HMCG material e.g., SOLAS Stay Safe on Coast and Waters of Torbay joint doc with TBHA Revised for 2023
Lifejacket clinics. Proactive approach on slips +marinas+ harbours	WSO	TBHA MDL	RNLI lifejacket clinic display material, leaflets, and booklets
Place safety material at multiple locations. Awaiting new material from HQ	WSO	TBHA MDL Sea Schools Chandlers and clubs, Camp Sites, Coast Watch	Leaflets, checklists etc
Water safety presentations, PR events	WSO LVO Ed Vols	TBHA MDL Torbay Council LVO	Calling for help and other safety display and demo material
Circulation of  “Stay Safe on the Beaches, Coast and Waters in Torbay”.  A joint publication providing safety advice to participants in all coastal/maritime activities. Promote buoyage and rules of the road. Revised for 2023	WSO TBHA	TBHA TBC Resort Mgt	Publication written jointly by CSO/TBHA Issued by Harbour staff, Coastal Safety Team
TBHA Maritime Guide A guide to all water/beach users including safety advice under the RNLI banner	Exec Head TBHA	TBHA	As above
RNLI Fishing Safety Stability initiatives, flooding, cold water shock presentations, one to one, group sessions	RNLI Fishing Safety	TBC, MMO, BTA, Brixham Town Council	Media, leaflets, booklets etc

Cut Off by Tide/Beach Safety (2023 Focused Team Effort)

	Lead	Partnership Involvement	Resources
Warning signage at beach entry. 1-2-1 on beaches	WSO TBHA	TBC Resort and coastal Services Manager TBHA RNLI HQ TB Lifesaving Club	Lack of funding currently restricts further signage (Installation costs)
General beach safety including inflatables 1-2-1 interactions	TBHA WSO Resort Mgt	HMCG Beach franchises	Leaflets at campsites, beach franchises Education – School Visits Use of TBC Beach Wardens in 2023 Approach TBHA for offshore wind warning resources e.g, Orange wind socks and warning signs
Open water/ Offshore swimming at risk from vessels/PWCs/drowning 1-2-1 interactions Flyer issue	Abby/WSO/WSAs	Swimming Clubs TBHA	Locally produced Leaflets posters Establishment of Torbay Safety Forum run by TBHA involving swim groups, clubs, PWC users, regarding 5 knot Zone

Missing Persons/Persons in Distress/Attempted Suicides

Advisory notices detailing help available at known suicide points Action with associated organisations/agencies

All

HMCG Samaritans HMCG Police

Signage at Berry Head erected by Samaritans   Team received basic knowledge regarding how to talk to possible distressed folk LOM established process with Police re early warning so as have detail and Lifeboats can be launched early in the incident

Scuba Diving

Face to face with individual divers/groups (encourage individuals to advise clubs from out of Torbay to contact HQ	JT/SD	–	Safety cards and stickers Dive slates Hand signals leaflet Key fobs Other products Volunteer
Promote health checks/medicals and training course via Dive bodies/RNLI Survival course run by Dive bodies	As above	TSAC	As above Posters

Persons Injured Ashore (Cliffs and Rocks)

HMCG patrols providing advice and warnings  Risk Notices Notices posted by TBC, Countryside Trust

HMCG WSO

TBC Resort manager HM Coastguard

Subject to continued HMCG PR budget. TBC and Water Safety Notices erected

Leisure Angling

Ambassador Scheme introduced into 3 tackle shops across the Bay 1-2-1 interactions

CSA Angling

Tackle Shops

HQ Ambassador Scheme equipment supplied Handouts Level of risk dictates cautious monitoring Lack of supplies and has discouraged participation

Kayaking (2023 Focused Team Effort)

Promote kayaking safety through local clubs and groups using club officers	WSO	Kayak Clubs	Waterproof phone cases, leaflets and flyers Attendance at launch sites on beaches & slipways
121 advice to kayakers at launch sites	WSO	WSO/WSA/TBHA	As above plus Stay Safe in Torbay publication
Refer clubs to TBHA kayaking policy compiled by BCU/TBHA and RNLI And RNLI/BCU flyer	WSO	TBHA BCU Local clubs	Printed policy on-line exists +Flyers

SUPs (2023 Focused Team Effort)

Promote safety 121 on slips and beaches Safety Flyers Safety Forum

WSO/WSA

Retailers TBHA Clubs/Hire Companies

Flyers Phones cases Retailers to issue RNLI materials

Dog walking

Vet practices post and circulate posters and have flyers available for customers 1-2-1 interactions

WSO/WSA

Dart Vale Vet Practices 6 branches Silverton Vet Practices 4 branches Torbay Countryside Trust Guard House Cafe-Berry Head

Posters and flyers on promenade and coast path

Planned/Existing Intervention (PDF download)