This morning, Skerries Coast Guard took part in a scenario based rescue exercise with the Irish Coast Guard helicopter. The exercise took place along a short stretch of coastline at Hampton Cove, Balbriggan. Various training ares covered included casualty assessment and transportation, communications, helicopter landing sites, and casualty evacuation.
This morning the Skerries Coast Guard team took part in routine training with the Irish Coast Guard helicopter EI-MES. The landing site selected was at Red Island, Skerries and conditions on scene were excellent.
The unusual Easterly wind provided for a challenging landing approach from the South of the Martello Tower and as always the crew of EI-MES performed an admirable job.
The Skerries Coast Guard crew were given a full ground briefing on helicopter operations, including winching techniques, equipment, communications, disembarking procedures and landing sites.
All of the Skerries Coast Guard crew also took part in a flight around the area.
This evening the Skerries Coast Guard team were at the newly redeveloped Springers bathing complex at Red Island, Skerries for some rescue line training.
more photos are posted in the photo gallery
Two members from the Skerries Coast Guard unit have been chosen to participate in the Joint Search And Rescue (JSAR) games. JSAR is an annual competition in which teams are assessed on their ability to complete a number of search and rescue based scenarios. This year the competition will be held in Howth harbour on Saturday 10th of May.
Preparation for the event involved intensive training in Wicklow and Mullingar over the past number of months. The training covered power-boating, navigation, leadership, water and land based rescue and teamwork.
The event is open to the public and promises to be a highly entertaining day out. The theme will be “Coastguards now and then”, and will feature exciting displays from the National Transport Museum, and an array of rescue equipment from present day and years gone by.
Take a look at some photos from the JSAR 2008 event in our photo gallery
Earlier tonight the Skerries Coast Guard team conducted a scenario based training exercise on Red Island in Skerries. The training scenario involved Coast Guard volunteers assessing, stabilising and moving a casualty, conducting scene management and VHF communication.
