Last week’s training session saw Kingsbridge Coastguard Rescue Team members meet at Bantham Beach to take part in some Water Rescue training and scenarios.

All Coastguard Rescue Officers (CRO’s) are trained as Water Rescue Technicians, and like all of the other skills our team has, it’s vital that they continue to keep them up.

Team members practiced some of the water rescue techniques including tethered rescue with one of the scenarios being a tricky rock rescue from the edge of a rip current, wading huddles, and then throw lining where the team had to rescue someone that had floated down river in the flow, as part of exercise.

The Coastguard Rescue Service is made up of volunteers who carry out rescues and help those in distress around our coast.

Volunteering is a rewarding role that supports and gives back to the community.

As a coastguard rescue officer you will receive regular training and be part of a team that works together to save lives.

As a volunteer you could be involved in a range of situations, from mud, cliff and water rescues to searches for missing people.

Coastguard rescue officers could be called out any time of the day or night, work in hazardous situations, build connections and gain valuable experience, won’t be paid but can claim expenses and can volunteer alongside their regular job with permission from their employers.

You can apply online at gov.uk and remember if there’s a coastal emergency, dial 999 ask for the Coastguard.