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AIBU?

to think idiots should not risk lifeboat crews lives in this weather?

52 replies

KarenHL · 08/02/2014 11:38

Just that really. I originally come from near the coast and have a healthy respect for, awareness of the dangers of being on/near the sea.

The news is full of how bad this coming weather will be, merchant vessels are (sensibly) seeking shelter wherever they can - and still IDIOTS go out on sea, or to and away from dangerous waves.

AIBU to believe that if you are stupid enough to do this, you should not then expect the lifeboat crews to risk their lives for your selfish stupidity?

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HesterShaw · 08/02/2014 18:56

Frenchfancy, it's the richest charity in Britain and as such is far better off than it would be if it was government funded. They are also free to run themselves and not be subject to insulting, absurd targets like the other emergency services. Nor are they at risk of having government funding decimated like they were threatening to do with the Coastguard. They're better off as they are.

newfavouritething · 08/02/2014 18:56

livers?? hmmm. Lives.

honestpointofview · 08/02/2014 23:18

Hi Hester

RNLI is not the richest at all. Cancer research and Save the children are each worth more than double the worth of RNLI.

See this; www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2012/apr/24/top-1000-charities-donations-britain

magpieC · 08/02/2014 23:30

That article doesn't list worth - it lists income. I imagine the RNLI has significant assets...

CatAmongThePigeons · 08/02/2014 23:37

It does anger me seeing people in the sea, on the sea walls and generally in the reach of the sea. Emergency services have been tied up telling people in some areas to stay away as it is dangerous.

People don't heed the warnings sadly, I hope all rescue crews are safe in this weather.

honestpointofview · 09/02/2014 00:43

Hi magpie - i am just looking to see what i did with my paper accounts from last year but i think assets were about £500m. If my memory is right then that is about £150m more than cancer research so you are right.

HadABadDay2014 · 09/02/2014 00:50

Are those risking their lives to save people also idiots.

I believe the weather forecast of over dramatising the weather doesn't help. Local to me we have had severe weather warnings about storms and high tide, in reality the weather hasn't been that bad.

MsAspreyDiamonds · 09/02/2014 03:51

The pictures of the windsurfers in Devon/Cornwall are making my blood boil. If they are knowingly taking risks like this then they should be low on the lifeboat rescue list.

Misspixietrix · 09/02/2014 07:59

No Had the people that make the Rescuers risk their lives to save them are idiots. I was on a daytrip with the DCs and my Dad once. We were walking along a Pier when the wind really started to pick up. Below us we saw a lifeboat turn back and head to shore. When you see a lifeboat head back its common sense to follow it. This was in the middle of august when the crew decided it wasn't safe. The fact that the weather is much much worse and people are still being reckless is gobsmacking.

MauriceMinor · 09/02/2014 08:03

Isn't that the point of the job though? If everybody stayed on dry land, they'd have nothing to do - is that what they'd prefer?

Same with mountain rescue, nobody needs to be climbing mountains at all do they?

Mckayz · 09/02/2014 08:07

I have a good friend on a lifeboat crew. He does an amazing job, but he does moan sometimes that if the people/person they are going to rescue had checked the weather forecast and stayed at home then they wouldn't be called out.

We went to Cornwall last year and at the Maritime museum they have the recording of the coastguard talking to Solomon Browne. It is haunting hearing no reply.

DH is in the merchant navy and I am currently very thankful he isn't working in this country. While thinking of anyone that is having to work in this weather.

Misspixietrix · 09/02/2014 08:18

No I don't think so. Someone who has got dragged out to sea by an undercurrent in a dinghy needs rescuing. Someone who's heard all the weather warnings and the Coastguard begging people to keep away as it is too dangerous and still goes to see how close they can get to a 45ft wave. Doesn't deserve not to be rescued but I'm with the others on this thread. Should at least be charged a call out fee.

PigeonPie · 09/02/2014 10:59

Sorry Maurice, I might have mis-read your post, but do you think that lifeboat / coastguard etc crews are full time jobs and the crews are just waiting for 'the call'?

There are very few full time jobs on any lifeboat crew (I think that the Cox is often paid and the second cox is paid a very small retainer); however, it is not their 'job' they are all volunteers and have other work to do.

They give up their time to do this very valuable work. Certainly the crew on the Penlee is unusual as it is made up, predominantly, of sea-farers (mostly fishermen) so they are experienced seafarers, but across the country there are so many different professions who volunteer.

HesterShaw · 09/02/2014 11:08

MrsAsprey, do you honestly think the "surfers and windsurfers in Cornwall" don't know what they're doing? Why on earth are they making your blood boil Fgs? Do you think they're not experienced? Do you think they don't have the sense to seek out the sheltered spots? Do you think they're all blond empty headed morons out on a jolly from the nearest city? Do you want to know how many times the Penlee lifeboat has been out lately? None. I'm sick to death of the perception that surfer = selfish moron. For your information, some kookwith a bodyboard down from Bristol for the day is not classed as a "surfer".

Some pissed up emmet in Newquay refusing to get out of the sea is not equivalent to an experienced surfer/windsurfer who knows plenty about the conditions and has assessed the risk. They look out for each other and do not expect the lifeboat to rescue them.

HesterShaw · 09/02/2014 11:11

Apologies for the error about it being the richest charity in Britain. I had heard that. However I am right that they are better off without government interference. They don't lack for cash. I know this because a former coxwain told me.

WidowWadman · 09/02/2014 11:11

rallytog "However. If, after the event, it transpires that the rescuee was placing the lives of their rescuers in danger by getting into trouble through reckless behaviour, they should be charged for the service they have received. Punitively and publicly."

Very bad idea - this will lead to people who are in genuine need of help being reluctant to call for help in time, and could make situations worse for both rescuees and rescuers. And may well lead to avoidable deaths.

HesterShaw · 09/02/2014 11:19

If lifeboat crews themselves are prepared to help anyone, which they are, then who are we to say help should be rationed?

Some people are morons yes. Before Christmas there wss as strongly worded statement as I'd ever seen him make from the Penlee coxwain regarding two guys who fancied a row across Mounts Bay for Help for Heroes. However he remained polite and there was no hint that he thought they should be charged. Fact is, that most winter work is not "surfers and windsurfing" but fishing boats, and nearly all summer work is tourists who overestimate their abilities.

honestpointofview · 09/02/2014 11:21

Hi Hester

You were right though in terms of assets. I also agree re better off without government interference. I donate a reasonable amount each month and I would rather do that than my tax go up to pay for them. They manage the money really well, don't have to pay people to manage targets and provide data that is never used. Don't have to respond to lots of FOI requests which costs a lot of money. Most importantly not subject to constantly changing ideas. So i am all for them staying as they are.

HesterShaw · 09/02/2014 11:25

Exactly honest. Just imagine if the government controlled them. We'd have closures and "rationalisation" all over the bloody place.

honestpointofview · 09/02/2014 11:28

Good Morning Widow

Good point - shame we can not have insurance. If you have a crash often your insurance gets charged for cleaning up the motorway.

Hester - As a Governor member I do not want to see help rationed. It annoys me that people do silly things but the service should help everyone in trouble.

We should all remember the RNLI purpose "The RNLI saves lives at Sea."

That's it. no caveats, no exceptions.

Maybe if you have to be rescued you have to go on a briefing sessions which would fit in with the vision which is "To end preventable loss of life a sea."

HesterShaw · 09/02/2014 11:31

Which is exactly what I said, I think :)

honestpointofview · 09/02/2014 11:32

Hester - so so true. I shudder to imagine. They are so good are managing themselves. Further they only pay reasonable salaries to those staff they have to pay. The Chief exec is paid about £130k. Which for the position is a reasonable salary but not excessive for a charity.

HesterShaw · 09/02/2014 11:32

(the bit directed at me)

WidowWadman · 09/02/2014 11:42

honestpoint - I can't see an insurance provide a cover for fees incurred by recklessness, which is what people on here ask for.

I've never heard anyone actually working for Mountain Rescue or similar to argue for a fee. That idea seems to come mostly from commenters who don't go near the mountains or the sea.

honestpointofview · 09/02/2014 11:53

Widow - You are probably right just wishful thinking. I only suggest it because insurance companies pay for car crashes and the cost of clearing the roads which are often caused by recklessness.

I must admit i don't go near mountains but have spent most of my life living next to the sea and spent my time sailing and canoeing. I am attending the next AGM of RNLI in July. I might see what the thoughts of the people are there. I suspect they will agree with you.

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