The volunteer crew at Llandudno RNLI carried out a challenging breeches buoy training exercise as part of their routine drills on Monday evening.

The session provided an opportunity for the team to practice this traditional but effective rescue method.

The exercise began with the launch of the station’s All-Weather Lifeboat, which then deployed its anchor in the bay close to the shore.

Typically, during an actual breeches buoy rescue, a rocket line would be used to deliver the block and tackle to the casualty. However, for this exercise, the crew utilised their daughter craft to safely transport the necessary equipment to shore.

Once ashore, the team used the Shannon Launch and Recovery System (SLARS) as a fixed point to secure the breeches buoy setup. The breeches buoy itself is a vital piece of rescue equipment consisting of a lifering fitted with a leg harness. When rigged with a pulley system, it allows individuals to be safely transferred from a hazardous situation, one person at a time.

This training exercise reinforced the crew’s ability to operate the breeches buoy efficiently, demonstrating essential coordination and teamwork.