Brighton; Rescue Demonstration On Beach

5 June 2013, 14:52 | Updated: 5 June 2013, 16:53

It involved the Shoreham Coastguard Rescue Team, HM Coastguard's Sector Manager for the area, along with the RNLI lifeboat and the Coastguard search and rescue helicopter.

For people trapped on cliffs, stuck in the mud, cut off by the tide or lost along our coastline, Coastguard Rescue Teams are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The 3,500 men and women who make up the Coastguard Rescue Service are trained and equipped to respond to a wide-range of emergencies at a moment's notice. Last year, they were involved in 8,997 incidents.

There are 352 Coastguard Rescue Teams based around the entire coastline of the UK. They are a valued rescue resource of Her Majesty's Coastguard and are called out to coastal emergencies by a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in response to 999 calls or other alerts.

With Volunteers' Week fast approaching (1 - 7 June), the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is paying tribute to its Coastguard Rescue Officers.

Hear our interview with Hilary Durkin from the MCA

Hilary Durkin MCA

Peter Dymond, Chief Coastguard, said:

"I am extremely proud of my volunteer Coastguard Rescue Officers and I recognise the valuable contribution they make to Her Majesty's Coastguard, UK Search and Rescue and their local communities.

"The UK is extremely fortunate to have the Coastguard Rescue Service and its rescue teams which respond to callouts every day of the year, in all weathers and often at unsocial hours to assist people in distress."

Coastguard Rescue Teams don't just rescue those in difficulty as they also spend time educating people in coastal safety. This preventative work includes visiting schools and shows as well as patrolling the beaches to advise people of the dangers.

Peter added:

"This year's Volunteers' Week is the perfect opportunity to say a big 'thank you' to all Coastguard Rescue Officers for everything they do in providing a first class search and rescue service around the coast of the UK and the wider UK when called upon to do so.

"As volunteers, their continued commitment and contribution to saving lives or preventing accidents is exemplary."