Chichester Yacht Club Magazine April 2018 | Page 11
CYC Yachtie Ladies meeting, 25th March 2018 – by Helen Jupp
What a busy time we had on Sunday
morning, having got up early (or it seemed
like it after putting the clocks forward the
night before!)
When we arrived for coffee,
representatives from the RNLI had already
set up live VHF radios in the Upper Deck,
together with a large assortment of
equipment for summoning help at sea.
Judy Walker welcomed 19 members,
including five who had not been to any
previous meetings of the Yachtie Ladies.
She introduced Brian Masters with his
colleagues Paul and Sam from the RNLI,
and also Hazel Wright, a CYC member and
previously an A&E nurse, who had come to
discuss First Aid. We then split into two
groups: one with the RNLI and one with Hazel,
before changing over.
Everyone had the opportunity to use the VHF
radio, speaking to the “coastguard” (Sam) to
call for help.
At the same time, Paul showed us various
flares, EPIRBS, and many other items to help
in an emergency. We discussed the merits of
these, and the problems of disposing of out of
date flares. We had the chance to practise
throwing a throwing line on the balcony. He
also inspected some of our lifejackets and
showed us how to check these ourselves.
Meanwhile Hazel gave us an excellent
presentation on First Aid at Sea. She showed
us the contents of her first aid box and many
items we might find useful including: steristrips,
burns gel, duoderm dressings, laxatives, and
pills and potions to combat seasickness. In
recent research the American Navy has shown
that just one per cent of the population does
not get motion sickness at all. Ten per cent
rarely have a problem, and the rest of us have
a chance of getting sick every time we board a
boat, no matter how stable it may be!
Time whizzed by and most agreed it would be
useful to have further practical sessions like
this again. We all appreciated that this morning
was extremely useful but was no substitute for
taking a recognised RYA course.
Judy had circulated a survey to find out what
the ladies would like in future. Many wanted to
take a VHF course, and RYA first aid course,
and some a Sea Survival course, so we will be
making enquiries to see what can be arranged.
Some have already signed up for time on the
water with Ian Culley to practise Man
Overboard and boat handling.
A BIG Thank You to Brian and his team and
Hazel for giving us the benefit of their
experience. Both have offered to come back
again to give us more practice.
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