Coastguard Rescue Team hailed with community pride award


Dedicated volunteers from a Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) in Devon have been recognised for their lifesaving dedication with a special award. 
Members of Mullacott Coastguard Rescue Team receiving their award

Members of Mullacott CRT were honoured to be the recipients of the annual Pride in Ilfracombe Award, given by the town council for their "acts of courage" in responding to emergencies by the coast. 

Some of the Coastguard Rescue Officers, who can be called out 24/7, attended a ceremony where Deputy Station Officer Alex Bond accepted the accolade on behalf of the entire team. 

It's a huge satisfaction when we can help people in danger come home safe

Alex said: "Like HM Coastguard teams all around the UK, Mullacott CRT is ready to respond to an emergency on the coast at any time, in any weather, whoever needs help. 

"Our volunteers are members of the local community too, so to receive the Pride in Ilfracombe Award is a real encouragement for what we do. We're so grateful to be recognised – it's a spur to our mission to keep people safe by the coast." 

Ready to respond: the skills that save lives by the coast 

Alex added: "We love doing what we do and it's a huge satisfaction when we can help people in danger come home safe. In an emergency by the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."  

Among the incidents which earned Mullacott CRT their award was the three-day rescue of a dog which also involved CRTs from Lynmouth, Croyde and Bude, and the RNLI lifeboat crew from Ilfracombe. 

It's a huge satisfaction when we can help people in danger come home safe

Dog walking safety tips 

  • Always keep dogs on a lead at the coast, especially near cliff edges.
  • If they get stuck on a ledge, in mud or swept out to sea, don’t go after them - most dogs make it back safely, but you might not.
  • Call your dog from a place of safety to keep them oriented and help them get back to you.
  • In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Stay in a safe place so coastguard rescue teams can locate you. 

 

HM Coastguard is one of the UK's frontline emergency services. In an emergency by the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. 

For more advice about staying safe by the coast, visit https://hmcoastguard.uk/safety-advice 

To find out about volunteering or working with HM Coastguard, visit https://hmcoastguard.uk/join-our-team  

Main photo: Members of Mullacott Coastguard Rescue Team receiving their award

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