“It makes us very proud to be recognised as a part of the wider emergency service family and to be celebrated alongside the police, fire and ambulance services.”
Claire Hall, Station Officer at Lowestoft Coastguard Rescue Team, shared her thoughts on what Emergency Services Day means to our teams as the nation celebrates the national day (9 September).
The day is a chance for us all to take time out to say thank you to those who keep us safe, wherever we are and whatever we are doing.
As one of the four emergency services in the UK, HM Coastguard is the coordinating and tasking authority for search and rescue at sea, responding to more than 36,000 incidents last year alone and saving hundreds, if not thousands, of lives.
The Coastguard Rescue Service is made up of 3,500 volunteers in 308 Coastguard Rescue Teams across the UK and led by 102 employed operational staff. They are supported by approximately 400 highly trained staff who work in the maritime rescue coordination centres and coordinate the rescue response. HM Coastguard is a category one responder and is made up of highly dedicated and skilled people.
A unique national rescue service, it relies on the commitment and care of people willing to give their time and effort to help others.
As the sun blazes down on the UK this weekend, and people flock to the coast looking to cool off, keep an eye out for one of our teams and wave a thank you (please do not interrupt a team in action, but wait until they are free).
It is one day a year, but it really matters to teams to feel the recognition and gratitude.
Mike Buratti, Coastal Operations Area Commander for Northwest England, said: “Being part of an emergency service can be demanding but, at the same time, exceptionally rewarding.
“We are there to help people who are sometimes having the worst day of their life.
“Coastguard staff and volunteers dedicate their lives to helping others and it’s nice that the UK comes together on Emergency Services Day to honour all the staff and volunteers across all Emergency Services who play such a crucial role in keeping people safe.”
Want to find out more? Visit: https://hmcoastguard.uk/about-us
