SARA operational crew are usually trained initially as either lifeboat crew or land search team members.  Most stations offer one or the other; at Beachley one can train as either.  This initial training usually lasts around 6 months, and coincides with a period of ‘probation’ for full membership of the organisation. 

Following qualification as operational crew, members should continue to train in that discipline on an ongoing basis.  They may also then extend their training to other disciplines which the Station provides, such as rope rescue, or towards levels of leadership such as Team Leader or Boat Helmsman.  SARA trains to nationally recognized standards, and where relevant the training includes achieving formal external qualifications. 

Some trainee crew join with relevant skills or knowledge, for example from rock climbing or sailing, but others learn all the skills at SARA.  Trainees may not always be confident tying knots or using the radio, but with suitable training and one-to-one coaching, team members are soon confident.

Our initial training programme is comprehensive and typically spans a minimum of six months. This phase is essential, not  only for developing the technical skills and knowledge required for search and rescue work, but also for integrating new members into the team they will operate alongside. Training sessions are scheduled regularly throughout this period, with opportunities for catch-up sessions to accommodate personal commitments.

Once operational, team members are required to maintain their skills through ongoing training in each of their rescue disciplines. For our water-based disciplines (Lifeboat and Inland Water Rescue), members aim to attend a minimum of one training session per month. For our land-based disciplines (Land Search and Rope Rescue), the typical expectation is one session per quarter. While there is reasonable flexibility to reflect personal circumstances, these levels of attendance represent the standards our members strive to uphold to remain proficient, safe, and ready to respond when needed.

We do ask that members attend live incidents whenever possible – this is what their training is provided for.  Incidents during the working day can be a challenge. Some members are able to leave work to attend a ‘shout’ – a launch, a search or another callout – whilst others may be able to assist at a later stage.   The callout message comes by text message, and lifeboat crew also carry pagers.  We also ask that members occasionally assist with the unit’s fund-raising activities. These are usually at weekends.  Fundraising members will need to commit to supporting at least 6 events a year.