The Need For Speed

Saving lives at sea has always been bound to the speed of rescue, from the first rowing boats to the 60-knot, all-weather motorboats of today

- Dag Pike

When someone is drowning out at sea there is always a need for speed but there are so many aspects to rescue at sea. Anyone going to the rescue has to first of all get to the wreck and then when they have rescued the survivors they have to get safely back to the shore. It is a delicate balance and in the past the need to survive has always taken precedence over the speed factor.

Two centuries ago, trade by sea was at its height but relied on sailing ships which in turn relied on the wind. Too little wind and they could be in trouble close to the shore. Too much wind and they could also be in trouble close to the shore and for the watchers on the shore, there was little they could do to help. At best they went to help in their working boats under oars or sail which was a brave but highly risky approach; but you can’t just stand on the shore and watch.

ARRIVAL OF THE SURF BOATS

Eventually it was realised that rescue at sea needed a dedicated type of vessel designed to the highest levels of seaworthiness then available. Many of these had to operate from open beaches like their fishing fleets and so the surf rescue boat was born. High at the ends with a pronounced sheerline and buoyancy to keep it afloat even when flooded, the crews would fight their way through the surf to go to the aid of the vessel in distress.