The RLSS has been involved in many sporting events, but this year we have had the privilege of lifeguarding at Henley Royal Regatta from 2nd to 7th July 2019.
For those who do not know what Henley Royal Regatta is, it is one of the most prestigious rowing events in the UK, in which teams from different universities and rowing clubs across the UK and the world compete in rowing races for different trophies. The races are held on the River Thames, and always bring a magnitude of spectators, including high-profile individuals such as Theresa May, local residents, rowing enthusiasts and those supporting their rowing teams. Our role was not only to ensure the safety of the spectators by restricting them from entering the water, but monitoring the rowers throughout the race, particularly on the finish line, to ensure that they were safe and did not suffer from complications related to exhaustion. As well as this, our role also included preventing incidents occurring as a result of other river traffic, and we also ensured the race course was clear and safe to use by removing obstructions. Some of these obstructions were more difficult than others – as unbelievable as it sounds, a gaggle of geese can be one of your biggest problems at Henley!
Coincidentally, one of our rescues during the week arose from geese on the race course. The team in position at the start-line of the race were instructed to respond to a boat breaking down on the race course. This boat was in fact Swan Support, who had originally been sent to shepherd geese off the race course. However, when responding to this request, Swan Support’s boat engine broke, meaning that they were unable to move off the course and were obstructing the race. The RLSS volunteers positioned at the start of the race had to travel down the race course, tie Swan Support’s boat onto our safety boat, and tow them off the course so that rowing races could proceed. It was not one of the RLSS’s usual styles of rescue, but our intervention allowed the event to continue running smoothly. Here is a photo of them smiling and relaxing after this eventful shift!
Another more serious incident that our team dealt with was on the finishing line. Many rowers tend to lie backwards after crossing the finishing line, and this can lead to them momentarily passing out, which can result in the boat capsizing. To prevent this, when seeing this occur, we are trained to instruct them to ‘sit up’. At the end of one of the finals races, we experienced a rower who would not respond to our requests. Our team quickly recognised that this rower required medical attention and communicated this via radio, enabling the Duty Officer to effectively alert medical professionals so that the rower could be immediately treated. This response was fast and efficient, and was commended by the event organisers. The rower is also confirmed to be safe and well.
This year’s team comprised of a total of 24 volunteers, most of which derived from Colwick Park Lifeguards, a lifesaving club based in Nottingham. Other volunteers travelled from various other RLSS branches, with ages ranging from 16 to 65 years old. Speaking live to the BBC at the event, incoming RLSS UK President Mark Smith explained how hard the team of volunteers work but also reflected on how rewarding the experience is for them. Afterwards, he went on to say:
RLSS qualified individuals are well known for creating memorable experiences for people in swimming pools and beaches around the country every day, but many may be surprised to know the impact RLSS volunteers make on live events such as major sports contests and music festivals. Without the committed teams the events simply wouldn’t function. The events are great fun for the team and one thing that is consistently fed back by all new volunteers, is how quickly they’re welcomed and settle in as part of the inclusive team.
Other funnier highlights included rescuing a salad from the river, being able to watch the rowing races, being part of an incredible hard-working team, and two members of our team entering the river to retrieve a metal stand that was dropped from Gloriana. As a thank-you to Kiera Stephen’s and Harley Glover-Newson’s efforts and Harley’s retrieval of the item, he was knighted with the said stand and the team received the privilege of having a team photograph taken on the royal barge, Gloriana.
It isn’t all work and no play though: in the evenings, after the races have finished, our team went for evening meals to socialise, get to know each other, and let off some steam. All expenses (within reason – travel, food and accommodation) are accounted for or provided, so it is an experience accessible to all, and is one that is thoroughly recommended. This is a brilliant lifeguarding opportunity – it’s not often people can say that they have worked at Henley Royal Regatta. If you are interested in volunteering with the RLSS, please visit the RLSS volunteer signup page, or alternatively follow and message the RLSS UK on their social media (Instagram and Twitter: rlssuk).
On a final note, a huge congratulations and thank-you goes out to all the volunteers who gave their time, especially Sam Boot, the team’s Duty Officer, who went above-and-beyond, exceeding his role in ensuring the event ran smoothly and that everyone in his team enjoyed themselves. It has been by far one of the best Henley Royal Regattas yet. Happy Henley!
