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Anthony's ready to dive into action
FROM downpours in Cumbria to monsoons in Mozambique, lifeboat volunteer Anthony Jobling is set to be dispatched to disasters around the world.
The 32-year-old was part of a group of RNLI members who completed the intensive swift water technician course.
During the week-long programme in Perthshire, Scotland, the candidates practised safe swimming techniques in rapid-flowing water, research and rescue planning and swift water hydrology.
They also covered technical rope rescue techniques and flood awareness training.
Anthony, from Roker, has been a volunteer with Sunderland RNLI for four years and operates as a helmsman onboard inshore lifeboats.
Now he will also form part of a team of specially-trained volunteers from across the UK and Ireland ready to travel anywhere around the world to carry out flood relief work.
"The course was physically demanding with a lot of swimming in fast-flowing waters and with a lot of course work to learn, both prior and during the course," he said.
"Now I have successfully completed the course, I can take up my role within the flood rescue team confident that when the call comes I can use my new skills to assist people at home and abroad who have been affected by flooding."
The RNLI flood rescue team's most recent deployment was to the floods at Cockermouth last year when more than 200 people were rescued from their homes and businesses.
It was formed in 2000 following the RNLI's deployment to Mozambique in that year.
The main flood rescue team is split into a trio of 20-strong sub-teams.
Gareth Wilson, the RNLI's training divisional inspector in the North and a team leader, said specialist training is essential even though the members are all experienced professionals.
"Many of the skills needed to ensure flood rescue team members can operate safely and effectively in a flood situation are outside those normally expected of our lifeboat crews at home," he said.
"The unfamiliar terrain and diverse environment of flood-affected countries means the volunteers must train regularly to keep up their skills and learn new and changing techniques.
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Weather for Sunderland
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: -2 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South
