Charlestown Shipwreck & Heritage Centre

Sea Rescue
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution has a vast network of lifeboats and equipment in use around the British coastline. A full-scale exhibition can be seen highlighting the sterling work undertaken by the R.N.L.I. volunteers who brave the elements to save those in peril.

The large numbers on the side of lifeboats represent the length and the number built in that class. For example the Scarborough boat exhibited outside bears the number '37 12'. This indicates that the boat is 37' long and that there were 12 built in that particular class.

The length is nowadays represented in metres.

Breeches Buoy

The Breeches Buoy is still used to rescue people.

One of the latest forms of rescue is prevention by beach safety awareness. Below are some of the flags displayed on beaches to indicate to beach users the areas in the water that are safe to use.
	Red & yellow- Area patrolled by lifeguards. Safe to swim.
	Black & white chequered - Area for water craft. Do not swim here.
	Red flag - DANGER DO NOT ENTER THE WATER.
	Orange windsock - Wind conditions DANGEROUS. Do not take inflatables into the sea.