SLAS - Aloof yachties?

RogerJolly

Well-Known Member
Joined
4 Aug 2015
Messages
280
Visit site
Watching Saving Lives at Sea the other week, seemed noticeable that the yachties rescued off the Goodwind sands didn't make the usual post-event contribution to the program, telling the story.

They probably had good reasons, but did it give the impression we're a stand-offish aloof bunch?

Surely helping out with the program serves as some form of thanks for being rescued.
 
Surely helping out with the program serves as some form of thanks for being rescued.
I didn’t see the episode in question - but it would be a dangerous approach to take that suggested that having to cooperate with the TV producers (who are there to make money) and have your image linked to a rescue for life (these episodes get repeated endlessly) is the expectation in return for being rescued. The RNLI must have considered if there’s any risk that people would delay calling for help because of the increased “embarrassment factor” that might come from TV exposure without augmenting that with guilt about not cooperating with TV producers for whatever reason the casualty may have after the incident.
 
I didn't see the episode and seldom watch the programme, but although disappointing to viewers the crew were entirely within their rights to decline further exposure. TV can be a cruel medium, and if they felt any embarrassment about the event, if they are anything like me, they may well have been concerned that they might not give a good account of themselves.
 
They probably had good reasons, but did it give the impression we're a stand-offish aloof bunch?
In the absence of any facts any interpretation of their absence is entirely in the mind of the interpretor - someone who thinks we're aloof will see it as evidence of such, someone who thinks we're discreet will see it as evidence of such, etc, etc.

It's entirely possible they just didn't make very good telly.
 
..... didn't make the usual post-event contribution to the program,
My perception is that only occurs in around half the progammes. It is far more probable, surely, that their post-event whereabouts or other logistical problems precluded it, or simply that any contribution simply did not 'make the cut' for innumerable production reasons.
 
Yes, guess posted out of personal peevishness (not good) - most people probably didn't notice.

Peeved that what with stories involving yachts being so rare (as opposed to people stranded on the beach etc) for whatever reason we didn't get an opportunity to hear the story and potentially learn from it.
 
Ive never met a "yachtie" , or anyone else who works or plays on the sea in the British Isles,who did not not think the RNLI and its every member ...... boat crew , back office , mechanics.............. arent absolutely fantastic people and hold them in the very highest esteem , awe even

So i'd be very suprised if anyone who crews (and was assisted) snubbed SLAS or the RNLI and and would imagine it was for editorial , logistic or creative reasons , nothing else
 
The RNLI media department submits footage to the production company, who then decide which clips would make good television.

One of the factors they consider is whether or not the casualties are willing to take part, or whether the footage itself is dramatic enough without them.

Back when I was on it many years ago, there were no big crashing waves, or heroics on our part, but it was what our casualties said on screen that brought a lump to the throat. They had thought they were going to die, and they very nearly did.

And just to add, all the interviews are done separately, so we had no idea what they were going to say, or which of our own comments had made the cut, until the programme aired.
 
Last edited:
Helly Hanson clothing does not help. Professional fisherman call sail boat owners snotty yachties. Every one adorned from top to bottom in HH clothing,all matching while the professional fisherman wear what keeps them warm and dry
 
T
Helly Hanson clothing does not help. Professional fisherman call sail boat owners snotty yachties. Every one adorned from top to bottom in HH clothing,all matching while the professional fisherman wear what keeps them warm and dry
The oh-so blatant branding thing does make me giggle..."ocean spec" RNLI foulies all done up to the neck...sat in a nice warm, dry studio.
Presumably its contractual?
 
T

The oh-so blatant branding thing does make me giggle..."ocean spec" RNLI foulies all done up to the neck...sat in a nice warm, dry studio.
Presumably its contractual?

That's the same jacket that everyone wears. Blast Films bring it with them.

And as for a studio, in my case it was in the kitchen of an Airbnb that Blast had rented for a couple of days.........on one of the hottest days of the year, wearing the same sweaty jacket that one of my crew colleagues had been wearing for their interview an hour earlier.
 
Last edited:
Helly Hanson clothing does not help. Professional fisherman call sail boat owners snotty yachties. Every one adorned from top to bottom in HH clothing,all matching while the professional fisherman wear what keeps them warm and dry
Most of us just wear what keeps us dry too. We don’t have such a requirement for it to be cheap as chips, as we’re not likely to rip it to bits on bits of pro fishing equipment.
 
Helly Hanson clothing does not help. Professional fisherman call sail boat owners snotty yachties. Every one adorned from top to bottom in HH clothing,all matching while the professional fisherman wear what keeps them warm and dry
As if choosing the right gear wasn't difficult enough, we now have to factor in whether fisherfolk will approve of it. :rolleyes:
 
That's the same jacket that everyone wears. Blast Films bring it with them.

And as for a studio, in my case it was in the kitchen of an Airbnb that Blast had rented for a couple of days.........on one of the hottest days of the year, wearing the same sweaty jacket that one of my crew colleagues had been wearing for their interview an hour earlier.
Do the RNLI volunteers ever wear dry suits?

Or is your gear a dry suit?

I have no images to view, just this post to go by; which mentions “jackets” which does not sound like a neck sealing garment?
 
Do the RNLI volunteers ever wear dry suits?

Or is your gear a dry suit?

I have no images to view, just this post to go by; which mentions “jackets” which does not sound like a neck sealing garment?

All ILB crew wear drysuits and lifejackets at all times at sea.

Helmets are mandatory unless engines are stopped.
 
All ILB crew wear drysuits and lifejackets at all times at sea.

Helmets are mandatory unless engines are stopped.
Thank you. I will attempt to find the interviews and images…

Perhaps I will see you wearing someone else’s sweaty jacket.😊

Why the jacket you mention on camera / interview may I ask? If dry suits are the norm?

Why do the RNLI own ‘ordinary’ jackets if dry suits are the norm for rescues?

My question is not one of critique but pure curiosity?

I hold lifesavers in the highest esteem.
 
Top