2017 is more than prolific for the SNSM who this year is celebrating his 50th birthday. After the Prime Minister of the previous government (Bernard Cazeneuve) obtained the label "Grande Cause Nationale" (Great National Cause) on the occasion of the Interministerial Committee for the Sea, the CIMER, on 4 November 2016, the volunteer association now has a national day.
The first National Maritime Lifeguard Day will take place this Thursday, June 29, 2017. This date coincides with the launch of the water sports safety campaign organised each year by the maritime prefectures.
What's the goal for National Maritime Rescue Day?
This day is intended to develop the visibility and the notoriety of the association in order to create a new impulse of solidarity with the nautical leisure enthusiasts. It will help to raise awareness among yachtsmen, but also among beach-goers about safety rules at sea and the very important role of lifeguards at sea.
It will also be an opportunity for SNSM to broaden its donor base, which is essential to the training of its volunteers and the renewal of its fleet.
What program?
Events dedicated to sea rescue are organised with the Maritime Prefects on the three sea fronts: the Atlantic in Brest, the Mediterranean in Toulon in front of CROSS La Garde and the Channel - North Sea in Ouistreham. Demonstrations of rescue by helicopter winching carried out with the logistical support of the French Navy and Civil Security, sea rescue exercises and visits by rescue launches will be offered to the general public.
Ouistreham, open to the general public :
2:00 p.m.: Reception of the public in front of the Ferry Terminal Terminal Hall
Hall of the Maritime Station: Caen-Ouistreham Maritime Station, 14 150 Ouistreham
1415: Opening of a liferaft: intervention by rescue swimmers from the IFC at Caen-Ouistreham and the SNS 614 with SNB2 personnel equipped
14:45 : Medical evacuation (EVASAN) on the trawler TANGAROA by SNS 161 from Le Havre, with towing of the trawler by SNS 239 from Dives and SNS 259 from Courseulles
15:15 : Helicopter winching exercises on SNS 267 in Port en Bessin by DRAGON 76 of the French Civil Security and on SNS 091 in Ouistreham by NH90 CAIMAN of the French Navy
3:45 p.m.: SNS launches return to West Lock - public tours offered
4 pm: Press conference at the Training and Intervention Centre (CFI) located at the foot of the East Bank lighthouse with the participation of the Maritime Prefect, Vice-Admiral Pascal Ausseur, deThierry NIOGRET, Inspector General Channel and North Sea at the SNSM and the Delegation for Sea and Coast.
Brest, open to the general public :
10:00 am: Demonstrations in a small harbour (Lapérouse Dam side): Jet ski, IRB, recovery of shipwrecked people from the riprap...
10:40 a.m.: Rescue drills for a man who fell overboard from a sailboat. He is recovered by the launch SNSM du Conquet and is hoisted by the French Navy's Cayman helicopter. Participation of Mr Louis Bodin, former sailor, passionate about the sea and weather presenter on TF1 and RTL for whom the SNSM represents a symbol and strong values. In this special year for the association, he wished to be associated with the exercise to highlight the expertise of volunteers and to carry the message of support for their 2017 fundraising campaign
11 a.m.: Boats return to the dock and all gather at the SNSM Brest training and intervention centre
11:30 am: Press conference in the premises of the Training and Intervention Centre (CFI) in Brest with the participation of the Maritime Prefect, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel De Oliveira, and Mr Jacques Gheerbrant, Vice-President of the SNSM, as well as Mr Louis Bodin.
