Drill and Practice The crew of the Grace Darling practice on dry land. With constant drill and practice, every member of the lifesaving crew became expert with each piece of equipment, able to use it in storms, fog and darkness.

Boat drill included launching and landing and at least 4 or 5 hours of continuous hard rowing.

Practicing with the breeches buoy on dry land. In a real rescue the rope would be shot out to the wrecked ship with a special gun. The sailors would be hauled ashore one at a time.

Watching for Wrecks

In fog or storms lifesaving crews have patrolled the whole coast of the island on horseback. Everyone had to be able to ride. Horse patrol was no picnic. Damp and cold cut through you like a knife.




Wind blew sand in your face. You couldn't see because the fog was often as thick as soup and it was nearly impossible to hear anything but the roar of the surf.



On clear days the lifesaving crew looked for ships in distress from the lookout tower at each station.

Telescope

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