Wind farm's grant improves North Norfolk beach rescues

The Sheringham Shoal Offshore Wind Farm, run by Equinor, regularly contributes £100,000 annually to its community fund.

Its fund had enabled Sea Palling Independent Lifeboat Station to upgrade its rescue resources with a new Argocat all-terrain amphibious rescue vehicle.

Chris Ball, vice chairman of the Sea Palling Independent Lifeboat, said: "What a game changer this has proven to be."

He described the prior struggle of safely transferring casualties from the beach to the lifeboat station and the improved ease since the vehicle came into service.

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For five years, the team had made do with a quad-bike towing an Inshore Lifeboat to transport casualties.

The Argocat, as a multi-wheeled vehicle, posed as a more efficient solution, boasting features that enable it to work on sand and in surf, tow the lifeboat, and transport crew and equipment.

It can additionally accommodate a full-sized stretcher, giving the crew the ability to administer first aid on the move.

The vehicle's amphibious nature protects each piece of its internal mechanical running gear from the hazardous effects of salt water.

Modifications to Sea Palling's Argocat also included rooftop stretcher storage, additional lighting, a first aid kit and VHF radio.

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Equipment such as defibrillators and oxygen can also be carried when needed.

The Argocat's deployment and operation have been incorporated into the station's weekly training activities, according to Mr Ball.

He thanked the Sheringham Shoal Community Fund's support, plus other key contributors, enabling them to invest in the Argocat.

The Sea Palling Independent Lifeboat is self-funded and is a registered charity.

As of 2023's close, the community fund, managed by the Norfolk Community Foundation, had granted over £1.2m since its 2010 foundation.