Gig Rescue Trialled At Brixham

On the 26th of September Brixham Gig Club, Torbay RNLI, and Spinlock joined forces for a unique safety exercise. The goal was to explore the challenges of rescuing a capsised gig and test the role of personal flotation devices (PFDs) in emergencies—all while learning a few invaluable lessons along the way. A short video of the exercise has been published online.

The collaboration began earlier this year when Brixham Gig Club approached Spinlock to borrow their ALTO Belt Packs and Deckvest LITE lifejackets for the exercise. Ash Holmes from Spinlock explained: “For several years, we’ve worked with a variety of rowing boats and teams, from single sculls to ocean rowing teams. In 2018, we introduced the ALTO Belt Pack, a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) designed specifically for emergency use. The ALTO is a compact, lightweight, and comfortable manual 75N inflatable ring, that fits around the waist, making it ideal for activities like watersports, fishing, inland boating, and, naturally, rowing.”  

This exercise also marked a first for Torbay RNLI, who had never before focused on gig rescues in their training.

Photo credit: Spinlock

The event began with a briefing and demonstration of the Spinlock ALTO Belt Pack. Ash Holmes emphasized the importance of familiarization,: “We made sure every participant knew how to use the ALTO, especially as some were unfamiliar with it. The demonstration allowed them to feel confident in its deployment.”

The first drill involved tying Brixham’s GRP gig to the RNLI pontoon and flooding it with water using a bilge pump. The results were encouraging: even fully swamped, the gig’s buoyancy chambers kept it afloat. RNLI crews timed how long it took to pump the boat dry—just five minutes.

Photo credit: Spinlock

Next, the team upped the stakes with a simulated capsize inside Brixham Marina. A volunteer crew from Brixham Gig Club braved the water while the RNLI lifeboat conducted a full rescue operation. From capsize to recovery, the rescue took around 20 minutes, though this didn’t account for the time needed to raise the alarm, launch the lifeboat, and reach the site.

Despite the favorable conditions and the fitness of the rowers, participants in the water noted the chilling effects of exposure. One crew member showed early signs of hypothermia after just 10 minutes. This highlighted the critical need for thermal preparation, particularly in colder seasons.

Participants described the Spinlock ALTO belt pack as “compact, lightweight, and unobtrusive.” Ash Holmes reflected: “The ALTO provided enough buoyancy to reduce fatigue and help conserve energy while awaiting rescue. Its waist-level design made it easier for rowers to climb out of the water and didn’t interfere with rowing motions.”

The exercise highlighted several important safety considerations:

• Stay Together: In the event of a GPR gig sinking or capsizing, it is crucial for the crew to stay with the boat. The boat’s buoyancy chambers ensure it remains afloat, providing a larger visual aid for rescuers.
• Use Oars for Buoyancy: Holding onto oars can offer additional flotation and help conserve energy.
• Prepare for Cold Water: Even in favorable conditions, one crew member showed signs of hypothermia after just 10 minutes in the water. Winter and spring conditions would significantly increase the risk of cold-water shock, hypothermia, and secondary drowning. Layering appropriately can mitigate these dangers.

This exercise demonstrated the importance of teamwork and preparation in ensuring safety on the water. Activities like this should always be conducted under the guidance of emergency services, such as the RNLI, to ensure safety and to gain expert insights into emergency response.

Spinlock captured the event on video, offering a visual summary of the day’s activities and key lessons learned. You can watch the footage on YouTube. Find out more about Spinlock on their website.