Smoke, a life raft, first aid techniques… Last Sunday, Waï Beach in Orient Bay was transformed, for the duration of an exercise, into a veritable sea rescue operation. Organized as part of the National Sea Rescue DaysThe event attracted many visitors who came to discover the daily life of the SNSM volunteers in Saint-Martin.
A about twenty rescuersVolunteers were mobilized to present their missions and interact with the public. Among them was the president of the SNSM of Saint-Martin, Hélène Debruge, who herself took part in the exercise.
At noon, all eyes turned towards the open sea. Commentary in French and English by Anke Roosens, the station manager, the demonstration was filmed live by drone and broadcast on screenallowing us to follow each step of the intervention.
The scenario simulated a boat fireAlerted, the SNS 129 first-class rescue boat quickly reached the scene. While part of the crew fought the fire, the ship's swimmers secured the occupants of the life raft before evacuating a severely burned victim, portrayed for the purposes of the exercise by Anne-Claire Rousseau, commander of the Saint-Martin customs patrol boat, towards the rescuers on the ground. Anke Roosens' commentary allowed the audience to understanding the technical choices of rescuers and the importance of each gesture.
Beyond the spectacle, this day was above all highlighted the commitment of the volunteers who provide year-round sea rescue services around Saint-Martin. It's an essential mission that the station hopes to raise awareness of in order to inspire new recruits and educate everyone on the correct procedures to follow in an emergency. _Vx
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