Sensible sailing has led to a quieter year for Southend's lifeboat crew, it has been revealed.

Poor weather conditions have also helped keep down the number of call-outs, according to the RNLI.

The number of rescues off the south Essex coast has been cut by a third compared with the previous year, according to figures released today.

During 1998, the lifeboat was launched 115 times, a big reduction on 1997 when it was called out on 173 occasions.

Crew members saved eight lives this year, and helped 101 people and two dogs.

In 1997, a record 23 lives were saved and a staggering 246 people were helped. This downward trend in incidents is in line with the national picture.

The RNLI believes it is now seeing the results of its Sea Safety Initiative launched in 1994 and aimed at amateur sailors.

Run in conjunction with HM Coastguard and the Royal Yachting Association, the campaign aims to encourage sailors to carry certain safety equipment, pay close attention to weather forecasts and ask the advice of the Coastguard before embarking on a voyage.

Southend RNLI spokesman, Alan Butler, said: "The initiative does appear to be working with more sailors taking heed of weather warnings and not going out in dangerous conditions.

"The poor weather during 1998 also kept many pleasure sailors in the Thames Estuary in port."

Next year is the 175th anniversary of the RNLI and a number of celebratory and fundraising events will be planned for Southend.

For more information about lifeboats, visit the RNLI website.

The Atlantic 21 lifeboat, as used at Southend

Picture: RNLI

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