RCW 2 is a Yamaha Waverunner VX built in 2004, capable of reaching speeds of around 42knots (48Mph) but this depends on the sea conditions.
It runs on petrol as fuel and has a 70litre fuel tank giving a range of around 10 hours.
RWC stands for Rescue Water Craft.
In the non-rescue environment they are called Personal WaterCraft (PWC) however, most people know them as Jetski.
Actually this is incorrect, Jetski is the brand name of Kawasaki who the original designers of the PWC were.
We use Yamaha’s who call their PWC, the Waverunner.
Portsmouth Lifeguards have 2 Waverunners, each slightly different but equally fantastic pieces of equipment.
They are underestimated as very effective rescue craft These types of craft sometimes carry a poor image, but in the trained hands of Portsmouth Lifeguards operators, they are extremely useful pieces of equipment that help to save lives.
Engine
Yamaha 1000cc 4 cylinder 4 stroke petrol engine delivering 140hp.
It can reach speeds of around 42knots (48Mph) but this depends on the sea conditions.
It runs on petrol as fuel and has a 70litre fuel tank giving a range of around 10 hours.
Crew
RCW’s operate with a single trained operator, but can also be operated with a crew member on a rescue board towed behind.
- 1 x Rescue Water Craft operator – qualified K38 rescue operator.
- 1 x Board crew – member of the crew in house training.
Cost and running
Portsmouth lifeguards, got donated this RWC in 2015 directly from Yamaha.
Originally it was used as a trail and had been used by other organisations such as QHM and the marine police units.
It was one of the crafts that was put on the River Thames for the 2012 London Olympics, but Yamaha found it at home with us after a successful trial.
Since then, we have taken on all maintenance schedules and funds for all repairs:
- To replace the RWC it would cost £12,500.
- Annual maintenance cost us around £1500.
- Annual running costs are £800 per year.
Housing
RCW 2 is kept on a road trailer in our storage facility.
Due to the size of our boat house at the HQ, we only have room for one on station and RCW 1 is kept there to keep the bathers of Southsea safe.
Ski 2 is therefore road trailered down and launched from the beach alongside ski 2 or alternatively can be launched at the Camber slipway.
Quick stats of RCW 2
- Length (FT): 10.96.
- Width (IN/MM): 48.4 / 1230.
- Height (IN/MM) 45.7 / 1160.
- Dry weight (LBS/KG) 826 / 375.
- Fuel capacity (CUFT/GAL/L) 4.1 / 26.42 / 116.3.
