Caister lifeboat makes waves on internet

CAISTER is celebrating its 40th anniversary of running the only independent lifeboat in the UK by relaying its dramatic story to a wider audience.It has launched a new website - www.

CAISTER is celebrating its 40th anniversary of running the only independent lifeboat in the UK by relaying its dramatic story to a wider audience.

It has launched a new website - www.caisterlifeboat.org.uk - with video clips of the lifeboat in action and instant reports of its latest launches to bring to life its activities for supporters and enthusiasts around the world. There is even a visual chance to ride the waves with the crew on the lifeboat as she heads to sea.

“We depend entirely upon the wonderful support of the public and we felt it important we should involve them even more closely in our activities,” said Caister lifeboat director Ted Whitton.

“The latest website will give us an international audience and show some great pictures and video taken by the crew themselves. Hopefully it might also encourage the funds, which are so vital to us as a charity.”

The website was created by TMS Media, of Yarmouth, using technology which allows the crew to upload film taken on their mobiles and translates them into flash movies to be shown on screen immediately they return from a call.

It will include full details of both boats' latest rescues, exercises and other “shouts”. There is also information on the crew, history, lifeboat shop and activities in the anniversary year.

Mike Murr, TMS Media internet director, said: “The Caister team agreed to trial our latest video software which is like a mini You Tube on their own website.

“The internet is not just about Facebook and Twitter. Organisations need to use it to give up-to-date information. Many websites are embarrassingly out of date and I think companies with time on their hands during the recession are already taking the opportunity to update and catch the eye of the market as business gets moving again.”