Latest news with #Brenchley
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Forecasters predict 1 to 4 hurricanes this season
With hurricane season beginning June 1, Hawaii officials are urging residents to prepare now as forecasters predict near-to below-normal tropical cyclone activity in the Central Pacific this year. Chris Brenchley, director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Central Pacific Hurricane Center, said forecasters are expecting one to four tropical cyclones—including tropical depressions, storms and hurricanes—in the region this year. The outlook reflects neutral El Nino conditions and weaker-than-normal wind shear, which could slightly favor storm development, although overall activity is expected to be average or below average. 'Even though the season is predicted to be below to near normal, there is still the need to prepare, ' Brenchley said. 'Now is that time. All of us as residents play a role, as well as businesses, in preparing for whatever the hurricane season may bring us this year.' Brenchley pointed out that in 2024 the Central Pacific saw only two tropical cyclones—below the average of four to five—but one of them, Hurricane Dora, brushed the south side of Hawaii island in late August, proving that low activity doesn't equal low risk. 'A tropical cyclone really represents a potential hurricane, ' Brenchley said. 'They don't all become hurricanes. They have that potential.' Officials urged residents to make emergency plans, gather at least two weeks of supplies and stay informed. Gov. Josh Green has proclaimed May 18-24 as Hurricane Preparedness Week, calling on the public to be aware, educated and ready to take action. Though a direct hit might not happen every year, officials warn that it takes only one storm to upend lives, families and entire communities. Emergency planners also urge residents to consider how they would move around in the aftermath of a storm. Roads may be blocked by fallen trees, fuel may be limited and evacuations could be slowed by traffic congestion. Travis Counsell, executive director of the Hawaii Bicycling League, said bicycles can play a surprising but powerful role, often serving as one of the most reliable forms of transportation during and after disasters. 'Bikes as a resilient mode of transportation are an amazing tool that's not only sustainable, affordable and low-impact, but when disaster strikes, bicycles are often the most useful personal vehicle in some of those impacted areas, ' Counsell said. Counsell cited examples from the 2024 New Year's earthquakes in Japan and the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires, where residents used bikes to navigate road closures, check on loved ones and transport supplies. 'Bikes do not require any gas. They're self-powered. They can be nimble. They can be lifted over downed trees or other things blocking the way, making them ideal for not only rural areas, but urban areas as well, ' he said. As the Bicycling League marks its 50th anniversary this year, it's promoting bikes not just for recreation or commuting, but as tools of resilience. The organization offers free workshops on how to maintain and prepare bikes for emergencies, including tips like checking air, brakes and chains ; adding racks or trailers ; and including items like helmets, lights, gloves and first aid kits as part of a disaster plan. Counsell also noted that Green has proclaimed June 3—just days after the start of hurricane season—as World Bicycle Day, in alignment with a United Nations designation. 'Bicycles … they're way more than just for leisure, ' Counsell said. 'They are definitely part of how we build a resilient community.' Brenchley urged residents to stay tuned to official updates from the National Weather Service and Central Pacific Hurricane Center throughout the season. Even if a storm doesn't make landfall, it can bring life-threatening wind, rain and ocean hazards. 'If we have a tropical cyclone anywhere in the Central Pacific, it definitely warrants our attention and will be watched closely, ' Brenchley said.
The Independent
07-04-2025
- General
- The Independent
Surfer sparks backlash after launching fundraiser for new wetsuit rather than rescuers
A surfer who was 'brought back to life' by an off-duty RNLI lifeguard and airlifted to hospital by a charity has sparked backlash after he set up a fundraiser for a new wet suit. Sam Brenchley almost died after he was hit on the head and knocked unconscious 'for a few minutes' by his surfboard on March 31. He was spotted by an off-duty lifeguard at Fistral Beach in Newquay, Cornwall, who took him to shore where he was then air-lifted to hospital by Cornwall Air Ambulance, a charity which relies on donations to operate. Mr Brenchley's wet suit was cut from his body during the rescue effort, prompting him to launch a £350 fundraiser for a new wetsuit to 'get back in the water'. However, his appeal - which was shared on a local Facebook group in a now deleted post - was not received well by other locals. 'Was fully expecting this to be raising money for the air ambulance, not asking for strangers to donate towards buying you a new wetsuit,' one wrote in response. Another person, who said they were a part of the rescue effort wrote: 'As I was one of 3 who pulled him out the water unconscious this is very disheartening to see, donation to air ambulance is more suitable than a wetsuit!' Mr Brenchley later shared an update on the appeal - confirming the funds raised would be going to the charity - after he was gifted a new wetsuit from a local surf shop. 'I want to thank the air ambulance for there incredible service and to the people on the beach that found me and and saved my life, to say I'm full of gratitude right now is an understatement,' he wrote. 'Surfing for me is a big part of my mental health stability and this suit allows me to go out everyday day and spend time doing the thing I love, I just want to get back to that position when I have recovered.' Cornwall Air Ambulance responds to over 1,000 rescue missions each year and receives no government funding but needs an estimated £8 million a year to operate. A spokesperson for Cornwall Air Ambulance confirmed the incident and said: 'Cornwall Air Ambulance was tasked to an incident at Fistral Beach in Newquay on March 31. We conveyed one patient to the Royal Cornwall Hospital for onward care.'
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Rescued surfer sets up fundraiser for new wetsuit instead of RNLI
A surfer rescued by the RNLI has been criticised after setting up a fundraising page for a new wetsuit. Sam Brenchley was struck on the head by his board and dragged unconscious from the waves by RNLI lifeguards in Cornwall on March 31. He launched an appeal for a new £350 wetsuit after it had to be cut from his body as he was brought to shore before being airlifted to hospital. Ryan Nile, who was one of three rescuers who helped save him, said: 'This is very disheartening to see. A donation to the air ambulance is more suitable than a wetsuit!' Some wondered if it was a late April Fool's joke, while others suggested he should buy a cheaper second-hand wetsuit from surf therapy charity The Wave Project's wetsuit recycling scheme instead. Mr Brenchley was unconscious for a matter of minutes before he was spotted by an off-duty lifeguard and other surfers, who helped to bring him back to life at Fistral Beach in Newquay. Emergency crews from the Newquay coastguard rescue team and the ambulance service helped Mr Brenchley before the Cornwall Air Ambulance transferred him to Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro. Following his ordeal, Mr Brenchley said in a Facebook post on April 2: 'On Monday I got hit by a surfboard and suffered a blackout in the water at Fistral and had to get airlifted off the beach. Unfortunately, for safety precautions they cut my wetsuit off me. Could you please donate to help me get a new suit and get back into water doing the thing I love.' After the criticism he issued an update and added: 'I want to thank the air ambulance for their incredible service and to the people on the beach that found me and saved my life – to say I'm full of gratitude right now is an understatement. 'Thank you to the hospital for looking after me and treating me with so much care and love. 'To the people that have sent kind messages also, thank you for putting good energy my way while I heal. 'Surfing for me is a big part of my mental health stability and this suit allows me to go out everyday and spend time doing the thing I love. I just want to get back to that position when I have recovered, once again thank you for your help.' A spokeswoman for Cornwall Air Ambulance said: 'Cornwall Air Ambulance was tasked to an incident at Fistral Beach in Newquay on March 31. We conveyed one patient to the Royal Cornwall Hospital for onward care.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
06-04-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Rescued surfer sets up fundraiser for new wetsuit instead of RNLI
A surfer rescued by the RNLI has been criticised after setting up a fundraising page for a new wetsuit. Sam Brenchley was struck on the head by his board and dragged unconscious from the waves by RNLI lifeguards in Cornwall on March 31. He launched an appeal for a new £350 wetsuit after it had to be cut from his body as he was brought to shore before being airlifted to hospital. Ryan Nile, who was one of three rescuers who helped save him, said: 'This is very disheartening to see. A donation to the air ambulance is more suitable than a wetsuit!' Some wondered if it was a late April Fool's joke, while others suggested he should buy a cheaper second-hand wetsuit from surf therapy charity The Wave Project's wetsuit recycling scheme instead. Mr Brenchley was unconscious for a matter of minutes before he was spotted by an off-duty lifeguard and other surfers, who helped to bring him back to life at Fistral Beach in Newquay. Emergency crews from the Newquay coastguard rescue team and the ambulance service helped Mr Brenchley before the Cornwall Air Ambulance transferred him to Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro. Following his ordeal, Mr Brenchley said in a Facebook post on April 2: 'On Monday I got hit by a surfboard and suffered a blackout in the water at Fistral and had to get airlifted off the beach. Unfortunately, for safety precautions they cut my wetsuit off me. Could you please donate to help me get a new suit and get back into water doing the thing I love.' After the criticism he issued an update and added: 'I want to thank the air ambulance for their incredible service and to the people on the beach that found me and saved my life – to say I'm full of gratitude right now is an understatement. 'Thank you to the hospital for looking after me and treating me with so much care and love. 'To the people that have sent kind messages also, thank you for putting good energy my way while I heal. 'Surfing for me is a big part of my mental health stability and this suit allows me to go out everyday and spend time doing the thing I love. I just want to get back to that position when I have recovered, once again thank you for your help.' A spokeswoman for Cornwall Air Ambulance said: 'Cornwall Air Ambulance was tasked to an incident at Fistral Beach in Newquay on March 31. We conveyed one patient to the Royal Cornwall Hospital for onward care.'
