Lifeboat_Magazine_Winter_2024

ISSUE 650 | WINTER 2024–25

PLUS:

CHRISTMAS KIT

To the rescue in bow ties and satin dresses

THEN AND NOW

Be inspired by a tale of two lifesavers

RAY OF HOPE

MEET THEO AND FRIENDS, GEARING UP FOR THE NEXT 200 YEARS

WINTER 2024–25 ISSUE 650

© RNLI 2024. All rights reserved. Reproduction is permitted with the prior consent of the RNLI. Opinions expressed by authors are not necessarily those of the publishers. Care is taken to ensure that editorial information is correct at the time of going to press but is subject to change.

Chair: Janet Legrand OBE KC (Hon)

Chief Executive: Peter Sparkes

Lifeboat Editor: Bethany Hope

Lifeboat Design: David Constant, Lee Hawkins, Andy Perryman Front cover image: Theo Geddes (aged 6), who raised £1,800 for the RNLI’s 200th anniversary, RNLI/David Edwards

Photo (bottom right): Our volunteers come from all walks of life! Father Christmas at Anstruther RNLI, lynseymelvillephotography

Contact us

If you have any enquiries – or would prefer not to receive Lifeboat magazine – please email us at: supporterexperience@rnli.org.uk Alternatively, please call 0300 300 9990 (from the UK), 01 511 9836 (from Ireland) or +44 1202 663234 (from any other country), or write to us at RNLI Support Centre, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ.

Blind and partially sighted people can choose to receive a free CD or mp3 of the magazine

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is the charity that saves lives at sea. We do so by providing a rescue service, safety education, and supervision on beaches. We also influence other organisations, policy-makers and regulators. Our crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives since the RNLI was formed in 1824. Our Water Safety Team helps keep people safe at the coast and our International Team works to reduce drowning around the world where it’s a major risk. We are independent from government and rely on voluntary contributions and gifts in Wills for income.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a charity registered in England and Wales (209603), Scotland (SC037736), the Republic of Ireland (CHY 2678 and 20003326), the Bailiwick of Jersey (14), the Isle of Man (1308 and 006329F), the Bailiwick of Guernsey and Alderney

Bethany

Hope, Editor Email: lifeboat@rnli.org.uk

Welcome

What a year! Thank you so much for being part of our 200th anniversary. Now we’re looking forward to our third century of lifesaving. Here at Lifeboat magazine, we’re raring to go. In this issue (from page 10), you'll be transported to a crew room packed with volunteers dressed in their Christmas finery. The next minute you’ll be reviving a hypothermic rower and then you’ll be bouncing across the waves to save 120 people on a disappearing sandbank.

After that whirlwind, you’ll need a break! So turn to page 18 to read about a handful of the thousands of inspirational RNLI people out there. Then you can enjoy a tale of two lifesavers (page 24) where two men called John Sharp are separated by 200 years, but united by the legacy of saving lives at sea. Merry Christmas and here’s to the next 200 years!

PS: You can influence what appears in your Lifeboat mag. I have some ideas for future articles and you can vote for your favourites at bit.ly/YourLifeboat. You can also scan this QR code or email me with your suggestions.

An unforgettable year News

Together, we’re seeing out the year with more incredible RNLI 200 celebrations. In October, our 200th anniversary scroll completed its journey around the UK and Ireland.

We enjoyed time afloat with the Coast to Cobbles time capsule journey – from Silloth in Cumbria to Salford Quays in Greater Manchester. We loved the ASTO Small Ships Race from Guernsey to Poole, Dorset, where young people learned about sailing, teamwork and the RNLI. It was a special moment at Croke Park, when RNLI volunteers were welcomed onto the pitch during the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship.

You’ve also been singing your hearts out for our lifesavers. A shanty by Martin Bruce, Saving Lives At Sea, has been travelling the country. And 21st Century Folk returned to BBC Radio 2, showcasing songs about five inspiring people linked to the sea – including Cullercoats RNLI’s Helm Anna Heslop and rescueeturned-crew-member Al Kassim.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to RNLI supporters and RNLI 200 Club members for making 2024 an unforgettable year. To join in with our final RNLI 200 events, visit RNLI.org/200.

Above: The ASTO Small Ships Race, rounded off with a tour of the RNLI All-weather Lifeboat Centre

Right: The Connecting our Communities scroll gets a warm reception at Moelfre RNLI

Rye Harbour RNLI Chair Martin Bruce and The Dockyard Dogs sing Saving Lives At Sea

The Coast to Cobbles time capsule on its travels, with Silloth and Workington crews

The Bond edition

Actor Daniel Craig generously donated his personal Triumph X 007™ Bond Edition motorcycles to the RNLI, selling for a phenomenal £60,000 at auction. The #003/250 Scrambler 1200 and the #001/250 Tiger 900 were inspired by the bikes in the James Bond film No Time To Die. Both bikes were signed by Daniel, who says: 'The RNLI has been close to my heart all my life since growing up near the RNLI station at Hoylake. I am honoured and immensely proud to support the RNLI.'

Myth-busting research

The Black Swimming Association (BSA) and the RNLI are working with the University of Portsmouth and King’s College London (KCL) on new research to dispel the damaging myth that Black and Asian people are less able to float than white people by examining floating techniques and body composition.

BSA co-founder and Chair Danielle Obe says: 'This relationship so many of us have with water, our swimming ability (or lack of) and our bone density goes back generations. It’s important to us that this study is being led by the community, for the community. It will help challenge the negative stigmas, narratives and relationships that our communities have with the water.'

In brief

Yes to Gift Aid

Thank you! If you’re in the UK and have chosen to Gift Aid your donations, you’ve contributed to the amazing £6.5M we reclaimed in 2023. That’s enough to train around 4,600 lifeboat crew members for a whole year.

Say yes to Gift Aid online at RNLI.org/YourTick or by calling 0300 300 9990 (weekdays, 8am–6pm).

Save the date

Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held at 30 Euston Square, London, on Wednesday 18 June 2025 at 2pm. It’s open to all RNLI governors. Find out more at RNLI.org/AGM .

Float to Live

The RNLI and Kärcher have partnered in a special photographic exhibition demonstrating that floating looks different for everybody. Body positivity model Izzy Nicholls and Deaf racing driver Caleb McDuff were among those who were photographed. See more at karcher.co.uk/FloatGallery.

Daniel Craig and his personal Triumph X 007 ™ motorcycles

New research aims to dispel myths around race and ability to float

Photos: BBC, RNLI/(ASTO, Harrison Bates, KT Bruce, Kärcher, Chris Smith, Triumph, Mark Ware, Nathan Williams)

Community

Welcome to a selection of news from your RNLI community. For all the latest from where you are, head to RNLI.org/news

ISLE OF MAN

Inspired learning Tower of Refuge

Earlier this year, the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, opened an immersive and exciting RNLI exhibition at 2 Royal Avenue, inspiring a new generation of lifesavers.

Visitors stepped into a crew member’s yellow wellies to learn what it takes to launch a lifeboat in all weathers. They listened to 200 Voices podcast interviews, sat on a lifeboat seat and wore a special virtual reality headset that put them right in the action.

Micky says: 'This new exhibition is a testament to 2 centuries of unwavering dedication, bravery and service. It not only commemorates the heroic efforts of our RNLI volunteers, but also celebrates the spirit of community that defines Belfast and Northern Ireland.'

What’s your tipple? In October, Isle of Man-based Fynoderee Distillery removed and bottled 11 first-fill casks of a very special Manx rum from the iconic Tower of Refuge. The tower was built by Sir William Hillary in 1832 as a refuge to stranded mariners.

The Fynoderee team say: 'This iconic storm-lashed location has imbued our rich, smooth rum with a maritime minerality leading to tasting notes of toasted oak, vanilla, salted caramel and bourbon.'

The 2,500-bottle limited edition rum joins the special RNLI 200 edition Fynoderee Manx Dry Gin as part of its Coastal Collection. Bottle number 200 has entered the RNLI 200 archives, with the remaining bottles now available for purchase.

Fynoderee co-founder Paul Kerruish says: 'We hope that this very special rum will generate a significant amount for the RNLI and provide the perfect “tot” for everyone who wishes to salute all those brave RNLI crew members past and present who have saved lives at sea over the generations.'

To find out more, head to fynoderee.com .

Lord Mayor of Belfast Micky Murray (right) with the RNLI’s Nicky Butler (centre) and Louise Canty-Dinan (left)

It's a tough job ... Jason Fleming, Tiffany Kerruish and His Excellency Sir John Lorimer check the rum

Swim to save lives

The fourth annual St Davids to Moelfre swim relay returned this year, supported by safety boats from St Davids Boat Club and Caravan Park. Crossing the approximately 5km of sea, dedicated swimmers raised an incredible £4,428 for the RNLI.

Deputy Coxswain Mike HughesRoberts says: 'Sea swimming is very popular, and an organised

ON TOUR

Facing the Waves

This autumn, Dogwood Productions took its stunning musical Facing the Waves on tour in England, with music from award-winning composer Alastair Collingwood.

Audiences from County Durham to London were thrilled and moved by a story about our relationship with the sea, the reality of coastal living and the pressures facing those who crew the lifeboats – a timeless responsibility passed from one generation to the next.

Swimmers gathered on the shore, with support boats behind

event like this is a wonderful way to participate while swimming with a group of people. It was very encouraging to see so many swimmers wearing brightly coloured swim hats and using tow floats, both of which increase your visibility in the water. I would like to thank all of them, plus the organisers and volunteer helpers, for their valiant efforts and support.'

Facing the Waves follows the stories of 1800s Crew Member Henry Freeman and present-day Crew Member Faith

RNLI Associate Director Anjie Rook says: 'For 200 years, it's people who have made the RNLI what it is. We are incredibly grateful to Dogwood Productions for supporting the RNLI.'

World-renowned artist Bruce Munro has created a breathtaking art installation to raise funds for the RNLI, marking 200 years of lifesaving.

To be part of the celebration, you can sponsor a stem at salcombefieldoflight.com. You can also view the Field of Light from Salcombe Harbour front, Devon, until 10 January 2025.

GET INVOLVED

To find more events coming up in your area, including lifeboat open days, head to RNLI.org/events .

RESCUE STORIES

These are the moments captured on camera that our crew and lifeguards save those in trouble – all thanks to you. You can read full accounts of other rescues on the following pages:

6 BARRY DOCK | PAGE 10 7 RHYL | PAGE 14 8 BRIDLINGTON | PAGE 16

For more rescue stories, head to RNLI.org/magazine

FIRST SHOUT

PORTPATRICK | 22 JUNE 2024

Three lives were saved when a birdwatcher spotted a kayak 2½ miles offshore south of the Mull of Galloway and raised the alarm. It sparked a multi-agency search and rescue involving Portpatrick’s new Shannon class lifeboat –its first ever rescue, a D class inshore lifeboat from Stranraer and a search and rescue helicopter. The lifeboat crews helped locate the two kayakers –and their dog – and return them to safety.

BROKEN BOOM

EXMOUTH | 27 JUNE 2024

When a boom snapped in half leaving a windsurfer drifting out to sea on an outgoing tide, it was fortunate he had come prepared. Reaching for his mobile phone, he called 999. He reported his position to the Coastguard and it took less

TIDAL TRAP

CROMER | 6 JULY 2024

Dramatic video footage shows the moment Cromer’s inshore lifeboat crew saved a man who was trapped next to a sea wall. He had climbed over the wall to go in after his dog only to find powerful waves pushing him against the wall, cutting him off from the promenade steps. Manoeuvring their D class into position, the crew were able to recover the owner and his dog and get them to safety.

than 15 minutes for Exmouth’s inshore lifeboat crew to find him a few miles south of Orcombe Point. After a quick welfare assessment they returned him to Exmouth Beach for an emotional reunion with his family.

RESCUE FROM RIP

WOOLACOMBE | 14 AUGUST 2024

After rip currents dragged seven swimmers and bodyboarders out to sea, Woolacombe’s lifeguards had their work cut out, responding to three separate incidents in 1 hour. In challenging conditions, they used their rescue boards to bring everybody back safely, then checked that they were all OK. They were shaken up as a result of their ordeal, but left with a better understanding of how to stay safe in future.

SOFT

LANDING

FETHARD | 19 MAY 2024

When this Jack Russell fell about 10m from a cliff at Poles Bay, thankfully, seaweed cushioned her landing. Two kayakers raised the alarm and the Fethard inshore lifeboat crew brought the lucky dog safely aboard. Please remember to keep dogs on a lead close to cliff edges. If your pet gets into difficulty, don’t go after them. Call 999/112 and ask for the coastguard.

Photos: RNLI/(Fethard, Portpatrick, Woolacombe lifeguards), Carl Sawyer, Andy Siddall

ON CALL CHRISTMAS

With a man overboard in freezing seas, the lifeboat crew knew it was critical to reach him fast

Andy Gavan, Coxswain of Barry Dock lifeboat, was getting ready for a Christmas do on 26 December 2023 when his RNLI pager shrieked into life. ‘I was already dressed up for the party, so I ran to the station in my waistcoat and bow tie,’ he remembers. ‘We’re usually a little quieter at that time of year, so when the pager goes off it can be a surprise. And winter shouts, naturally, tend to be more serious.’

Floating somewhere outside Barry Harbour, Tom Skinner was

in serious trouble. He was following a strict training regime for a major rowing event, when he was thrown from his boat by a powerful current near Lavernock Point. He managed to radio for help but, after drifting in dangerously cold water for around 45 minutes, Tom’s body was seizing up and he was starting to lose hope.

Both Barry Dock and Penarth lifeboat crews were alerted, along with the coastguard helicopter based

at St Athan. Already in flight, the helicopter crew hadn’t found Tom –he was just a tiny speck in the sea.

Kitting up at Barry Dock lifeboat, Andy was alarmed to hear how long the casualty had been in the cold water. ‘It was critical we found him quickly,’ he says. ‘I knew it wouldn’t be long before he was unconscious.’

The Barry Dock volunteers had an expanding search pattern prepared as they launched their all-weather Trent class lifeboat Inner Wheel

‘In winter the water is extremely cold. I knew it wouldn’t be long before he was unconscious’

ANDY GAVAN COXSWAIN, BARRY DOCK RNLI

The crew knew their casualty would be drifting west on the choppy tidal flow of the Bristol Channel and they calculated Tom’s rate of drift. ‘Knowing how fast our tide runs, I knew he’d probably travelled 2 or 3 miles,’ says Andy. Combining this with all their local knowledge, they had a good idea of where to start looking. They headed for an area near Rannie Buoy.

With three crew members on deck acting as lookouts; one preparing oxygen, first aid and blankets; and two readying the A-frame gantry to lift their casualty from the water, they hoped they would find Tom sooner rather than later. Then, about a mile south of Sully Island, Crew Member Josh Brown spotted ‘something like a football’ off the starboard side. As the lifeboat drew closer, they realised it was the back of Tom’s head – and he was still alive.

‘I carefully pulled the lifeboat alongside him,' says Andy. 'It was

I started to think this might be it …

surreal – he was still gazing out to sea.’ The cold had robbed Tom of most of his faculties and he hadn’t noticed the big orange lifeboat behind him. ‘They were almost on top of me before I realised they were there,’ says Tom. ‘I could hear them shouting. That’s when I thought: it’s alright, I’m going to be OK.’

‘I could sense these incredibly calm, professional people operating all around me'

Already prepped to recover him starboard side with the A-frame and strops, the lifeboat crew swiftly hauled Tom out. ‘I was very pleased to be out of the water,’ he says. ‘But I could sense I wasn’t quite in the clear. I couldn’t move my arms and was really struggling to breathe.’ The crew immediately began casualty care. Quickly recognising

‘When you hit water at 8°C, it takes your breath away. I tried swimming after my boat but couldn’t make any headway –that’s when I realised I was in trouble. It becomes difficult to move or think properly in water that cold. I knew my only chance was to conserve energy. It was pretty lonely out there – I started to think this might be it. I’ve got a 7- and 5-year-old, and I was thinking about them too. Thankfully, the lifeboat crew came alongside and pulled me out of the water. I wasn’t sure what was happening but could sense these incredibly calm, professional people operating like clockwork all around me. I thank them all for dropping everything to help me.’

TOM SKINNER ROWER, SURVIVOR

the signs of hypothermia and water inhalation, they wrapped him in blankets and delivered oxygen. By now, Penarth lifeboat crew had arrived on scene in their Atlantic 85 lifeboat Maureen Lilian. The inshore crew offered to transfer their trained paramedic Nic Anderson

Barry Dock volunteers hone their A-frame recovery skills during a recent exercise –the same technique they used to pluck Tom from icy waters

‘He was pale and cold to touch, beyond shivering'

‘Tom was pretty unresponsive to start with and his breathing was shallow and rapid. The Barry Dock volunteers were amazing – some were in the shower with him, slowly bringing up the temperature and coaching his breathing. Others gently stepped up his drinks from cups of tepid water to hot tea. That allowed me to focus on taking regular observations like his pulse, temperature, respiratory rate and sats (blood oxygen). Tom’s sats remained low so I kept him on the oxygen for quite some time. When I was happy his temperature was at normal levels, we got him out of the shower, dried him off and put him in warm clothes.’

NIC ANDERSON CREW MEMBER AND PARAMEDIC, PENARTH RNLI

to help onboard the all-weather craft. Simultaneously, Burry Port crew were trying to request an extraction of their casualty by helicopter. A combination of poor reception and heavy radio traffic meant neither call landed successfully. Barry Dock Lifeboat Mechanic Ben Phillips, doubling up as radio operator on the Trent, explains: ‘At this point we struggled to get a clear VHF transmission, our comms were squelchy and unintelligible. And with so many different vessels trying to speak, including a clutch of nearby fishing boats, it was difficult to get in.’

Barry Dock lifeboat headed straight for harbour and the Penarth crew followed them in. As the all-weather lifeboat reached its pontoon, the coastguard helicopter landed nearby and its paramedic came aboard. As the helicopter no longer had enough fuel to lift Tom to hospital, the gathered lifesavers agreed to look after Tom in the warmth of the lifeboat station while they waited for an ambulance.

‘As the radio chatter started to quiet down, it became clear that Penarth lifeboat had pulled up with

a paramedic onboard,’ says Andy. ‘We called for her to join us in the lifeboat station.’ With Nic taking over casualty care, the helicopter could now leave and refuel for its next mission.

The RNLI crew carried their casualty to the lifeboat station’s wet room and started showering him in tepid water. He wasn’t talking, but was able to nod to questions and open his eyes when asked.

Nic took regular observations and kept Tom on oxygen while others brought drinks, towels and blankets. They slowly warmed him up and administered tubes of glucose gel to boost his energy. ‘Ellie, another paramedic from the Penarth crew came by car to support Nic,’ says Andy. Barry Dock and Penarth RNLI volunteers pulled together for more than an hour to ensure Tom’s safe recovery. By the time the ambulance arrived, he was alert and chatting.

‘It was heart-warming to hear that Tom made a complete recovery,’ says Andy. ‘He came back to the lifeboat station to thank us all personally too. Rescues like this really stay with you – they remind us why we put so much into our training, and why

it’s so important to work together as a team with our fellow lifeboat crews and other emergency services.

‘None of it can happen without kind donations from the public. They fund the kit, training and equipment we need to continue responding to emergencies like this. And there’s no doubt our new lifeboat station and facilities really helped on this one. The warm shower, underfloor heating and extra room to carry out casualty care all contributed to saving Tom’s life.’

Back at Barry Dock Lifeboat Station, volunteers help Tom thaw out

The difference you make

Left: Each set of layered clothing and boots now costs the charity £1,600/€1,846. The new Barry Dock crew room with underfloor heating will help the kit last longer

Coxswain Andy Gavan spells out what the new station at Barry Dock means to the crew: ‘Our old boathouse was a lot smaller and we only had an outside shower that ran cold. In this rescue, when we got Tom back to our new station with its underfloor heating, it was ideal – we could gently thaw him out under the warm shower. We also set up a separate resus room, just in case things took a turn for the worse. We didn’t have that option before.

'Since the rescue, we have a new Shannon class lifeboat as well. The training was intense but it’s been worth it. It’s like converting from analogue to digital. We had a similar shout recently and the Shannon got us there quicker. We now have noise cancelling headsets so the comms are better; we’re not shouting over engine noise. And the whole craft is ergonomically designed around the crew – everyone's got a job role and a position with display systems. It's easier to command. As coxswain, you can focus on managing the boat and crew.’ ■

Words: Jon Jones

Photos: Stephen Duncombe, Luc Lacey, RNLI/(Barry Dock, Nigel Millard), UAV Aspects, Imogen Williams

Above/below: Barry Dock’s new Shannon class lifeboat Richard and Caroline Colton II. It was funded primarily by a generous legacy from Richard Colton and started saving lives in June 2024

Later, Tom returns to thank the lifeboat volunteers

TURNING OF THE TIDE

At Rhyl Beach, 120 people are getting cut off by a rapidly incoming tide. Will the volunteers bring them to safety before it’s too late?

Having been part of Rhyl’s lifeboat crew for many years, Kevin Taggart often senses when he might get called to rescue. ‘I keep a close eye on the weather and tide times, so I sometimes get a gut feeling about a shout,’ says Kevin.

This day was no different. ‘It was a sunny Saturday, and my wife and I had just been talking about whether I’d get a call,’ says Kevin. ‘The next thing I knew, she shouted: “Your pager is going off!”’

Volunteer Crew Member Harry Clews’s pager also sounded. ‘My family and I were about to go for a walk with the dog,’ says Harry. ‘My kids always get excited and say: “Hurry up, Dad! Quick!”’

When Kevin, Harry and other Rhyl volunteers arrived at the station, they learned that 120 people were trapped on a shrinking sandbank, with the tide coming in fast.

Time was of the essence

The volunteers launched the D class lifeboat, with Kevin at the helm. With more of the sandbank disappearing as each second passed, they needed to get there before it was too late.

As the crew approached the busy scene, they saw people scattered across the sandbank – from dog walkers to families with young children.

While some were frightened, many were completely unaware of the danger they were in. ‘I remember two children asking me what was going on. But other people were frantically running up and down the sandbank and yelling for our help, terrified that they wouldn’t make it back to shore in time,’ says Kevin.

‘The training just kicks in’

The crew’s training was vital in helping them prioritise who to rescue first – especially for Harry, as it was his first mass rescue. ‘When I saw the amount of people on the beach, I thought: “How are we going to do this?” But the training just kicks in, and you know instantly what you need to do to get people to safety,’ says Harry. ‘Through our training, we learn how to spot people in the most danger so we can be in the right place at the right time,’ explains Kevin.

The crew sped up and down the water in the inshore lifeboat. After warning people of the danger of the incoming tide, a few of those closer to shore were able to get themselves to safety. But many others were completely stranded – with the only way back being by lifeboat.

Rhyl volunteers depend on their manoeuvrable D class lifeboat for searches and rescues closer to the shore

‘When we got to the first part of the sandbank, the water was up to my waist’

HARRY CLEWS

CREW MEMBER, RHYL RNLI

‘The beach can seem like a big playground, but the tide can come in surprisingly quickly’

KEVIN TAGGART

CREW MEMBER, RHYL RNLI

‘We can only fit five casualties in the D class lifeboat at once, so we had to keep reassuring people that we weren’t going to leave them behind,’ says Harry. ‘It’s important that we stay calm while keeping the people we rescue calm, so we can get back to shore as quickly and safely as possible.’

‘Things could have gone drastically wrong’

After 1 hour of going back and forth between the sandbank and the beach, the crew had brought all 120 people and a handful of dogs back to safety. Without support from kind people like you, the volunteers can’t launch to rescue those in trouble on the water – meaning a situation like this could have ended very differently.

‘People would have found themselves with no ground left to stand on. Some might have tried to make their own way back and could have been swept out to sea by the strong tidal currents, which is a really worrying thought,’ says Kevin.

It takes a team

Rescuing so many people was also down to the incredible teamwork from the volunteers and HM Coastguard.

‘We’re like a family at Rhyl. Because we train together, we know everyone’s strengths and how to work well as a team,’ says Kevin. The crew also

Tidal tips from the crew

‘Conditions can change really quickly, so before you head to the coast this winter, always check the tide times and the weather forecast,’ advises Harry.

Kevin adds: ‘While you’re out, be aware of your surroundings and the tide’s direction. Leave enough time to get yourself to safety, especially when visiting a beach out of the lifeguard season. And if you find yourself in trouble on the coast, remember Float to Live –how to float in an emergency. Also, of course, if you see someone in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.’

had help searching the beach from the Coastguard and Rhyl volunteers in the station’s Land Rover, who communicated with them the whole time to help them cover the entire sandbank.

‘Working together to bring people home safe is always so rewarding – even more so on this rescue, as so many people were involved,’ adds Kevin.

‘Knowing you’ve potentially saved 120 people’s lives is an amazing feeling,’ says Harry. ■

Right: With the incoming tide showing no sign of slowing down, the sandbank was vanishing before everyone’s eyes

Above left: The Rhyl crew aboard the D class lifeboat Mary Maxwell

Words: Hannah Old

Photos: RNLI/(Nigel Millard, Rhyl), Callum Robinson

UNDER PRESSURE

When the Bridlington crew went home after a Christmas party, they were ready for their beds. However, the night had other plans for them

‘Not long after getting home from the party, the pager went,’ says Coxswain Steve Emmerson. ‘I showed up at the station in half-and-half – dress trousers paired with a pyjama top!’ Crew Member and Lifeboat Training Coordinator

Sarah Berrey adds: ‘I ran to the station in a slinky red off-the-shoulder dress – I’d just managed to get my heels off and some flip-flops on! We laughed as we kitted up.’

Steve continues: ‘We’re dedicated to saving lives at sea and a group of us had foregone alcohol that night so we’d be ready to launch if needed. This is what we do.’

Assessing the scene

‘In the darkness, we had a force 5–6 southerly wind and about 2m swell. All we knew was there was an urgent medevac [medical evacuation] needed from a wind farm supply vessel off Dogger Bank, 85 miles east of Bridlington. It took us 3 hours to get there, strapped into our seats for the bumpy journey and running through different scenarios to transfer the casualty without incident.

‘When we arrived on scene, the casualty was ready to go! But it’s a risky procedure and both boats were being rolled by the

‘The Shannon is more than capable – its agility is phenomenal’

STEVE EMMERSON, COXSWAIN

‘We were hitting massive waves –going up and then crashing down over the other side’

SARAH BERREY, CREW MEMBER AND LIFEBOAT TRAINING COORDINATOR

swell, so I hung back and observed the vessel’s movements for a few minutes. It was rolling a lot so we asked them to turn through 40 degrees, which settled things. As the casualty was mobile and already wearing a lifejacket, I kept my crew onboard and instructed them to stand by as I approached.

‘As I steadied the Shannon, the two boats moved parallel to each other so I could gauge how much we were going up and down. Happy with the speed and the movement, I said: “Stand by!” and manoeuvred alongside. We called to the casualty to move now, and Crew Member Richard Pockley helped him step safely across at just the right moment. It’s a testament to the crew’s skill and professionalism – and to the casualty for trusting and listening to them – that this transfer in terrible conditions went so smoothly. Sarah adds: 'We train for transfers, but it's not in conditions like this. It's another level at night in a big swell.'

Steve continues: ‘Pulling away takes some careful manoeuvring too. But the Shannon is more than capable – its agility is phenomenal. We all breathed a sigh of relief as the most dangerous part was complete and we headed for home.’

A lumpy journey back

Sarah took the casualty straight down into the lifeboat to assess his condition. ‘We knew he’d run out of blood pressure tablets and he'd been chewing on garlic cloves. He needed to go to hospital. He had a headache and chest pains and, as we began the 5-hour journey back to shore, he got quite sick. We were hitting massive waves – going up and then crashing down over the other side – and we had to keep stopping and starting so he could throw up out on deck. I kept an eye on him the whole way back.’

When the crew finally reached home, they handed him into the care of the Coastguard. They heard later that he was safe and well.

Steve says: ‘I’m very happy with the way this rescue went. I put it down to training, discipline and competence – and who they are as people, I couldn’t ask for a better crew. I also have enormous gratitude for the generosity of our supporters. Without people like them providing the funds, we wouldn’t be as effective as we are.’

Our charity appreciates every pound and cent you can give us at this time, especially with costs increasing. For this 170-mile service to Dogger Bank and back, fuel cost 25% more than it did in 2019. ■

‘We trust the Shannon with our lives. When I consider how we’ve developed our lifeboats in the last 200 years, I’m inspired by all we’ve achieved and excited to see how lifesaving will evolve in future’

STEVE EMMERSON, COXSWAIN

In this striking image from the actual rescue, Crew Member Richard Pockley helps the casualty transfer safely from the wind farm vessel to the lifeboat

Words: dunnāco lee-morikū Photos: RNLI/Mike Milner

Top left: Bridlington RNLI’s Shannon launches to the rescue after the Christmas party

Theo Geddes

When Theo heard that the RNLI was celebrating a special birthday, he initially set his heart on raising £200 for our crews. However, the 6-year-old was determined to go the extra mile: under the supervision of his dad Matt, a lifeboat volunteer, he sailed solo around Hilbre Island in his dinghy Spidey, raising more than £1,800.

Killian O’Kelly

As well as delivering RNLI water safety messages to thousands of people across Ireland every year, Killian saves lives at sea directly as a volunteer on Bundoran lifeboat. He’s inspiring others in his local area too, as a key player in community projects.

Meet some of your RNLI family who are helping to launch the charity into the next 200 years

Words: Jon Jones 3 4 1 2

Finley Hassall

Deborah Meadows

Bembridge RNLI Education Officer Deborah (above left) is instrumental in the RNLI/Girlguiding partnership that empowers young girls to stay safe in and around the water. Deborah says: ‘The collaboration is about sharing key messages that ultimately save lives – but it’s also a fantastic way to introduce young girls to opportunities at the RNLI.’

Eleven-year-old Finley knew exactly what to do when he saw another lad drowning. By remembering water safety tips from our kids’ club magazine, Storm Force, he saved the boy’s life and then Lifeguard Guy Potter did the rest. At just £18/€22 a year, Storm Force makes an ideal Christmas gift for a child you know. Sign them up today at RNLI.org/StormForce

Alex Barthe

Former RNLI lifeguard Alex had a life-changing accident while surfing. He puts his survival down to the man who first came to help him in the water, and his own RNLI training. Alex knew he’d probably suffered a spinal injury and instructed the people around him on what to do. Despite paralysis in most of his body, Alex continues his dedication to our charity as an office volunteer and disability champion.

Samshun Nahar

As a trainer with the Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB), Nahar has coached more than 19,000 people in first responder techniques. The CIPRB, in partnership with the RNLI, makes powerful interventions to reduce child drowning tragedies in Bangladesh. This includes giving crèche leaders the skills to save children’s lives directly, thanks to people like Nahar (pictured guiding a trainee).

Patch joined Penlee lifeboat crew as a volunteer in the 1990s, following in the footsteps of his grandad and great grandad. Coxswain since 2008, and with more than 30 years of dedicated service and hundreds of rescues under his hat, the lifesaving legend recently received the RNLI Silver Medal for Gallantry. 5 7 8 6

Anne Scott

A volunteer fundraiser since the 1970s, Anne joined the charity’s staff in 2001. As a fundraising manager she supported fundraising volunteers across the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Knowing Anne’s retirement was coming, Buckie lifeboat crew snapped her up for volunteering again and she’s now their lifeboat operations manager.

Patch Harvey

9

Ted Luckin

Think of any RNLI volunteer role, and Ted will have the T-shirt. He’s been part of Cromer RNLI’s lifesaving family for more than 62 years – initially as lifeboat mechanic and tractor driver, before taking up the helm of the station’s first inshore craft in the late 1960s. More recently, Ted was the station’s boathouse manager – ensuring everything was shipshape for crew and visitors.

12

Lucy Crichard

As the RNLI’s Trainee Environmental Manager, Lucy is inspiring volunteers and staff to get involved with reducing negative impacts on the environment and making our lifesaving service resilient to climate change. She’s also a champion of the RNLI’s annual Women in Engineering Day, encouraging schoolgirls to consider engineering careers.

10

Aroop Mozumder

As the RNLI’s first ever medical director, Aroop is passionate about casualty care and supporting the mental health of RNLI lifesavers. Having previously put his medical skills to use in war zones and humanitarian disasters, Aroop understands the difficult conditions our volunteer crews face when treating injured and distressed people at sea.

11

Ruth Birch

Army veteran and former prison officer, Ruth is a launch tractor driver and shore crew at Porthcawl Lifeboat Station. Named Inspiration of the Year in the 2023 Welsh Veterans Awards, she’s a campaigner for LGBT+ rights and works with military charity Fighting With Pride.

13

Danielle Obe

Danielle is dedicated to getting more people of African, Caribbean, and Asian heritage involved with aquatics and water safety. These communities are at higher risk of drowning so, under Danielle’s leadership, the Black Swimming Association (BSA) is working with the RNLI to reach more ethnically diverse communities around the

14

The Browns

We couldn’t pick just one of these two! ‘Gap-year grandparents’ Antony and Sally Brown hiked 6,000 miles of UK coastline together, visiting lifeboat stations and raising more than £12,000 for the RNLI!

15

Ben Thomson

Twelve years ago Ben thought his time was up: he’d been drifting in icy seas for 4 hours and it was getting dark. But when a big orange boat appeared, his life changed forever. Within months of being rescued by Broughty Ferry lifeboat volunteers, Ben joined the crew himself.

17

Annie Jagoe

When Annie’s not patrolling beaches as a senior lifeguard, she’s a volunteer crew member onboard Portrush lifeboat. With a background in youth surf coaching, she’s a keen advocate of surf therapy and a fundraiser for The Wave Project, a charity helping to improve young people’s mental health and wellbeing through surfing and mentorship.

18

Jack O’Connell

After a medical emergency on Christmas Day 2012, Aran Islands lifeboat crew rushed Jack (then a toddler) from Inis Mór to hospital on the mainland. He made a full recovery, which inspired dad Daniel to volunteer for the crew. Jack’s mum Lena and grandmother Margaret are longstanding fundraisers for the station – and 15-year-old Jack, who is a little young to join the crew just yet, helps Mamó out in the station shop.

19

Becky Cannon

Coming from a proud line of Cannon lifeboat volunteers, Becky joined Ramsgate crew aged 17. Seven years on, she’s the youngest ever coxswain of an RNLI all-weather lifeboat. Would she be happy for her own kids to continue the family tradition? ‘Absolutely!’ she says. ‘RNLI training teaches you great skills, confidence, teamwork and makes you part of something meaningful. Who wouldn’t want that for their children?’

16

Mike Tipton

Mike’s pioneering work in cold water survival is behind the RNLI’s most crucial lifesaving advice. His research revealed that cold water shock is the main threat to anyone falling into UK or Irish waters and that people can improve their chances by keeping calm and floating on their back. His research with people of different ages, shapes, sizes, genders and swimming abilities also showed that anyone can float.

20

Chris Smith

Have you met Chris? Driving the Ford E-Transit van in a relay-style tour, former RNLI apprentice Chris connected communities all over the UK and Ireland during our 200th birthday year. He transported our special anniversary scroll. Turn the page to find out what it meant to one of the hundreds of RNLI people who signed it.

Photos: Ethan Hill, Joachim Hornig, Press and Journal/Jason Hedges, University of Portsmouth, RNLI/(Harrison Bates, Chris Bishop, Clifden, Karen Cox, David Edwards, Steve Jones, Nigel Millard, Syed Naem, Justyn Smith, Barbara Szente, Nathan Williams)

Coxswain/Mechanic

Nicky King in the new Wells boathouse, with the special scroll signed by hundreds of RNLI people at stations, beaches, fundraising branches and shops

Me and my ... community

Wells Coxswain/Mechanic Nicky King reflects on writing his name in history

It’s great to have the new boathouse here at Wells – the old one was built in the 1890s and was like Trigger’s broom, because most of it had been replaced over the years. To then be one of four station representatives asked to take part in the Connecting our Communities event was special.

As part of the RNLI’s 200th anniversary activities, we added our signatures to hundreds of others on a scroll –bearing the RNLI’s One Crew pledge – as it passed through RNLI lifeboat stations, lifeguard units and fundraising branches across the UK and Ireland.

It was a proud moment. And I love the fact that the scroll’s wooden handle was made by an RNLI carpenter, using wood from an old flagpole from Ramsey Lifeboat Station on the Isle of Man, where it all began. ■

The Connecting our Communities scroll is on display at the RNLI College in Poole, Dorset. And you can hear more from Nicky in episode 72 of the RNLI’s podcast series 200 Voices. Search ‘RNLI 200 Voices’ wherever you get your podcasts.

Photo: Chris Smith

A TALE OF TWO LIFESAVERS

Hartlepool’s new Shannon class lifeboat is named in honour of a generous legacy donor. But it also pays homage to an 18th century visionary

When Hartlepool RNLI’s new all-weather lifeboat launches for the first time, it’ll be a proud moment for Anthony Sharp. The Shannon class lifeboat will carry the name of his late brother, John Sharp, in honour of the man who helped fund it. When he died in 2019, John left a significant sum to the Charities Aid Foundation. And although he named the RNLI as one of his preferred charities in a

memorandum filed with his Will, John hadn’t made the connection between the lifeboat charity and his family history. But when the time came for the family to suggest a beneficiary, it was John’s research into generations past that would prove pivotal.

One good lifeboat leads to another John discovered he had a namesake, Dr John Sharp, who was a trustee

of Lord Crewe’s estate. As Trustee, Dr Sharp’s first task was to restore Bamburgh Castle. Next, he turned his attention to the treacherous local coastline, organising horseback patrols that would scour the shore after a storm, on the lookout for shipwrecks and survivors. In a prescient move, Dr Sharp then commissioned coachbuilder Lionel Lukin to convert a fishing boat into

an ‘unimmergible’ boat. Lukin’s design – a forerunner of today’s self-righting lifeboats – was filled with cork and pockets of air.

By 1789, a full 35 years before the beginnings of what we now know as the RNLI, this early lifeboat was kept at Bamburgh for the purpose of saving lives from shipwreck.

After the modern-day John Sharp died in 2019, his brother Anthony remembered ancestor Dr Sharp’s part in saving lives off the Northumberland coast over 200 years ago – it was this story that sealed the deal regarding how best to distribute John’s generous legacy gift. It seemed only fitting that the portion directed to charity should be awarded to the RNLI. The Charities Aid Foundation acted on the family’s request as it reflected John's wishes. John’s extraordinary gift is the reason that Hartlepool RNLI volunteers will soon launch in a new all-weather Shannon class lifeboat. Like Lukin’s ‘unimmergible’ boat, put to use off the shores of Bamburgh, the Shannon is self-righting. There could be no better home for it than the north-east coastline.

and his wife Sarah

Out of the factory and into the water, during a ceremony where the Hartlepool crew thanked the Sharp family for their generous legacy

‘Helping to fund this new lifeboat would probably have made John chuckle with satisfaction’

Left: A Shannon class all-weather lifeboat, like the one soon to save lives at Hartlepool

Dr John Sharp (1645–1714), in a painting by Benjamin West

John Sharp (1949–2019)

Anthony Sharp

enjoying a visit to the RNLI All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole, Dorset, to see the shiny new Shannon taking shape

Lionel Lukin’s pamphlet, showing the design of his ‘unimmergible’ boat

1723

John Sharp is born, later becoming Dr Sharp and Senior Trustee of Lord Crewe’s charity, the then owners of Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland

1785

Lionel Lukin invents an ‘unimmergible’ boat. Dr Sharp later commissions the coachbuilder to convert a fishing coble into a lifeboat

1824

Sir William Hillary forms the Royal National Institution for the Preservation of Lives and Property from Shipwreck, which later becomes the RNLI

1949

Dr John Sharp’s descendant, also called John Sharp, is born, going on to become a skilled investor

2019

John Sharp dies, leaving a significant gift to the Charities Aid Foundation, and names the RNLI in a memorandum filed with his Will

2024

A new Shannon class lifeboat, partly funded by John’s estate and carrying his name, is on its way to Hartlepool

THIRD TIME LUCKY

MATT ADAMS, HARTLEPOOL RNLI

‘It’ll be an exciting moment when we finally get our new Shannon class all-weather lifeboat John Sharp in December. It’s not the first Hartlepool lifeboat that we’ve been lucky enough to have thanks to legacy gifts. Without gifts like these, we wouldn’t have had Betty Huntbatch – our current all-weather Trent class lifeboat – or Solihull – our inshore Atlantic 85 lifeboat – so it’s impossible for us to ever forget about the impact that legacy donations make. We’re reminded every time we set foot on one of our lifeboats.

‘We are very much aware of the story behind John Sharp. And thankful that John’s family and the Charities Aid Foundation saw fit to direct the gift to the RNLI. It’s very humbling. Hartlepool Lifeboat Station’s history goes back more than 2 centuries, so I for one was fascinated to learn about John’s namesake, who, in the 18th century, kickstarted a lifesaving service at Bamburgh, even before the RNLI was formed.

‘I always say to new crew members that there were other volunteer crews who came before us, and there will be others who come after us – we’re just keeping the seats warm. And it’s quite incredible to think of how brave the volunteers were 200 years ago, going to sea with nothing like the kit and protection we have today. At the station, we still hold copies of old service returns – records of rescues from back in the day. One record that sticks in my mind mentions that on a call out near Seaton Carew, one of the crew was washed overboard and had to swim home. I wouldn’t fancy that! Every gift we receive – no matter the size – is important. Even if that gift

'We’re just keeping the seats warm’

isn’t enough to fund a lifeboat, it could still pay for other essentials, like the kit that gets us home safely.

‘I’ve been on the crew for 22 years, but I’ll never stop being surprised by people’s generosity. I was at the station one day when a lady walked in with a bucket filled with money –nearly £200 that she had gathered at a funeral. People say thank you to us, but I say: “No, it’s us who need to thank you!”. As everyone knows, the cost of living has gone up and this has had an impact on the RNLI too. We’re grateful to receive donations of any size. Without them, we wouldn’t be going anywhere.

‘As much as we’re excited to get aboard the new Shannon class lifeboat, we’ll be sad to wave Betty farewell. The Trent class has performed countless rescues over 20 years of faithful service. But it seems fitting that John Sharp will be saving lives here at Hartlepool, not too far from Bamburgh, where the early lifeboat that the 18th-century John Sharp instigated saw service. In the new year, as part of our training on the new Shannon, we’re hoping to go on an extended navigation exercise up to Bamburgh. If so, we’ll take some photos of John Sharp off the coast. It will make the circle complete.’

THE MISSING PIECE OF THE JIGSAW

‘ Up until about 4 years ago I had a fairly limited knowledge of the RNLI. But I do remember visiting lifeboat stations as a child on trips to the coast, and this is something we repeated when taking our own children to visit lifeboat stations when on family holidays. Likewise, my older brother, John, had very little knowledge of the RNLI. And it was only after John died that we made the family’s historical connection with saving lives at sea. When John died in 2019, he left me a letter, and in it he named the kind of charities that he

‘As a family, we’re extremely proud to be involved’

would prefer his legacy gift to go to. One of the charities he named was the RNLI. And once we remembered our ancestor Dr Sharp’s part in saving lives along the Bamburgh coast, we knew we had found the missing piece of the jigsaw.’ ■

‘Six out of ten lifeboat launches are only made possible by legacies, large and small, left to the RNLI in people’s Wills. We are extremely grateful to those who give to the RNLI. Without them we couldn’t continue to carry out our lifesaving work.

‘The organisation still protects the shores around the north-eastern coast, and is able to operate thanks to the generosity of voluntary donations.’

Might your family have RNLI connections?

The RNLI is pleased to announce a partnership with Ancestry. From December, Ancestry.co.uk will host some of the RNLI’s records on its website, available for users to search through at no cost. Who knows? You may discover that your family can also lay claim to being related to a long-lost lifesaver.

Find out more

Listen to Anthony reflecting on his brother’s legacy in episode 182 of the RNLI’s podcast series, 200 Voices. Search ‘RNLI 200 Voices’ wherever you get your podcasts.

Are you interested in learning more about leaving a gift to the RNLI?

Philanthropy fuels every aspect of our lifesaving. A gift of £10,000 or more is your living legacy, allowing you to witness first-hand how your investment saves lives at sea.

We welcome the chance to build our future together – with you –as one crew.

For more information or to talk to a member of the RNLI Philanthropy Team, please call 01202 137869 or you can email the team at philanthropy@rnli.org.uk

ANTHONY SHARP, BROTHER OF LEGACY DONOR JOHN SHARP

JAYNE GEORGE, RNLI FUNDRAISING, MARKETING AND MEDIA DIRECTOR

Words: Darren Crew

Photos: ©The British Library Board, Stephen Duncombe, Nick McCann, RNLI/Nathan Williams

SHELF LIFE

Curl up on a winter’s evening with one of these fantastic books – or pick the perfect Christmas gift for a loved one

Reviewed by: Mike Rodgers, Avril MacDonald, Sandra Smith, Nikki McMullen and Rob Westcott

EDITOR'S PICK

To Save Every One

‘With courage, nothing is impossible.’ These were the words of Sir William Hillary, the founder of the RNLI, and they echo through the pages of this engagingly written and brilliantly illustrated account of the RNLI’s first 200 years.

The 20 chapters each cover a different topic, from the early volunteers, to lifeboats, to fundraising and international assistance. Every chapter captures the spirit and ethos of this extraordinary institution – this is no dry history book, but a thrilling story of selfless bravery. There's a foreword from actor and supporter Daniel Craig too.

If you want to know all about the RNLI, its history and its work, then this is the book for you.

Published by HarperCollins Publishers Price: £25 (hardback)

Treasured Islands

by Peter Naldrett

Goat ice-cream anyone? A drink at the pub that never shuts? Just two of the many ideas for places to visit on over 200 islands around our coast.

This is a must-have book for bird lovers, walkers, seafarers, foodies, adrenaline junkies or escapists – in fact, anyone looking for new places to visit, who enjoys dreaming of their next adventure.

Complete with each island’s location, grid reference, population and size, it also tells you how to get there, where to stay and where to eat.

Personal visits from the author, together with local insight from island residents, bring this beautifully illustrated book to life.

Published by Bloomsbury Publishing Price: £18.99

Around the Coast in 80 Days

by Peter Naldrett

Peter Naldrett’s love of our island’s varied coastline is showcased throughout this colourful and accessible guide. He’s keen for readers to explore our diverse shores, from sandy beaches to busy ports, and rugged cliffs to historic settlements. Where there’s seaside, you’ll find iconic towns and attractions nearby, and the book includes handy information like directions, opening times and accommodation.

The Garden Apothecary

by Christine Iverson

If you’ve ever been tempted to craft recipes and remedies from the plants in your garden, you'll be spellbound by this book.

Published by Bloomsbury Publishing Price: £17

Published by Watkins Publishing Price: £25 (hardback)

Starting in Liverpool and travelling clockwise, this guide is divided into nine regions and encourages families of all ages to take a day trip (or longer) to visit our shores and savour the immense variety of destinations and things to do around Britain.

Legendary Lighthouses of Britain

by Roger O'Reilly

From the shortest lighthouse (Berry Head) to the tallest (Skerryvore), the architectural treasures featured in this compendium are a celebration of human endeavour, ingenuity and perseverance. Let the beautiful illustrations wash gently over you as you explore our island shores, journey back in time and uncover incredible feats of engineering and the people who made them happen. Discover Britain’s oldest working lighthouse and a lighthouse with an intriguing musical secret, located right in the heart of London. If a spiral staircase has to be climbed, or you just love the coast, this guide is perfect for you.

You’ll learn how to make delicious edible treats, herbal cures and restorative beauty products – from encouraging a good night’s sleep with cherry moon milk and soothing itchy skin with herbal bath tea, to making your own blue ink from cornflowers and baking a nettle and lemon sponge cake.

With photographs to help you safely identify edible plants, and guides on preparing and preserving your finds, this is the essential guide to enjoying the home-grown riches of your garden.

Published by Octopus Publishing Group Price: £15 (hardback)

Friends of the RNLI

Puzzle time

Quick wordsearch

INEOS Automotive is donating 20 Grenadier Station Wagons to the charity

INEOS Automotive is now an Official Partner of the RNLI and, over the next 5 years, the company is donating 20 Grenadier Station Wagons to the charity. It’s the Official Vehicle of RNLI lifeboats.

During intensive coastal trials, the Grenadier was found to be best-in-class, built to overcome all conditions. It has the durability and reliability to withstand the rigours of RNLI activities.

The Grenadier’s main role will be to position, launch and recover D class lifeboats. Our new partner will also help to spread our vital water safety messages to new audiences and we’ll be collaborating on future technology.

RNLI Fundraising, Marketing and Media Director Jayne George says: ‘We rely on donations, so support such as this from INEOS Automotive enables the RNLI to continue to save lives at sea, while also providing our volunteers with the best equipment available.’

S

Gifts in Wills come in all shapes and sizes. You’ll find some of the more unusual ones we’ve received in this wordsearch! Over 60% of our income comes from legacies – that’s 60% of all training, equipment, lifeboats and maintenance. Can you unscramble these letters to find the name of this legendary lifesaver?

Answer on page 40.

Painting by Margaret Hodgson

Photo: INEOS

LIFESAVER Siobhan Murphy

Find out why Senior Lifeguard Siobhan prefers sand to snow at Christmas

Hear more

Listen to Siobhan’s 200 Voices podcast (episode 130). Search

‘RNLI 200 Voices’ wherever you get your podcasts.

What made you want to be a lifeguard?

I like helping the public and keeping people safe – I like being there for them, especially at Christmas. It’s a very fulfilling role, and the RNLI is an organisation I’m very proud to work for.

What’s so special about Crosby Beach?

It’s the only beach that has RNLI lifeguards on duty 365 days a year. It’s also home to 100 Antony Gormley statues that look out to sea over a stretch of about 3 miles. The figures comprise of moulds taken from the sculptor's own body and are placed at different depths along the shoreline. They can be partially or totally submerged, depending on the state of the tide. In winter there’s a faster incoming tide, and we get thousands of visitors, so for those who aren’t familiar with the beach it can be quite hazardous. Sometimes it doesn’t look that muddy until you are knee-deep in it, and people can end up getting stuck.

Wouldn’t you rather be at home with your feet up at Christmas?

I have done a few Christmas Days before. It’s a busy day, and there are lots of members of the public down if the weather is decent enough. Christmas can be busier than the summer, and there are only two lifeguards on duty in winter, so it keeps us busy! But it’s a really nice atmosphere. Everyone’s in a good mood – everyone’s saying Merry Christmas! And people are so kind. They’ll come and give us things like mince pies or other gifts, like teas and coffees. Afterwards, we can go home and spend time with our families and enjoy Christmas dinner. It tends to be cooked and ready by the time I finish, which is no bad thing! ■

Photo: Danielle Rush

LAUNCHES

Thank you – you are the force behind the launches listed on these pages. Check out the recent action at your favourite lifeboat station with this handy alphabetical list

A ABERDEEN

D-830: Jun 13,27, Jul 12, 17,23, Aug 9

ON1237 (17-17): Jul 12(x2), 17,23, Aug 7,9,15

ABERDOVEY

B-896: Jun 16,23, Aug 7(x2), 9,10(x2),11,14,26

ABERSOCH

B-886: Jun 6,12,19,21, Jul 17, Aug 1,4,26,29

ABERYSTWYTH

A-78: Jun 5,20,26, Aug 31

B-937: Jun 5,9,20, Jul 4, 13,29,31, Aug 4,11,17

ACHILL ISLAND

ON1240 (14-28): Jul 30, Aug 6,9

AITH

ON1232 (17-14): Jul 21

ALDEBURGH

D-808: Jul 5,19,20

ON1193 (12-34): Jun 19

ALDERNEY

ON1199 (14-04): Jun 16,25, Jul 8,24,26, Aug 3,12,13

ON1213 (14-15): Aug 19

AMBLE

D-867: Jul 19,29, Aug 8,11

ON1323 (13-16): Jun 27, Jul 19

ANGLE

ON1291 (16-11): Jun 1,10, 18,21(x2),22,24,29, Jul 7, 11,13,14,26, Aug 3,6(x2), 7,14,24

ANSTRUTHER

D-802: Jun 19, Jul 5, Aug 6,24

ON1174 (12-17): Jun 5,19, Jul 5, Aug 9,24

APPLEDORE

B-861: Jun 9, Jul 12,19, 26,28, Aug 11(x3),24,26

D-756: Jun 12,23, Aug 27(x2)

ON1296 (16-16): Jun 4,5, Aug 4,22,29

ARAN ISLANDS

ON1217 (17-06): Jun 6(x2), 15,19,24,25, Jul 6,10,11, 14,18,22,23(x2),26,28,29, Aug 1

ON1260 (17-31): Aug 14,22

3,549

RNLI RESCUE CRAFT LAUNCHES 1 June to 31 August 2024

The launches listed here are those for which returns had been received at the RNLI Support Centre and processed by 7 October 2024.

ARBROATH

B-927: Jun 1,9, Jul 14, Aug 3

D-759: Jun 1,9, Jul 8

D-892: Jul 3,31, Aug 5(x2)

ARKLOW

ON1223 (14-19): Aug 12

ARRAN (LAMLASH)

B-929: Jun 23,29, Jul 30(x2)

ARRANMORE

ON1244 (17-22): Jun 2(x2), 5,30, Jul 6,8,17,28,29,30, Aug 1,24

BALLYCOTTON

ON1233 (14-25): Aug 15

BALLYGLASS

D-823: Jun 20, Aug 28

BALTIMORE

B-910: Jun 9

B-941: Jun 29, Jul 5

ON1302 (16-22): Jun 29, Aug 2,26

BANGOR (CO DOWN)

B-805: Jun 5,12,23

B-944: Jul 23(x2),31, Aug 3,4,23

BARMOUTH

D-814: Jun 9,10,23(x2), Jul 8,30(x2), Aug 8,10, 11(x3)

ON1333 (13-26): Aug 8

ON1337 (13-30): Jun 21,23

BARRA ISLAND

ON1230 (17-12): Jun 6, 14,23, Jul 30, Aug 9,21

BARROW

D-866: Jun 2,6,9,13, Jul 28, Aug 3,19,22

ON1288 (16-08): Jun 13, Jul 19, Aug 15

BARRY DOCK

D-820: Jun 8,19(x2),20, 24,25, Jul 17,26,29, Aug 10,11,30

ON1245 (14-29): Jun 8

ON1358 (13-51): Jun 19(x2), Jul 23,24, Aug 6,10

BEAUMARIS

B-838: Jun 1,8,16,20,24, 25,26, Jul 17(x2),20,31, Aug 3(x2),5,8,15,19,23

BEMBRIDGE

D-778: Jun 17,22, Jul 9, 11,19(x2),20,28,31, Aug 5, 12,17,18,21,24,27

ON1280 (16-01): Aug 18(x2),21(x2),22,23,25 ON1297 (16-17): Jun 1,6, 12,13,15(x2),23(x3),25, Jul 26,27,30(x2),31, Aug 10(x2),12

BERWICK-UPON-TWEED

B-913: Aug 11,17,27

D-777: Jul 8,14, Aug 2, 11,24,27

BLACKPOOL

B-867: Jun 5,9,17, Aug 16

D-862: Jun 24, Jul 9,12, 13,17,18(x2),31, Aug 1, 3(x2),16,18

D-864: Jun 1,3,6,9,14,17, 20,24, Jul 9,11, Aug 3(x2)

BLYTH

B-923: Jun 3,25, Jul 1,5, 18,20,21, Aug 3,9,18

D-878: Jun 3,28, Jul 5,16, Aug 4,8,21

The Kingdom of Fife at Anstruther, the last of Scotland's Mersey class lifeboats, left the station on 27 August this year after 33 years of service

Photo: Stephen Duncombe

BORTH

D-760: Jun 3,24, Jul 4, Aug 4,7,9

BRIDLINGTON

D-852: Jun 22,28,29,30, Jul 25,26,28, Aug 3,12, 13,22

ON1339 (13-32): Jun 4

BRIGHTON

B-852: Jun 3,22,23,24, 26, Jul 3,13(x2),15,17,19, 21,27,30,31, Aug 6,9,10, 16,18(x2),19,25,26,28,30

BROUGHTY FERRY

D-834: Jun 3,13,16,17, 24,29,30, Jul 16,17,22,23, 28, Aug 10,14,19,25,28

ON1252 (14-31): Jun 3, 13,24,28, Jul 17,24,28, Aug 10,28

BUCKIE

ON1268 (17-37): Jun 22, 25, Jul 12,17,24(x2), Aug 2,9,11,19,26 BUDE

D-826: Jun 4,9,18,26(x2), Jul 4,11, Aug 1,3,4,11

RWC-129: Jul 4, Aug 4,11

BUNDORAN

B-834: Jun 19,20, Jul 2, 7,28, Aug 11,12,18

BURNHAM-ON-CROUCH

B-849: Jul 19,20,21,31, Aug 11,25(x2)

D-807: Aug 15,23

BURNHAM-ON-SEA

B-914: Jul 16,19, Aug 1, 6,11

D-801: Jul 19, Aug 1,11

BURRY PORT

B-915: Jun 28, Jul 19,29, 30, Aug 11(x2),15,16

D-882: Jun 8,9,17, Jul 1, 6,10,18,19,27,31, Aug 11

CALSHOT

B-860: Jun 6,15(x2), Jul 17,23,24,31, Aug 3, 4(x3),20,21,25(x2),29

D-880: Jun 6, Jul 30, Aug 2,12,18,22

CAMPBELTOWN

D-870: Jun 24, Aug 3

ON1241 (17-19): Jun 2

ON1269 (17-38): Jun 11, Jul 19(x2),27, Aug 3,6,15,27

CARDIGAN

B-871: Jun 6,11,15,20,26, Jul 10,28, Aug 10,24,26

D-845: Jun 6,11, Jul 12, 28, Aug 24

CARRYBRIDGE

B-904: Jun 1,2,23, Jul 7, 13,28, Aug 3,18

CASTLETOWNBERE

ON1277 (17-44): Jul 13, Aug 4,13

CHISWICK

E-08: Jun 1(x3),3,5(x2),7, 9,11,12,17(x2),18,19,21, 22,23,26(x3),27,29(x2), 30(x2), Jul 1(x3),2,3, 6(x3),7(x2),8,9(x2),10(x3), 12(x2),14(x2),15(x2),16, 18(x4),19(x3),21(x2), 22(x3),23(x3),25,26,27,28, 30,31(x3), Aug 1(x2),2(x4), 3(x3),4(x3),5,7,8,9(x2),10

E-09: Jun 14,16, Jul 1, Aug 13(x2),14(x2),15(x4), 17(x2),19(x2),20,21(x2), 22,23(x2),25,26(x2),28, 29,30,31(x3)

CLACTON-ON-SEA

B-863: Jun 2,9,22,29, Jul 31, Aug 8,17,26,31

D-849: Jun 2,7, Jul 15, Aug 12,18,29 CLEETHORPES

D-757: Jun 2,7,8(x2),9,25, Jul 5,11

D-889: Jul 18,19,20,23, 28,29,30, Aug 13,17,18, 19,20,26

CLIFDEN

B-869: Jun 6,7,8, Jul 3,11, Aug 20

ON1350 (13-43): Jun 6, 7(x2),8, Jul 3,11,15, Aug 7,14,19

CLOGHERHEAD

ON1334 (13-27): Aug 18

ON1338 (13-31): Jun 16, Jul 13,24, Aug 6

CLOVELLY

B-872: Jun 23, Jul 10,26, Aug 3,22,28,29

B-883: Jun 5

CONWY

D-765: Jun 4,6,22,24,30, Jul 16,27,30, Aug 1(x4), 13(x2),14,31(x2) COURTMACSHERRY HARBOUR

BB-654: Jul 14

ON1352 (13-45): Jun 1, Jul 25, Aug 3,25

COURTOWN

D-846: Jun 20

COWES

B-859: Jun 1,15(x2),17,19, 21, Jul 7,10,18(x2),27,29,30, Aug 1,9,18,23(x2)

CRASTER

D-839: Jun 9, Jul 19,25,30, Aug 3,15

CRICCIETH

A-76: Jun 21,22,24, Jul 6

B-938: Jun 1,21,24, Jul 6(x2), 21, Aug 1(x2),3,6,17

CROMER

D-868: Jul 6,11, Aug 14

ON1287 (16-07): Jul 13

CROSSHAVEN

B-892: Jun 1,3,15,25, Jul 7, Aug 13,23

CULLERCOATS

B-935: Jun 22, Jul 6,14,15, Aug 5,10,18,19,20,30 DART

B-931: Jun 7,9,14,28, Jul 9,26, Aug 14,15,16,25, 26,31

D-838: Jun 9, Jul 24, Aug 25

DONAGHADEE

ON1225 (14-21): Jun 16, Jul 26,31(x2), Aug 6,12,17, 25,31(x2) DOUGLAS

ON1181 (12-22): Jun 2, Jul 22,24 DOVER

ON1220 (17-09): Jun 6,16, 18,21(x2),24,28, Jul 1,4,7, 17,27, Aug 1,5,10,11(x2), 13,17,18,23,28,29

DUN LAOGHAIRE

D-865: Jun 8,11,18,23,30, Jul 11,23,31, Aug 10(x2),12 ON1200 (14-05): Jun 27, Jul 3,29

DUNBAR

D-844: Jun 7,11,14, Jul 11, Aug 3,14

ON1266 (14-35): Jun 12,14, Aug 3,14

DUNGENESS

ON1319 (13-12): Jun 13, 18,21, Jul 20,27, Aug 11,30

DUNMORE EAST

ON1348 (13-41): Jul 18,27, 31, Aug 1,11,31

EASTBOURNE

D-876: Jun 1(x2),4,5,7, 18,21,30, Jul 1(x2),12, 18,22(x3),24,26, Aug 1,6,8,11(x2),12,16, 18,25(x3)

ON1197 (14-02): Jun 1,21, 23, Jul 13,27, Aug 5,11, 18,25

ENNISKILLEN

B-912: Jun 7,19, Aug 1, 11,24

EXMOUTH

D-805: Jun 3,5,9,19,26,27, Jul 3,6,7,13,19, Aug 1,6, 7(x4),8,10,11(x2),14,19,31

ON1310 (13-03): Jun 9,27, Jul 4,13, Aug 6,16,25

EYEMOUTH

D-877: Jun 22,27, Jul 21, Aug 27

ON1336 (13-29): Jun 12, 26,27, Jul 21, Aug 9,11, 13(x2),24

KNOW YOUR CRAFT

This is what it costs on average to build the lifeboat, deliver it, and make it ready for service.

FALMOUTH

B-916: Jun 2,6,12,14(x2), 19,29(x2), Jul 3,8(x2),10, 11,17,21,25,28, Aug 1,2,8, 12,16,17,18,19,26(x2)

ON1256 (17-29): Jun 14, 30, Jul 15,16,17,18, Aug 5, 9,20 FENIT

ON1239 (14-27): Jul 2 FETHARD

D-819: Jul 4,26,31 FILEY

B-928: Jun 8,30, Jul 15, Aug 13

D-859: Jun 2,8,30, Jul 5, Aug 19,26 FISHGUARD

D-789: Jun 15,29, Jul 27, 29, Aug 3,4

ON1198 (14-03): Jun 6,8, 13,15,25, Jul 6,27,29, Aug 24 FLAMBOROUGH

B-820: Jun 9, Jul 17(x3), 21, Aug 20(x2),25(x2) FLEETWOOD

D-853: Jul 4,23,28, Aug 11,25

ON1321 (13-14): Jun 23 FLINT

D-795: Jul 26, Aug 20 FOWEY

D-817: Jun 2,5, Jul 3,15, 19,26,27,28, Aug 1(x4),20 ON1222 (14-18): Jun 5,9, 22,30, Jul 15, Aug 19,21,24 FRASERBURGH

ON1259 (14-34): Jun 28, Jul 10, Aug 1,4,15 GALWAY

B-853: Jun 10,24,25, Jul 27, Aug 6,31

GIRVAN

ON1330 (13-23): Jul 26, Aug 6,27

GRAVESEND

B-827: Jun 5,12,19,20,23, 25,26,27, Jul 2,14,15, 21(x2),22(x2),28(x2),29, 30(x2),31, Aug 1(x3),4(x2), 13(x2),15,16,17,24,25, 26,28

GREAT YARMOUTH AND GORLESTON

B-925: Jun 4(x2),5,7,20,29, Jul 2,4,7,14,31, Aug 13(x2), 14,29(x2)

ON1208 (14-10): Jul 13, Aug 15

ON1226 (14-22): Jun 27

HAPPISBURGH

D-813: Jun 27,28

HARTLEPOOL

B-881: Jun 25, Jul 5,12, 28,29(x3),31, Aug 1,7,13, 14,16,18,24,27,28

ON1226 (14-22): Jul 28,29, Aug 1,2,28

ON1274 (14-37): Jun 25, Jul 12

HARWICH

B-907: Jun 2

B-921: Jun 5,7,13,19,21, 26,27,29, Jul 4,13(x2),15, 22,24,25,27, Aug 1(x2),6, 8(x2),9(x3),10,11,23,29(x3)

ON1202 (17-03): Jun 9, Jul 30, Aug 1,2,6

HASTINGS

D-835: Aug 28

D-875: Jun 21,26, Jul 15, 20,21,23,29

ON1314 (13-07): Aug 31

ON1335 (13-28): Jun 2,27, Jul 13,27

HAYLING ISLAND

B-829: Jun 1,10,11,14, 21(x2),23(x4), Jul 6,18,24, 28(x4),30(x2), Aug 2(x2), 3(x2),4,10,11,12,19,25(x2), 26,30

D-779: Jun 1, Jul 2,4,6,24, 28(x2),30(x2), Aug 4,11,12, 18,19,25(x2),28

HELENSBURGH

B-903: Jun 5,17,21, Jul 1, 10,12,15,20,26,31, Aug 7,9, 10,14,16,20,23,24

HELVICK HEAD

B-874: Jun 5,9,11,12,26, Jul 7,16, Aug 1,12

HOLYHEAD

D-791: Jun 1,16,17,22,24, Jul 3,21,27,31, Aug 5,15,22

ON1205 (14-07): Aug 15

ON1272 (17-41): Jun 1,6,7, 17,22,24, Jul 21

HORTON AND PORT EYNON

D-824: Aug 15,20(x2),23, 24,26(x2),31

D-881: Jun 9,15, Jul 21,27, 30, Aug 1(x2),3,10,12 HOWTH

D-796: Jun 9, Jul 5,23, Aug 1,14,18(x2),19

ON1215 (14-17): Jun 7, 24,29, Jul 8,17,27,28(x2), Aug 6,7,11,12

HOYLAKE

H-005: Jun 21,22,26, Aug 2,14,17,30

ON1313 (13-06): Jun 30 HUMBER

ON1216 (17-05): Jun 7,8, 9,11,22,27, Jul 3,5,6,8, 13,18,20,27, Aug 15,19

HUNSTANTON

B-848: Jun 1,8,26,30, Jul 4,22,29, Aug 11,13, 17,22

H-003: Jun 23

H-007: Jul 17,19, Aug 11,17

ILFRACOMBE

D-809: Jun 1,3,6(x2), 8(x2),9,21,22, Jul 18, 20(x3),29, Aug 1(x2),6, 16(x2),17,19,25,30

ON1316 (13-09): Jun 6(x2), Jul 21, Aug 1,19(x2),23 INVERGORDON

ON1344 (13-37): Jun 16, 20, Jul 1,7,11, Aug 6,19 ISLAY

ON1219 (17-08): Jun 13,21 ON1279 (17-46): Aug 4 KESSOCK

B-873: Jun 16,20, Jul 29, Aug 1,12,18 KILKEEL

B-812: Jun 2,23, Jul 7 KILMORE QUAY

ON1298 (16-18): Jun 4,7, 10,18,22, Jul 6,12,13(x2), 16,20,28(x2),29,30, Aug 1, 7,31

KILRUSH

B-844: Jun 26, Jul 7,26

KINGHORN

B-836: Jun 4,8,9(x2),10,17, Jul 2,7,9,10,23,27, Aug 5, 11,15,16,24(x2),25(x2), 28,29

KINSALE

B-909: Jun 1,29,30, Jul 1, 5,7,8,9,13,24,27,29, Aug 3

KIPPFORD

D-854: Jun 23, Aug 20,24

KIRKCUDBRIGHT

B-814: Jul 7, Aug 17

KIRKWALL

ON1231 (17-13): Jun 6,24, Jul 1,22,26, Aug 29

KYLE OF LOCHALSH

B-856: Jun 28, Jul 9(x2), 12(x2),16,21, Aug 7(x2),14, 16,17,21

LARGS

B-854: Jun 9,13,17(x2), Jul 3,9,13,18,22,24,25,27, 28, Aug 11(x4),12,13

LARNE

D-783: Jun 2,4,7,15,24,27, Jul 15,18,25,27,29

ON1246 (14-30): Jun 7, 15,27, Jul 18,25, Aug 3 LERWICK

ON1221 (17-10): Jun 13,19 ON1262 (17-33): Aug 10, 15(x2),19(x2),20,24

LEVERBURGH

B-870: Jul 21, Aug 29

B-895: Jun 9 LITTLE AND BROAD HAVEN

D-766: Jun 4,12,14,24, Jul 8,12,14,25,31(x2), Aug 3,11,12 LITTLEHAMPTON

B-891: Jun 1,7,29, Aug1, 4,9,10(x3),17,20,25(x2),29

D-769: Jun 7,20,25,30, Jul 10,12,18,21,28, Aug 25 LITTLESTONE-ON-SEA

B-922: Jun 13,14(x2), 21(x2),23(x2), Jul 14(x2), 20,30(x2),31, Aug 11(x2), 15(x2),29 LLANDUDNO

D-793: Jun 28,30, Jul 23, Aug 24,29,31 ON1325 (13-18): Jun 5,9,21, Aug 31

LOCH NESS

B-902: Jun 2,22(x2),26, Jul 1,4,9, Aug 13,21 LOCHINVER

ON1271 (17-40): Jun 15, Jul 10, Aug 23 LONGHOPE ON1284 (16-05): Jun 19, Jul 1,11,21,22,26, Aug 10

LOOE

B-894: Jun 29, Aug 9,11

D-872: Jul 1,29, Aug 9, 12,22

LOUGH DERG

B-911: Jun 1,8,17,23, Jul 1,5,11,18,26

LOUGH REE

B-920: Jun 2(x2),4(x2),5,19, 24, Jul 2,13(x2),17, Aug 3, 4,6(x2),8,10(x2),11,13,22

LOUGH SWILLY

B-819: Jun 3,24,28,29, Jul 24, Aug 10 ON1315 (13-08): Jun 13, 26,29, Jul 13, Aug 2 LOWESTOFT

ON1312 (13-05): Jun 8, 27(x2), Jul 4,5,7,11 ON1347 (13-40): Aug 6,13, 17,25,29

LYME REGIS

B-857: Jun 12, Jul 2,5,6, 9,21, Aug 3,19,22

LYMINGTON

B-882: Jun 1,5(x2),11(x2), 15,22,23,30, Jul 28, Aug 18, 19(x2),23,26

LYTHAM ST ANNES

D-800: Jul 11,21

ON1331 (13-24): Jul 1, Aug 3

MABLETHORPE

B-887: Jul 6,29, Aug 18,25

D-790: Jul 19, Aug 11(x2), 19,21

MACDUFF

B-933: Jul 7,10

MALLAIG

ON1250 (17-26): Jun 4, 16,22,23,25,29,30, Jul 15, 27(x2),29(x2), Aug 11(x2), 13,14,27,28

MARGATE

B-930: Jun 15,16,23(x2), 25, Jul 1,19, Aug 16

D-841: Jun 4,15,16,23(x2), 24, Jul 1,4,19,21,26,27(x2), 8,31, Aug 2,4,8(x3),16,25,28

MINEHEAD

B-906: Aug 12,24

B-939: Jun 9, Jul 3,9,17

D-847: Jun 9, Jul 9,17, Aug 5,11,12

MOELFRE

D-825: Jun 8,26, Jul 7,28, 29, Aug 9,12,16,23,26(x3) ON1305 (16-25): Jun 2,15, 20,26,30, Jul 21, Aug 5,7, 15,26

MONTROSE

D-764: Jun 27, Jul 7, Aug 13,16

ON1317 (13-10): Jul 7, Aug 5(x2),9,13,16 MORECAMBE

D-855: Jun 2,17,23, Jul 24, 31, Aug 3(x2),23,26

H-002: Jun 2,10,17,18, 23,24,25, Jul 15(x2),20,31, Aug 1,27,31

MUDEFORD

B-806: Jun 1(x2),4,5,8, 15(x2),16,23,24, Jul 3, 10,16,20,23(x2),24,26(x2), 28,29, Aug 1,4(x2),6,7,15, 25,26,27

NEW BRIGHTON

B-837: Jun 3,6(x2),22, 30(x2), Jul 2,13, Aug 4,11, 14,17,22(x2),31

NEW QUAY (CEREDIGION)

D-886: Jun 10,20,25,27, Jul 23, Aug 2(x2) ON1355 (13-48): Jun 20, 27, Jul 10

NEWBIGGIN

B-864: Jun 3,12,15,22, Jul 21, Aug 18

NEWCASTLE (CO DOWN)

D-775: Jul 19,31, Aug 4

ON1177 (12-20): Jun 2,6, 8,27, Jul 8,28, Aug 8

NEWHAVEN

D-774: Aug 4,6,19

D-812: Aug 28

ON1278 (17-45): Jun 4,5, 9,11, Jul 4(x2),8,13(x2), 19,21,28(x2), Aug 1,7,12, 19,25,28

NEWQUAY (CORNWALL)

B-936: Jun 2, Jul 6,21, Aug 8(x2),11,19,22,23,28

D-773: Jun 2,7, Jul 21, Aug 8,9,11(x4),20,22,25, 29(x2)

NORTH BERWICK

D-768: Jun 3,10,12,15,22, 24,26,29

D-891: Jul 13,27, Aug 1, 11,15,21,28,30 OBAN

ON1357 (13-50): Jun 1,4, 5,10(x2),12(x2),13,14,17, 19,24(x2),25,26,30, Jul 1, 14,19,20,23,29, Aug 7,8, 13(x3),15,20,25,31 PADSTOW

ON1283 (16-04): Jun 2

ON1286 (16-06): Jun 5,20, Jul 6,9,23,24,31, Aug 4,6,11 PEEL

ON1342 (13-35): Jun 6,8, Jul 21, Aug 17 PENARTH

B-839: Jun 18,21, Jul 12, Aug 10,11

D-822: Jun 18,23, Aug 10, 26,28,29(x2) PENLEE

B-893: Jun 2,7,14,18,21, 22, Jul 11,19,28,29(x2),30, Aug 2,4,16 ON1265 (17-36): Jun 8, 9,18, Jul 11,15,19,31, Aug 5,11,13,16 PETERHEAD

ON1282 (16-03): Jun 18, 19, Jul 17, Aug 8,15,25,31 PLYMOUTH

B-908: Jun 5,7,9,22(x2), 26,27, Jul 1,3,6,10,14,15, 17,19(x2),21,29,30(x2), Aug 3,10(x2),11,13,18,19, 20,22,24,25,27,30 ON1254 (17-27): Aug 12, 13,27,30,31 ON1264 (17-35): Jun 9(x2),22,26,27, Jul 1, 13,19,25,26,29(x2),30(x2) POOLE

B-826: Jun 9,15,16,21(x2), 22,23,24, Jul 1,14(x2),18, 19,20,23(x2),24(x2),25,28, 29,30(x2), Aug 3,4,7,20, 21(x3),23,26,30,31

D-804: Jun 1,17,21, Jul 1, 20,24, Aug 3,4,13,20,31

PORT ERIN

B-813: Aug 31(x4)

PORT ISAAC

D-843: Jun 22,26,27, Jul 28(x2),31, Aug 3,5,6

PORT ST MARY

D-873: Aug 5

ON1234 (14-26): Jun 1,26, Jul 24(x2), Aug 5

PORT TALBOT

D-816: Jun 2(x2),10,19,20

D-848: Jul 6,7,11,17,18, 27, Aug 11,27,31

PORTAFERRY

B-833: Jun 6(x2),8,22, 23(x2), Jul 5,24, Aug 3,4, 18,22,24,25,29

PORTHCAWL

B-832: Jun 2,6,16,25(x2), 26,28, Jul 2,7,13,21,28, Aug 6,7,11(x2)

D-861: Jun 6,9,16, Jul 31, Aug 7

PORTHDINLLAEN

ON1304 (16-24): Jul 31, Aug 5,7,9,10,11(x3),16(x2), 18,24,28

PORTISHEAD

B-884: Jun 28, Jul 11,21, 26, Aug 7,11,18

PORTPATRICK

ON1332 (13-25): Jun 22, Jul 8,12,13, Aug 12

PORTREE

ON1214 (14-16): Jun 6,17, Jul 29, Aug 4,7

PORTRUSH

D-871: Jun 19, Jul 26

ON1257 (17-30): Jun 26, Aug 22

PORTSMOUTH

B-846: Jun 5,24,27, Jul 15,28, Aug 4,12,15, 18,22,29,30(x2)

D-850: Jun 25, Jul 3,28, 29, Aug 11(x2),12,16,29

PWLLHELI

D-811: Jun 3, Aug 17,18, 19,25,31

QUEENSFERRY

B-851: Jun 3,4,10,12,18, 23,24(x2),26, Jul 6,10,17, 18,23,26,28(x2),31, Aug 1, 2,5,6(x2),9(x2),10,21,29

RAMSEY

ON1349 (13-42): Aug 11,26

RAMSGATE

B-878: Jun 2, Aug 12(x3),13

ON1303 (16-23): Jun 5(x2),23, Jul 19(x2)

RED BAY

B-843: Jul 20

ON1253 (14-32): Jun 25

REDCAR

B-858: Jun 11,12,26,28, 30, Jul 16,27,31, Aug 10(x2), 20,22,25,30

D-786: Jul 16,24(x2), Aug 10,30

RHYL

D-770: Jun 2,5,17, Jul 13, 21, Aug 1,2(x2),9,11(x5), 17,31

ON1341 (13-34): Jun 5,17, Aug 11,31

ROCK

D-772: Jun 30, Jul 6,18, Aug 11,14,29

ROSSLARE HARBOUR

ON1276 (17-43): Jun 4, 10,22, Aug 1,13

RYE HARBOUR

B-900: Jul 20, Aug 7, 12(x2)

SALCOMBE

B-905: Jun 8,23,26,28, Jul 23, Aug 14,23

ON1289 (16-09): Jun 14, Jul 8,24,25

ON1293 (16-13): Aug 1, 10,13,29

SCARBOROUGH

D-776: Jun 8,9

D-856: Jun 25, Jul 29, Aug 13,23,26,29,31

ON1322 (13-15): Jun 4,5

SEAHOUSES

D-828: Jun 6,9,15, Jul 2, 25,29, Aug 21,25

ON1343 (13-36): Jun 12(x2), Jul 17,25, Aug 19

SELSEY

D-827: Jun 26, Jul 2(x2), 17,19,21(x2),23,31(x3), Aug 1,11,12,25,26,27

D-857: Jun 5,12,17

ON1327 (13-20): Jun 28, 30, Jul 19,21,31(x2), Aug 1(x2),18(x2),23,25

SENNEN COVE

ON1294 (16-14): Jun 30, Jul 28, Aug 5,14,21,26 SHEERNESS

D-799: Jun 8,28,29, Jul 1, 4,7,15,19, Aug 3,4,11(x2), 12,15(x2),18,20

ON1345 (13-38): Jun 8, Jul 14,19(x2),27,28, Aug 24,25(x2) SHERINGHAM

B-818: Jun 27, Jul 29, Aug 20(x2),30

SHOREHAM HARBOUR

D-784: Jun 1,5,9(x2),12, 14,20,21,26(x2), Jul 11,14, 17,30, Aug 12,14

ON1280 (16-01): Jun 13

ON1295 (16-15): Jun 23, 26, Jul 13, Aug 2,9

SILLOTH

B-828: Jul 8,19, Aug 28

SKEGNESS

D-842: Jun 14,23(x2),29, Jul 21, Aug 2,8,13,17,20, 22,24

ON1324 (13-17): Aug 20

SKERRIES

B-866: Jun 18,22,26, Jul 14, Aug 7,9,16,20

SLIGO BAY

B-888: Jun 2,3,10, Jul 17, 18,24,25(x2), Aug 3 SOUTHEND-ON-SEA

B-885: Jun 1,29, Aug 5,17

D-818: Jun 1(x2),15,25, Jul 1,7,28,29(x2),30, Aug 9, 13(x2),24,25(x2),27,31

H-004: Jun 10,28,29,30, Jul 14,16,19(x2),23,24,27, 30(x3),31, Aug 4,20,29

SOUTHWOLD

B-868: Jun 14,19,21, Jul 23, Aug 3,8

ST AGNES

D-787: Jul 31, Aug 17,31

ST BEES

B-831: Jun 29, Jul 1,2,5,27

ST CATHERINE

B-841: Jun 11,29, Jul 23, 29, Aug 3(x2)

ST DAVIDS

D-840: Jun 23, Aug 26

ON1306 (16-26): Jun 4,26, Jul 6,8,11, Aug 7,16,26

ST HELIER

B-934: Jun 6(x2), Jul 3,18, 21, Aug 5,11,23

ON1292 (16-12): Jun 20, 23, Jul 10,23, Aug 3,26

ST IVES

D-803: Jun 7,18, Jul 2,8, 12, Aug 5,21

ON1318 (13-11): Jun 18, Jul 8,19

ST MARY’S

ON1229 (17-11): Jun 18, 30, Jul 20,22,24, Aug 5,14, 19(x2),20

ST PETER PORT

B-943: Jul 14, Aug 23

ON1203 (17-04): Jun 9,13, 19, Jul 14,21,28, Aug 20, 27,28

STAITHES AND RUNSWICK

B-897: Jun 21

STONEHAVEN

B-919: Jun 10, Aug 2

STORNOWAY

ON1238 (17-18): Jun 9,19, 24, Jul 16, Aug 6,7

STRANRAER

D-833: Jun 2, Jul 1,8,15, 23,29

STROMNESS

ON1236 (17-16): Jun 19, Jul 21,22(x2), Aug 26

SUNDERLAND

B-817: Jun 18,19, Aug 6

B-945: Aug 25,31

D-879: Jun 22,25, Jul 2,21, Aug 2

SWANAGE

D-884: Jun 7,16,20,22,26, 29,30, Jul 22,23,27(x3), Aug 6,9,12,16,18,25

ON1320 (13-13): Jun 12, 16(x2),20,25,26,29,30, Jul 2,3,6,11,21,22,23, 27(x2), Aug 2,9,25,27,28,31 TEDDINGTON

D-792: Jun 14(x2),15,22, 26, Jul 11,27, Aug 6,8

D-874: Jun 1(x2),4,7,8,22, 25,26,28,29, Jul 11,14, 17(x2),27(x2), Aug 6, 8,11(x2),15,19,22,31

TEIGNMOUTH

A-67: Jun 4, Jul 15

B-809: Jun 4,6,15,18,23,25, 30, Jul 3,7,14,23, Aug 4,12, 15,31

TENBY

D-858: Jun 15, Jul 10, 11,19,26,29, Aug 7,14(x2), 18(x2),31

ON1281 (16-02): Jun 16(x2),20,21, Jul 2, 3,7,10,21,29,30, Aug 7,11, 12,14(x6),15,18,19,20,23, 24(x2),29

THE LIZARD

ON1300 (16-20): Jun 22, 23,30, Jul 2,15,18,19,20, 30, Aug 5,8,20(x2)

THE MUMBLES

D-761: Jun 2(x2),7,8,9, 15,16,20,25(x2),26, Jul 8, 15,21,22,29,31(x2), Aug 5, 11,24,25,28,30

ON1307 (16-27): Jun 2,7, 15,23, Jul 17, Aug 1,15, 24,25,28

THURSO

ON1273 (17-42): Jul 12, Aug 5,29

TIGHNABRUAICH

B-862: Jun 24, Jul 11,17, 25,26, Aug 18,20

TOBERMORY

ON1270 (17-39): Jun 6,9, 10,13,21,28(x2), Jul 5,6, 16(x2),19, Aug 5

LAUNCHES

TORBAY

D-788: Jun 8,10,16(x2), 22(x3),30, Jul 4,6,10,17, 19(x2),20,22,25,26, Aug 1,2(x2),4,11,12,13,14, 20(x3),22(x2),25

ON1255 (17-28): Jun 2,10, 19,23,28(x2),30, Jul 6(x3), 8,25,26,28, Aug 2(x2),4,5, 11,20,21,25,31(x3)

TOWER

E-07: Jun 3,4(x2),5,6, Jul 23(x4),24(x2),25,26, 27,30(x5),31(x2), Aug 5,6, 13(x3),14,15(x2),16,17, 18(x3),19,20(x6),21(x4), 22(x4),23(x3),24(x2),25, 26(x3),27,28(x3),30

E-08: Aug 27,28(x3), 29(x4),30,31(x2)

E-09: Jun 2,21(x2),22, 23(x3),24(x3),25(x4),26(x2)

E-10: Jun 1(x2),6,7,8(x5), 9(x6),10(x2),11(x3),12(x5), 13(x2),15(x5),16(x6),17(x5), 18(x2),19(x3),20(x4), 21(x2),27(x2),28,29(x3),30, Jul 1(x2),2,3(x5),4(x3), 5(x2),7(x2),8(x2),9,10, 11(x3),12(x2),13(x3),14(x2), 16(x2),17(x3),18(x7),19(x8), 20(x5),21(x3),22(x6), Aug 1(x3),7(x5),8(x2), 11(x2),12(x2),13(x4),15

TRAMORE

D-781: Jun 2,13, Jul 15, Aug 31

D-857: Jul 20,23,31(x2), Aug 12

TREARDDUR BAY

B-847: Jun 1(x2),6,13,15, 24,26,29, Jul 21,26,27,29, 31(x4), Aug 5,9,18,28

D-885: Jun 6,24, Jul 26, 29,31, Aug 5

TROON

D-821: Jun 14,16(x3),21, 23, Jul 20,21, Aug 1(x2),11 ON1275 (14-38): Jun 10, 14,16(x4),21,23(x2), Jul 20, 21, Aug 3,21,29(x2) TYNEMOUTH

ON1263 (17-34): Jun 1

UNION HALL

B-924: Jul 2, Aug 7,26

VALENTIA

BB-742: Jun 22

ON1218 (17-07): Jun 5, Jul 6,7(x2),8,29(x2), Aug 3

WALMER

B-808: Jun 1,6,9,18,28, Jul 4,19,27,28, Aug 5, 11(x2),12,13,19,21(x2),30

D-794: Jun 29, Jul 4,21, 24, Aug 6,21,23,30

WELLS

D-797: Jun 22,23, Jul 24, 26, Aug 7,14,17,28,29,30

WEST KIRBY

D-883: Jun 19,22(x2), Jul 5,21, Aug 7,22

WEST MERSEA

B-879: Jun 1,2,3,5,8,9,14, 15,20,23, Jul 2,3,5,12,19(x2), 20,22,30, Aug 5,9,12(x2), 16,17(x2),18(x2),24,25

WESTON-SUPER-MARE

B-875: Jun 30, Jul 26

D-832: Jun 15,26, Jul 26, 30, Aug 8,10(x2),11 WEXFORD

D-782: Jun 8,10, Jul 2, Aug 5,7,16

D-857: Aug 27

WEYMOUTH

B-917: Jun 1,8,11,20,22(x2), 27, Jul 2,18,21,22, Aug 3, 4,6,10,11,12,18(x2),20,2 5,27,29

ON1254 (17-27): Jul 7,8, 21(x2),22

ON1261 (17-32): Jun 8(x3), 20,22, Jul 29(x2),30, Aug 12, 18(x3),21,24

WHITBY

D-810: Jun 19,23,29, Jul 6, 8,16,23,28, Aug 7(x2),11, 13,14,30

ON1356 (13-49): Jun 4, 17, Jul 21,30, Aug 11,13,15 WHITSTABLE

B-877: Jun 1(x2),5,8,9,13, 20,26,27, Jul 6,13,20,23,26, 27,28, Aug 1,3,8,10,12,15, 16,18,19,23,25,31

WICK

ON1224 (14-20): Jul 1,8,23, Aug 6,7

WICKLOW

D-806: Jun 5, Aug 10,20

ON1334 (13-27): Jun 5,6, 7,16

ON1340 (13-33): Jul 31, Aug 10

WITHERNSEA

D-837: Jun 9,16,18,23, Jul 25,27, Aug 16,18

WORKINGTON

D-767: Aug 1,18(x2) ON1326 (13-19): Jun 23, Jul 21, Aug 3,7,18

YARMOUTH (IOW)

ON1249 (17-25): Jun 1,5, 15(x3),28,30, Jul 5,24(x2), Aug 1,8,11,22,23,24,28

YOUGHAL

B-890: Jun 5,9,15,20,23, Jul 10,17,24, Aug 3,10,13, 19,26,27,31(x2)

NAMING CEREMONIES

ON1356 (13-49), Lois-Ivan, Whitby, 1 June

B-943, Harold Hobbs, St Peter Port, 28 June

ON1357 (13-50), The Campbell-Watson, Oban, 29 June

D-891, SUNIJO, North Berwick, 6 July

D-873, Frank Martin, Port St Mary, 13 July

ON1358 (13-51), Richard and Caroline Colton II, Barry Dock, 27 July

D-882, Williams and Cole, Burry Port, 28 July

B-937, Florence and Ernest Bowles, Aberystwyth, 17 August

FUNDED BY YOU

A huge thank you to all the donors and trusts who funded these lifeboats. Pictured is the new lifeboat at St Peter Port, Harold Hobbs, generously funded by the Guernsey community. It’ll be saving lives around Guernsey for years to come.

The lifeboat is named in honour of lifeboat volunteer Harold Hobbs, who was killed on 28 June 1940 aboard the Guernsey lifeboat, Alfred and Clara Heath. The lifeboat and crew were attacked by German aircraft at the start of the occupation of the Channel Islands. The St Peter Port crew had been tasked with taking the lifeboat to England, to prevent it falling into enemy hands.

Photo: Tony Rive

This Christmas, create a Forever by the Sea tribute fund in memory of your loved one

Christmas is a time of reflection, not just celebration – a time you remember a loved one who can’t be with you. With a Forever by the Sea tribute fund you can remember that special person –now and forevermore.

Martin Buck is just one of many people who set up a Forever by the Sea tribute fund online. Here, Martin tells you about his dad, Wallace:

‘My father’s heart belonged by the sea. Dad’s pride and joy was his boat the Jolly Fisherman. As a young boy I can remember many magical days spent out at sea with him catching countless fish and having the absolute time of my life.

‘Dad passed away in 2023 at the age of 86. Inspired by his steadfast support for the RNLI, we wanted something to honour his memory. We set up a Forever by the Sea tribute fund – it’s a brilliant idea and it was definitely something I felt my father would have loved.

‘We keep the tribute page up to date with stories, photos and regular fundraising on his behalf for the RNLI. For example, I created a fundraiser called Every Fish Counts, where for every fish caught onboard my boat, a donation of £2 is made to the RNLI.

‘The Forever by the Sea tribute fund helps me and my family adjust to life without my dad and it helps my children remember their grandfather.’

‘WE SET UP A FOREVER BY THE SEA ONLINE TRIBUTE FUND – IT’S A BRILLIANT IDEA AND IT WAS DEFINITELY SOMETHING I FELT MY FATHER WOULD HAVE LOVED’

4 WAYS TO REMEMBER YOUR

A Forever by the Sea tribute fund is easy to set up online – it can take as little as 5 minutes. You can use it in a variety of different ways, to suit you and to honour your loved one:

1. Share your tribute fund with friends and family so they can add photos, videos and messages as well as donating in your loved one’s memory.

2. Collect funeral donations.

3. Light a virtual candle to mark a special occasion like Christmas or an anniversary.

4. Create events to raise funds in your loved one’s name.

Photos: Buck family, Double Exposure Photographic

Wallace Buck, never forgotten with a Forever by the Sea tribute fund

Special delivery

Your letters, posts and pictures

Spot the difference

Take a look at these fabulous then and now photos, spotted on social media, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the RNLI.

Well, well, well

This work of art is from West Hallam, kindly sent in by CAROLINE

MCFARLANE

It is one of many wonderful pictures of well dressings we received from supporters in Derbyshire. Well dressing is an an ancient tradition using natural materials like petals and seeds.

Let your love grow

This ray of sunshine was sent in by

The sunflowers were grown from packs of seeds sent out by the RNLI as a thank you to those who made a one-off donation in memory of a loved one – and they grew and grew. If you’d like to give a one-off donation in memory of your loved one (and receive your own seeds to grow), head to RNLI.org/InMemory

1897 Margate crew and local Coastguard officers with the pulling and sailing lifeboat Quiver No. 1 on its carriage in the harbour

2024 For this recreation of the earlier photo, Margate crew and local Coastguard officers are joined by Thanet RNLI lifeguards. The station now has two lifeboats: the B class Colonel Stock and the D class Alfred Alexander Staden

CHRIS GARDNER

Write

to us

Were you moved by a rescue story? Do you want to know more about something you've read? We love hearing from you and seeing your photos. Please get in touch with us.

Help launch a LEGO® lifeboat

I am a landlocked supporter of the RNLI, living in the Midlands. I have been working on a digital model of a Shannon class lifeboat using Lego. In order to be considered by Lego it needs to attract 10,000 votes, or supporters, and the readers of Lifeboat magazine could really help boost support.

All successful Lego Ideas projects receive a small percentage of the sales, which I am hoping to use as a donation to the RNLI. So please vote for this project on the Lego Ideas website: bit.ly/LegoLB. Thank you!

One moment, one crew

Our amazing volunteers and staff across the UK and Ireland gathered on 1 August 2024 (1.8.24) at 18:24 to celebrate our 200th year. These are just a handful of the wonderful photos that were shared with us.

Crew from Wexford, Fethard, Dunmore East, Tramore and Rosslare Harbour

Sheringham RNLI and the Sheringham Shantymen

Poole RNLI

Simon’s LEGO® Shannon class lifeboat needs your support

SIMON WIDDOWSON

Portrush RNLI

North Pembrokeshire lifeguards and St Davids RNLI

Aberdeen RNLI

I got my respect for the RNLI from holidaying in St Davids long ago. Later in life my brother was a supporter who passed his copy of the Lifeboat on to me. When he died I took up a supporter membership. I also had my brother Myles's name added to the Wells Launch a Memory lifeboat, Duke of Edinburgh

Now I love receiving my copy of the magazine, which is read thoroughly in this house before going to another brother and then on to his brother-in-law.

Keep up the good work.

JOHN MORIARTY

Puzzle solution (page 30): HENRY BLOGG,

Photos: Rory Raitt/Raw Format Ltd, Will Richardson, RNLI/(Peter Barker, Pat Browne, Nathan Williams)

Photo: RNLI/Nathan Williams

Your RNLI family

The lives and loves of your fellow lifesavers

Remembering Pat Kelly

Lough Derg RNLI have been commemorating the passing of beloved volunteer Pat Kelly. Poet and Helm Eleanor Hooker penned this beautiful poem, Held, in his memory:

As seasons trade their treasured light and Spring renders green, and blossom is windblown from the cherished bough – nobly, your life lay down to sleep a final sleep.

Oh Pat, we are not ready for a world without you in it. Though you have been schooling us in departure’s ways, none of us are practised in saying goodbye.

Will you hoist sails on your ghost-skiff now –and with clouds drawn back on an infinite blue, smile at the errant notion of a chart for uncharted times?

And while loss is a fray on famished air, strung by the rhythms and times of your having been – it is a song of songs and silence, of thunderous echoes – and yet is buoyant too, when each note recollected is keyed to joy, and abiding.

Brothers and brushstrokes

84-year-old Malcolm is an artist in Dewsbury, and for the past few years, he’s been painting RNLI lifeboats. He donates his original paintings to the stations, along with signed prints, to help with fundraising. His brother Graham (75) lives in Scotland and sometimes delivers paintings on Malcolm’s behalf.

Last year, while Graham and Malcolm were donating a painting to Macduff RNLI, Graham spotted an advert asking for shop volunteers. ‘I now work in the Macduff shop and also help at local fundraising events,’ says Graham. ‘We don't allow our age to stop us from living active lives and we enjoy doing our bit for the RNLI.’

Malcolm’s painting of Filey lifeboat

Honouring Pat Kelly

An award for Eirian

In Port Talbot, Crew Member Eirian Evans won Carer of the Year at the Nation Radio Pride of Wales Awards. As well as volunteering at Port Talbot Lifeboat Station, Eirian works as a full-time nurse practitioner, looks after his family and is a carer for his wife Rachel. And in his spare time, he runs marathons and competes in Iron Man competitions.

Clive Morris, Lifeboat Operations Manager, says: ‘I’m thrilled that Eirian has been honoured with this award. He has shown exceptional dedication and bravery. The award is testament to his unwavering commitment in caring for his wife and providing a stable and loving environment for their daughters.’

We’re so proud of you, Eirian.

Future crew in Kinghorn

Back in our spring issue, we shared the happy news of the birth of baby Ella at Kinghorn RNLI. And we couldn’t resist showing you this adorable photo of her in her knitted RNLI cap!

Ella’s mum, Megan, is a volunteer crew member at Kinghorn. Megan’s following in the footsteps of her own mum, Liz, who has been saving lives at sea for 27 years. Megan says she would love baby Ella to join the crew when she grows up – see you in a few years, Ella!

Celebrating life

Join us in remembering our RNLI family members who have recently passed away

Marian Sheila Armstrong – January 2024

Volunteer and Founding Member of the Lochwinnoch Branch

Amanda Barber – July 2024

Launch Authority at Cardigan RNLI

John Barrett – J uly 2023

Former Postroom Manager at Poole

Mike Brya nt – M ay 2024

Fundraising Volunteer at Torbay Fundraising Branch

Graham Christian – June 2024

Member at West Bridgford and District Branch

June Dobbin – J uly 2024

Member at Torbay Fundraising Branch

Dave Fenton – August 2024

Volunteer at Castletownbere RNLI

Robert Thomas Gorman – October 2023

Long-standing Governor

Harvey G reen – September 2023

Fundraiser and former Shore Crew at Largs RNLI

Jeanette Hart – March 2024

Shop Volunteer at Clacton-on-Sea RNLI

Sam Jones – October 2024

Lifeboat Operations Manager at Tobermory RNLI

Sheila Jose – M ay 2024

Treasurer at Lytham St Annes RNLI and Chair of Lytham Ladies' Lifeboat Guild

Pat Kelly – April 2024

Volunteer at Lough Derg RNLI

Peter Ludford – May 2024

Committee Member and Box Secretary of the Portchester Fundraising Branch

Phil Mace – October 2024

Former Station Mechanic and Crew Member at Ramsgate RNLI

Sean O'L ough lin – June 2024

Former Treasurer at Galway RNLI

Archie Ritc hie – May 2024

Former Treasurer of Gourock Fundraising Branch

Jürgen Wahle – September 2024

Lifeboat Operations Manager at Peterhead RNLI

Shirley W heele r – May 2024

Former Chairman at Torbay Fundraising Branch

Photos: Andrew Kelly, RNLI/(Eirian Evans, Jaye Mackay, Malcolm and Graham)

Baby Ella

Eirian with his wife, Rachel, after winning the award

BEAT THE WINTER BLUES WITH SEA VIEWS

Cosy up with us at RNLI College in the new year, with stunning sea views from every hotel room.

Book a getaway at RNLI College in Poole, Dorset, where we train our lifeboat crew and lifeguards. Every £1 spent at the hotel goes towards saving lives at sea, so it'll warm your heart too.

During your stay, why not treat yourself to a drink at the bar and dine in Riggers, our waterside restaurant! Plus you can book a FREE College Discovery Tour (subject to availability).

To book your stay and reserve places on our College Discovery Tour: CALL 0300

Photo: Stephen Duncombe

RNLI College, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ.