Trearddur Bay Lifeboat Helm Steve Rogerson
Steve is a Helm and Lifeboat Training Coordinator in Trearddur Bay. The helm is responsible for the inshore lifeboat during launching, at sea and through recovery, as well as the safety of the crew on board. As a lifeboat training coordinator, Steve oversees training and provides support and guidance to his fellow crew members.
It’s one of the best feelings you can have.
What drew you to the RNLI?
I have been on the crew for 22 years. When I was young, my dad and I went to Hartlepool Lifeboat Station where I was able to go on two lifeboats, which I enjoyed. When we moved to North Wales, I started work at the Trearddur Bay Hotel, opposite the lifeboat station, and met some crew. I was invited across when I was 17 and some months later I went out on my first exercise, passed my driving test and received my pager.
What’s been your favourite moment here?
Receiving my long service award and being part of a bigger family.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your time at the RNLI?
Respect Mother Nature. Respect the sea.
Is there a rescue that stands out in your mind?
I was tasked to a fallen climber some distance off North Stack. I had to swim in the swell with a first aid kit and climb onto the rocks, tearing a hole in my suit doing so. I was then thrown the oxygen kit and made my way to the climber up the cliff - not easy in wellies! I found he was breathing, but only just, and gave him treatment for his injuries, stabilised his neck and called in the helicopter. He was winched from the cliff and hospitalised. Two weeks later, I was fortunate enough to meet up with him in intensive care after he woke up from his coma. He made a good recovery.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced volunteering?
The 24-hour charity raft challenge we did in 2013 – listening to three other crew snore for the night!
What’s it like to be part of a lifeboat family?
It’s one of the best feelings you can have. You visit stations and they are most welcoming.
How are you parents involved?
They have both been members for years and won their awards due to the commitment and dedication of their volunteer roles at the RNLI. My mum got involved as Honorary Secretary of the Ladies Guild some 26 years ago. She also helps out with the RSPCA and looks after three elderly people in her road.
My dad’s retired – or so he keeps telling us – and helps out in the shop most weekends. He’s the Station Treasurer, Box Manager, RNLI speaker and Governor, and also does work for the British Transport Police and other charities.
But cut them both in half and you will see RNLI all the way through. Their dedication and commitment is second to none. What son wouldn’t have these two as parents? I feel very proud of both of them.
What do your family and friends think of your involvement with the RNLI?
I have a very supportive wife at home who has to put up with a lot during the Summer months. Without a supportive family, volunteers cannot do what is expected of them. We're on call 24/7, 365 days of the year. When we found out about the boy who went missing in August last year, my wife asked if I wanted to cut short our weekend away to go back home and join the search. Who else would do that?