Riding rhythms and waves: The dual station life of volunteer and musician Lewis
In the heart of the RNLI, a community thrives, powered by the dedication and spirit of volunteers like Lewis Knight. On any given day, you can find Lewis at Skegness and Humber RNLI Lifeboat Stations.
Across these two stations, Lewis serves as an all-weather lifeboat Navigator (Shannon and Severn class) and D class Helm or touring worldwide as a professional musician. His life is a testament to what passion and commitment can accomplish, even when juggling multiple roles.
Lewis's journey with the RNLI began in his childhood. ‘My grandfather used to take me to watch the lifeboats launch,’ he recalls. These experiences ignited a spark within him that would eventually lead him to join the RNLI. ‘Those experiences sparked my desire to join the RNLI and make a difference.’ The desire to make his children proud was another driving force behind his decision.
Lewis balances his family life, music career, and volunteer commitments despite his busy schedule. His wife and family are his support pillars, standing by him during his long shifts at Humber Lifeboat Station and tours worldwide on international theatre shows. ‘My wife and family are my rock,’ he admits. He credits them for making the most of their time together when he's home in Skegness.
Managing his time effectively requires meticulous planning and coordination. With the help of the station manager at Humber, Lewis ensures his shifts align with his music career and his volunteering commitments at Skegness Lifeboat Station. ‘I liaise with all three commitments to ensure no overlaps,’ explains Lewis.
While volunteering at two different lifeboat stations has unique challenges, Lewis finds strength in the RNLI community. During difficult times, especially when not all rescue missions have positive outcomes, the RNLI family pulls together, offering support and care. ‘We support each other, ensuring everyone is okay and offering extra help. I am immensely proud of the camaraderie within the RNLI,’ says Lewis.
Among the many service launches he's been part of, one stands out vividly in Lewis's memory. It was one of his first jobs at Humber, where they were tasked with two separate rescues extending 50 miles northeast of Spurn Point. Despite the distance, both jobs had successful outcomes, underscoring the crew's skill and dedication.
For those considering volunteering at an RNLI station, Lewis has some words of encouragement: ‘Go for it.’ The RNLI appreciates any time one is willing to give, whether full availability or just a few hours a week. He encourages interested individuals to contact their local station and get a taste of what is involved.
One of the most rewarding moments in Lewis's volunteer journey came when he helped reunite two young girls with their worried family after they were blown offshore. ‘The gratitude from their parents when we reunited them with their children is a memory that will stay with me forever,’ he shares.
Looking ahead, Lewis is focused on gaining more experience in his current roles and working towards a potential Coxswain position. He sees every day with the RNLI as a new learning experience and is excited about the future. ‘Every day with the RNLI brings new learning experiences, and I'm excited about what the future holds,’ he says.
Lewis Knight's story is a shining example of RNLI volunteers' commitment, passion, and dedication. His ability to balance a demanding personal schedule while being committed to saving lives at sea is genuinely inspiring.
RNLI Skegness thanks Lewis for his service and wish him the best in his future endeavours with the RNLI.
Notes to editors
The RNLI is the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
Skegness RNLI is based on Tower Esplanade, Skegness. The lifeboat station was founded in 1825 and the volunteer crew use an all-weather Shannon class lifeboat Joel and April Grunnill and D class lifeboat The Holland Family.
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* Brad Johnson, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for lifeboat station RNLI on [email protected]
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The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.
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