Kirkcudbright RNLI shout is a first for volunteer Lewis

Together with HM Coastguard, Kirkcudbright RNLI lifeboat, Sheila Stenhouse, provided assistance to the crew of the casualty vessel, with the grounded boat having to be left on rocks due to the tide.

This was an important day for volunteer crew member, Lewis Valentine, as it was his first “shout”. To make his first rescue even more memorable, his father Martin Valentine was also on the crew for this rescue. Martin is one of the Helmsmen on Kirkcudbright RNLI lifeboat and has been a member of the crew for 20 years.

After the lifeboat had been returned to the lifeboat station and re-fuelled to be made ready for next service, Martin said: 'The fact that many of the crew both on the boat and onshore at the shout today have known Lewis his whole life makes me very proud.

'Lewis is one of the last 17 year old volunteer crew members to go afloat in the RNLI. The age for new recruits for the boat is now 18. Lewis was determined to become a member of the boat crew as soon as he could.'

When asked about his first shout Lewis said: 'If I was to say anything about today, it is that I was so happy to share that moment going on a shout with my dad as that’s all I’ve ever wanted to do growing up around the lifeboat.'

The RNLI lifeboats are almost entirely manned by volunteers and it is this level of dedication that keeps the boats crewed from generation to generation.

Notes to editors

· Kirkcudbright lifeboat station has been operating since 1862. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/kirkcudbright-lifeboat-station

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RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789

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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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