Generations of RNLI lifesavers across the south west on call this Christmas
The RNLI is launching its annual Christmas fundraising appeal, with a focus on the generations of families who have volunteered their time and commitment 24/7, 365 days a year, to ensure the charity’s lifesaving service has continued for nearly 200 years.
Whatever weather winter throws at them, RNLI crews are ready to battle the elements to save lives at sea. During the 2022 Christmas period* RNLI lifeboats in the south west launched a total of 16 times.
These rescues, and others all year round, are only made possible by the RNLI’s generous supporters, helping to fund the essential kit, training and equipment needed by lifeboat crews.
Christmas is a time for family and, for many, a time for sharing stories of times and generations past. For the Gorvin family from Sennen Cove in Cornwall, these stories often involve saving lives at sea, and carrying the pager, all ready to respond at a moment’s notice.
Kirstan Gorvin, deputy Coxswain, has been volunteer at Sennen Cove lifeboat station for 22 years. He was overjoyed when his son Tristan, 20 and daughter Tamsyn, 19 followed in his footsteps, joining as volunteer crew. They both also work as RNLI lifeguards during the summer season.
Kirstan said: ‘I am really proud to be part of a crew with my children who are a real asset. We all get on well and trust each other so that support is good. We know each other’s capabilities, and I think they value my experience and knowledge!’
Earlier this year, the entire Gorvin family crewed the D class inshore lifeboat to assist a casualty with a leg injury at Pedn Vounder beach. Kirstan added: ‘I have been on several shouts with each of them individually, but this was the first one that we were all together as crew for the inshore lifeboat, my wife was also shoreside as part of the local Coastguard team so it was a true family effort! It was really great to work together for real and the shout went really well with a great outcome. I really am so proud that they are so capable and work so well together.’
He said it’s not unusual for Christmas to be interrupted by a pager: ‘My wife and I have been in our roles since the children were born so it is absolutely ingrained in family life with many gatherings being disrupted over the years to respond to the pager. I have a 15 year old son who is very left out and desperate to join the crew as well! Life with a pager is so normal for all of us as it has always been that way and I suppose they have seen the satisfaction that we get from helping people and are keen to carry that on.
‘We have very rarely had a Christmas where the pager hasn’t gone off for one of us! We are always happy to respond and as we are all involved, we all understand and support each other.’
At Clovelly in North Devon, there’s a similar family affair, with father and son both volunteering for the village’s RNLI lifeboat station. Luca Sanders is a volunteer crew member, while is dad Larry wears many hats as a tractor driver, boat mechanic, shore crew and Deputy Launch Authority.
Larry said: ‘The RNLI has been in my family for a long time, and I joined 16 years ago. I am proud to see Luca on the crew, he’s grown up watching me go to training and the station, so was ready to join as soon as he turned 18. It’s nice that he’s on the lifeboat, and I’m shore based, we can ask each other questions and we can see all sides of it. The RNLI runs through your blood, and my whole family rally round when the pager goes off. If the pager goes off over Christmas, then we’ll respond, as usual.’
Luca, 18, said: ‘I joined the crew last year, I have been interested in the lifeboat from a young age because I used to visit the station with my dad when I was younger for various events. Volunteering alongside my dad is enjoyable because, even though we have different role, he can still pass on knowledge about the lifeboat, how it works and its layout.
‘My whole family is very involved in the RNLI because they also must bear in mind that the pager could go off at any time and make small habits like leaving the keys by the door at night so it can quickly be unlocked or leaving the car facing outward in the driveway.
‘Being on call over Christmas is not too different from being on call the rest of the year, the biggest difference is that you’re missing out on more time than usual with loved ones.
If the pager went off over Christmas, I would feel a bit disappointed about missing out, but this is far outweighed by someone's need for help. I would still rush out the door and head to the station to join my crew mates.’
To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal, and enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work, visit: RNLI.org/WinterAppeal
Notes to editors
· *’Christmas period’ refers to 24 December – 1 January inclusive
· Attached are a selection of images, photo captions and credits are in the image name.
· Read more about the Gorvin family’s service to Pedn Vounder online here
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager, on 07786 668847 or [email protected] or Amy Caldwell, Regional Communications Lead, on 07920 818807 or [email protected] or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
Key facts about the RNLI
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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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