Campbeltown RNLI gains new lifeboat helm
RNLI volunteer Carla Jackson has become the newest helm on the RNLI lifeboat at Campbeltown RNLI Lifeboat Station.
Carla, who works for the MoD, has been part of the volunteer crew at Campbeltown RNLI for 6 years, passed out as a volunteer helm on Monday 24 April.
The role of 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 part of this, Carla has taken on intensive training and an assessment both at Campbeltown RNLI Lifeboat Station and down at the Lifeboat College in Poole, Dorset.
Following the success of passing her final assessment, Carla can now be responsible for taking command of the lifeboat and ensuring volunteers remain safe while afloat.
Carla says: ‘I really wanted to push myself in the RNLI and take on an extra challenge. Here in Campbeltown, we have a few helms with various work commitments, so I thought it would be good to have another helm on board so we can continue to deliver our lifesaving service across such a large area.
‘I really enjoyed the training. It was a really beneficial experience and it gave me newfound confidence in my role as a volunteer crew member and now as helm.’
During her training and assessment, Carla has been supported by the rest of the volunteer crew based in Campbeltown, and will be joining number of already qualified helms.
George Bradley, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Campbeltown RNLI, says: ‘All of us at Campbeltown RNLI are delighted that Carla’s hard work and commitment to her training and the RNLI has paid off and she has achieved the status of RNLI helm. She will be a great asset to the team here in Campbeltown.’
Notes to editors
· Campbeltown lifeboat station has been operating since 1861. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/campbeltown-lifeboat-station
RNLI media contacts
Carla Jackson, Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]
Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
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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