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Volunteer crew member becomes the latest Helm at Blyth RNLI

Lifeboats News Release

On the 22nd November volunteer crew member Paul Whittle passed out as a Helm of the lifeboat station's D Class inshore lifeboat.

RNLI/Robin Palmer

Paul Whittle (right) with RNLI Assessor Matt Blanchard
In order to complete his pass out, Paul had to complete a written paper before going afloat with an RNLI assessor to carry out several tasks to ensure that he could control the inshore lifeboat and instruct the volunteer crew according to set procedures.

Having joined the RNLI at Blyth in March 2022 as a volunteer crew member and undergoing extensive training to become the latest Helm at Blyth, Paul said; 'I'm really pleased to have completed my pass out and continue as volunteer crew at Blyth and take the lead as and when required.'


Terry Healy, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Blyth RNLI said; 'I'd like to congratulate Paul on becoming the station's latest D class Helm. He's put a lot of time and effort into his training and now has been rewarded by completing his pass out.'

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Robin Palmer, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07801 290638 or [email protected] or Clare Hopps, Regional Media Officer (North and East) on 07824 518641 or [email protected] contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.



RNLI/Robin Palmer

Paul Whittle with D class inshore lifeboat

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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For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.