Volunteer achievements at Dungeness RNLI
On the weekend of 23 and 24 September, the volunteers of Dungeness RNLI took part in two days of launch and recovery training that resulted in two newly qualified head launchers and a new launch vehicle driver for the station.
Four members of the RNLI’s launch and recovery training team spent the weekend at the station with the volunteers helping to train new shore crew in the processes of launching and recovering the lifeboat, as well as assessing some crew that were ready to take on new roles.
Senior Machinery Trainer, Mark Perry, says:
‘It has been great coming down to see the volunteers at Dungeness this weekend. They have embraced the training and the results show in the successes of this weekend.’
On the Saturday, the station was able to celebrate Garrie Gray passing as a new launch vehicle driver. Garrie has spent months of hard work and training in anticipation of his assessment today and is now our fourth driver for the station.
Our second success of the day was the passing out of Graham Vicary as head launcher. The head launcher role is an important role at station as they are responsible for the safe guidance of the lifeboat into and out of the water.
Brent Bull had his assessment on Sunday where he was observed completing a launch and recovery as a head launcher and was successful after putting in months of effort.
Coxswain, Jason Adams, says:
‘There has been an unbelievable effort from all the volunteers this weekend supporting their fellow crew in their practical assessments. I would like to thank them for giving up their time and their commitment to the station.
A special thank you to the Launch & Recovery Training Team for the guidance, input and knowledge that they have shared with us.'
If you are interested in volunteering for Dungeness RNLI Lifeboat Station, we have a number or roles available both afloat and shore based. Please contact the station on 01797 320317 or [email protected] if you would like to take on a new challenge and become part of the charity that saves lives at sea.
Notes to Editors
· Dungeness lifeboat station has been running since 1826.
· The station received the first Shannon-class lifeboat in the RNLI fleet – The Morrell
· The station is famous for its Lady Launchers, local women and wives of the crew who helped launch the lifeboat in the 1950s.
Ends
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Sarah Beck, Dungeness Lifeboat Press Officer on
[email protected] or 07956 615429,
Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer on 07785 296252 or [email protected] or alternatively, Regional Media Manager Julie Rainey on 07827 358256 or
[email protected]. RNLI Press Office is available 24/7 365 days a year 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
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.