Last shout for man and boy RNLI volunteer at Berwick-upon-Tweed

The crew assembled and launched the inshore lifeboat, the object was spotted by the crew and it was identified as a river fishing boat which had broken free from its mooring up river at Coldstream.

Due to the heavy swell and crashing waves, it was deemed unsafe to try and tow the boat back in and unfortunately the vessel was swept out to sea.

This shout was of particular significance to the Helm Robert Frost, as from starting with the RNLI as a boy volunteer and going through the ranks as a man, it was his last day with the RNLI as a volunteer after nearly 35 years of saving lives at sea.

However as of Monday 8 April 2024, he starts a new role with the RNLI and becomes a full time member of staff for the charity.

Having attended a three stage interview process for the Coxswain/afloat Mechanic role on 21 February 2024, he said: ‘I was ecstatic when I later got the call to say I was successful and I’d got one of the positions.

'Anyone that knows me, knows I’m a proper lifeboat spotter, so to be able to do this full time is an absolute dream come true and I can’t wait to get started on Monday.

'Lots of training and hard work ahead for sure, but I’ll grab this with both hands and relish such a fantastic opportunity.

'On the downside and on another sad note, is that today I also leave Berwick Lifeboat crew, as I can’t volunteer in my new role.'

Robert continued: 'I joined Berwick Lifeboat in 1989, so I’ve been on the crew for almost 35 years and met some great people over those years, who have become close friends as part of the RNLI family, so I’ll 100% miss these guys.

'I’ve loved every minute being part of such a great station and learnt from the best, Raymond Karowlewski, past 1st Station Coxswain and have so many proud and sad moments that’ll stay with me forever.

'I have been a helm for years but, I became Deputy 2nd Coxswain in 2009 for the Joy and Charles Beeby, Mersey all-weather lifeboat and then in 2016, became 2nd Coxswain but the biggest highlight of all was finishing as 1^st Station Coxswain in Jan 2023, although short lived before the Mersey’s departure in April 2023.

'To all at Berwick Lifeboat, I’m sure you’ll miss my jokes and my labelling of anything that sits still long enough. I’ll certainly miss you all, but I’ll be sure to call in for a cuppa and see our new boat when she arrives.

'It was unreal getting a shout on my last day as a volunteer. Stay safe and keep up the good work that makes our station unique.’

RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, Kevin Knox, speaking on behalf of all at Berwick-upon-Tweed lifeboat station said: ‘Today is a sad day for our station in that we lose a valuable asset, in the dedicated service that Robert Frost has given to this lifeboat station, in helping save lives at sea. Always there not just to answer the pager to save a life at sea, but in sharing his experience in helping train others, so they may save lives at sea.

'He is a true friend and RNLI family member. Our thanks also go to his wife Louise and his family, because for every volunteer that serves in the RNLI their family serve alongside, supporting their loved-one in the task of saving lives at sea, awaiting their safe return.

'Robert from everyone, congratulations on your new position in the RNLI, good luck, enjoy your new adventure with the RNLI, we look forward to the catch ups, when you come to see your RNLI family at the station. From boy to man with the RNLI we are proud of you.’

RNLI Media contacts

For more information, please contact Hazel Bettison, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected]

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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