Penarth RNLI show appreciation to lifesaving tractor driver volunteer
On Wednesday 10 April Penarth RNLI volunteer crew came together to acknowledge the service of former shore crew and a tractor driver Huw Pickford.
For 12 years between 2015 and 2023, Huw was a member of the shore crew and a tractor driver for Penarth RNLI. Last year he decided to retire due to family and work commitments, but in acknowledgement of his efforts to saving lives at sea over the years, Huw was recently presented with an RNLI letter of appreciation signed by the RNLI Director of Lifesaving Operations, John Payne.
The letter was presented locally to Huw by Penarth Lifeboat Operations Manager, Jason Dunlop who said:
‘Although Huw was never sea-going crew during his time at the lifeboat station, both of the roles he held form part of our vital lifesaving operations, meaning our lifeboats can launch on the water as quickly as possible. This letter of appreciation signifies the important role Huw played as part of our one crew.
'But Huw also has a remarkable tale in his dedication to Penarth RNLI, when back in 2018 he directly helped save a woman's when she unexpected fell into the sea. We at Penarth Lifeboat Station thank Huw and are very proud of him - he will always be part of our RNLI family.'
On the 10 October 2018, a group of friends had been sitting near the railings on Penarth Esplanade when one young woman fell backwards into the water. The alarm was raised by her friends and they, together with members of the public and Huw, provided assistance.
A throw line was used to reach the casualty and lifejackets were obtained from the lifeboat station. The young woman was struggling to hold on, and with high spring tides the RNLI tractor driver entered the water to fit her lifejacket and support her, knowing that the lifeboat crew had been paged and were on their way. Once on scene the lifeboat crew carried out a medical check and although cold and wet, they were deemed fit and well.
Huw received his letter alongside some drawing details of the lifeboat and tractor signed by all the current volunteers at the station, he said:
‘Volunteering at Penarth RNLI has been a big part of my life and some of the best years too. It's been a great honour to have volunteered alongside and become friends with such amazing men and women, it has been like a family to me, thank you.’
Notes to editor- Video shows the 2018 rescue.
- To learn more about Penarth RNLI Lifeboat Station go to:https://www.facebook.com/RNLIPenarth.
For more information contact Nick White, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07818 680 667 or [email protected].
Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07771 941 390 / 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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