Launch Authority opportunity opens at Newhaven RNLI
Launch Authority opportunity opens at Newhaven RNLI
Lifeboats News Release
Newhaven Lifeboat is recruiting a new Launch Authority to join their dedicated team of volunteers. Helping others also helps you. This is an opportunity to improve your self esteem, receive quality training and gain valuable experience, whilst making a positive difference to peoples lives.
Tony Lewis, one of Newhaven RNLI’s Launch Authority, says: ‘My biggest fear was authorising launch of the lifeboat into dangerous heavy weather.’
‘With superb training on station and remotely by RNLI College, I now have a better understanding of the kit, lifeboat and the tremendous ability of our crew in the face of difficult conditions.’
When a 999 call is made and the coastguard are alerted, the coastguard contact the lifeboat station’s Launch Authority. If a launch is agreed, the coastguard will then page the crew.
The Launch Authority contributes to the operational activities carried out to maintain the lifeboats and all associated equipment in a constant state of readiness for launching on service.
‘I have been able to transfer my operational management skills to the role.’
Launch Authority must live or work within 8 minutes of the Lifeboat Station and be prepared to share an on call availability schedule with other Launch Authority colleagues.
‘I’ve always supported the RNLI from a distance, but when I retired and moved within minutes of the lifeboat, the opportunity to volunteer presented itself. I am extremely proud to be part of Newhaven’s
One Crew.’
Roger Cohen, Lifeboat Operations Manager, says: ‘Newhaven RNLI runs a welcoming and inclusive team. The Launch Authority role is integral to our operations and mission to save more lives at sea. This is a great opportunity to build personal confidence, gain new skills and build new friendships, whilst benefitting your local community. We look forward to hearing from the community.’
Newhaven Lifeboat - there has been an RNLI lifeboat station in Newhaven since 1854 and the crew there have operated their current all-weather lifeboat, the ‘David and Elizabeth Acland’ for 24 years.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Roz Ashton, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07900 887423 or [email protected] or Hatti Mellor, National Media Manager on 01273 818012 [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
RNLI Newhaven social media
Twitter: @NewhavenRNLI
Instagram: newhavenlifeboat
Facebook: @newhaven.lifeboat
RNLI online
For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.
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.
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.
