RNLI makes positive steps in rebuilding Pwllheli Lifeboat Station

This follows the RNLI reluctantly ending volunteering arrangements with all operational crew due to a breakdown in relationships between people at the station. It was no longer possible to sustain a safe and effective lifesaving service, so the RNLI made the difficult decision to reset operations at the station.

But with more than half the volunteers returning in a variety of roles, the RNLI is in a good position to move forward, and has now launched a recruitment drive in the local community as part of its plans to provide a sustainable lifeboat station at Pwllheli for many years to come.

Ryan Jennings, RNLI Regional Lifesaving Lead says:

‘Discussions with former crew members have been extremely positive and we are pleased to be welcoming back those who are aligned to our values and are committed to moving on from the recent difficulties. I am confident we can move forward with an inclusive and sustainable lifeboat station at Pwllheli for many years to come.

‘It has been a challenging time at Pwllheli and I want to thank all those people who have spoken to us about both their concerns and their aspiration to get back to saving lives at sea. The crew are now keen to look to the future and refocus all their efforts on restarting the lifeboat service. We will be getting the crew back to training very soon and are committed to getting the D-class inshore lifeboat back on service as soon as realistically possible.

‘We are now calling on the community to show the lifeboat station some support and help us move forward. There are several different volunteer roles available at Pwllheli Lifeboat Station and full training and support will be provided to those who wish to be part of the crew.’

Anyone interested in joining the crew is invited to apply online at www.RNLI.org/VolRoles.

An ‘opportunity alert’ option is available to ensure anyone applying is notified when suitable vacancies are advertised. Anyone interesting in finding out more can email [email protected] for further information.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Danielle Rush on 07786 668829 [email protected] or contact 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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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.