Baby Boom at Eastbourne RNLI
Eastbourne RNLI has welcomed three new ‘recruits’ all under two months old.
On Sunday 4 February, Eastbourne RNLI was pleasantly surprised to welcome three new members to its lifeboat family. Hunter, Arthur and Frankie were all born within a month of each other. All three of their fathers are long-standing volunteers of Eastbourne RNLI.
The proud fathers introduced their newborns to their volunteer colleagues ahead of the weekly training session. The station was abuzz with positive energy and well wishes for them and their families as they start their new and exciting chapters. After a quick hello/cuddle and cup of tea, the family members left the crew to conduct their weekly training on the lifeboats.
Eastbourne lifeboat station has always had a great sense of family and many members have been volunteering for over half of their lives, with other family members following in their footsteps.
Mick Wishman, a firefighter, has been volunteering with the RNLI for the past 14 years. He said he ‘loves being on the water’ and was ‘inspired to join from a young age after watching a rescue take place under the local pier’. Mick’s brother James also supports Eastbourne RNLI as the station’s Mechanical Coxswain.
Alex Emberley is a first-time father and has been volunteer crew at Eastbourne for 13 years. He is a qualified helm of the station’s D-class lifeboat David H. Alex has always enjoyed being at sea. Having started sailing at a young age he was introduced to the RNLI through his local sailing club and has never looked back.
Alex enjoys helping people, describing Eastbourne RNLI as ‘a really close-knit crew that have a good time together, but who, when needed, apply their training to do whatever is required time and time again.’
Brandon Bentley, who has been a volunteer for 7 years, says, ‘the RNLI has positively changed my life and given me a sense of purpose’. From a young age, he was determined to be part of the lifeboat crews who help save lives at sea. Today, he is part of the family of volunteers inspiring future generations.
Will Hunter, Arthur and Frankie continue in their fathers’ footsteps and become the next generation of lifeboat crew for Eastbourne lifeboat station? Only time will tell.
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For more information please email Izzy Coley, RNLI Media Engagement Placement – South East Region on [email protected] or telephone RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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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 over 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and, in a normal year, 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 144,000 lives.
RNLI at 200
On 4 March 2024, the RNLI celebrates 200 years of saving lives at sea – thanks to volunteers giving their time to save others, all funded by voluntary public donations. Throughout its 200th anniversary year, the charity is running events and activities to commemorate its history, celebrate the lifesaving service it provides today, and inspire generations of future lifesavers and supporters. For more information visit RNLI.org/200.
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.