Training to re-commence at Pwllheli RNLI Lifeboat Station

With two thirds of the crew reaffirming their commitment to moving forward with the station and a leadership team firmly in place, plans are well underway to create a sustainable station for the future.

Last month, the RNLI reluctantly ended 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.

With a good number of crew returning in a variety of roles and a successful recruitment drive underway in the community, the RNLI is in a good position to move forward.

From next Monday, (26 February), the RNLI will press ahead with an intensive two-week training period supported by RNLI staff. Training will commence during week days and then will continue on weekends. Commitment will be required from the crew to attend regular exercises to ensure they are fully competent.

At the end of this period, if a sufficient number of crew in all essential roles have completed the required exercises, the D-Class will return to service.

Ryan Jennings, RNLI Regional Lifesaving Lead says:

‘The eagerness to get back to training really is a commitment to our current crew, who despite a challenging period are fully committed to saving lives. The next few weeks will require a huge amount of dedication in ensuring all the crew undertake re-familiarisation, supported by a team of RNLI staff.

‘We have been encouraged by all the support we have received in the community of Pwllheli and heartened by the many conversations we’d had with local people who want to come onboard and join us. We are confident that working together we can now provide a sustainable lifeboat station at Pwllheli for many years to come.’

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.