Fishguard RNLI congratulates new volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer

Volunteer crew member Cedwyn Rogers took up the challenge of becoming a trainee Lifeboat Press Officer after his predecessor, Peter Kedward, retired from the role with thanks after many years.

Following an interview process in January 2023, Cedwyn has worked hard over the past 12 months to complete the mandatory training and compile a portfolio of work demonstrating his skills in preparation for an in-depth assessment by an RNLI media trainer.

Every RNLI station has at least one press officer whose role is to highlight rescues and training launches carried out by our volunteers to the public through various media outlets. They also promote community fundraising events for our charity, advertise recruitment opportunities and share key water safety messages. They do this by developing relationships with local media and writing regular news releases for publication online and in print. The press officer will also assist with media visits to the station, either pre planned or following launches, liaising with journalists and preparing other station volunteers for interview. As part of the role they may also manage the station’s social media pages, posting news, content and interacting with followers.

Cedwyn joined the crew at RNLI Fishguard in September 2022 as a shore crew volunteer. In this time he has also progressed to trainee crew on the station’s inshore and all weather lifeboats. Passing this recent assessment certifies him for 5 years in the role of press officer, at which time he will be reassessed to keep his skills current in the ever changing and fast paced arena of media.

Cedwyn Rogers, Volunteer RNLI Press Officer said:

‘It is such a privilege to be in this position of promoting the work of the RNLI. As a child, I witnessed St Davids lifeboat launch to the aid of my grandfather, following an accident on Ramsey Island. I have never forgotten the difference they made to my family during that moment of fear. I am proud to be trusted to tell the stories of our charity in this, our 200^th year of saving lives at sea. Stories that I can only tell thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. Looking ahead to the next 200 years we can be certain that whoever we are and however we support the RNLI, we are one crew with one goal; to save every one'.

Notes to editor:

· The attached photo (Photo 1) shows Cedwyn, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer and trainee crew member on return from exercise on the charity’s all weather Trent class lifeboat Blue Peter VII. (27 January 2024) Credit. Florian Caroff.

RNLI Media Contacts

For more information please contact Cedwyn Rogers, Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected] or RNLI Regional Communications Manager Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith on [email protected] / 07977 728 315 or Regional Communications Lead Danielle Rush on [email protected] or 07786 668 829

For out of hours enquiries please contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336 789

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 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 142,700 lives.

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.