Blackpool RNLI mourn the passing of a volunteer legend

The flag at Blackpool RNLI Lifeboat Station is to be flown at half mast in tribute to Volunteer Bernard Pickard, who passed away after illness this week. All the station team volunteers' thoughts are with Bernard's family and friends at this sad time.

Bernard first became involved in Blackpool RNLI in 1969 as part of the shore crew, when the volunteer shore crew were known as sidesmen. At that time, Blackpool Lifeboat Station was home to an all-weather lifeboat (ALB). After the withdrawal of the ALB, and the move to focus Blackpool RNLI on inshore response, Bernard took on the role of Head Launcher. He took charge of launch and recovery activities as well as being a dedicated driver of the launch vehicles, and he was a regular sight at the station next to Central Pier.

Over the next 50 years, and with the move to the new Central Promenade boathouse, Bernard continued to respond to the pager to assist with launching the lifeboats, all whilst working his full-time role with British Rail and his lifelong support for Blackpool Football Club.

Bernard also took on the role of volunteer administration officer, and from there came his reputation with statistics and the nickname ‘Statto’. Even up to his passing and in the days he could not get to the lifeboat station, he would regularly call the station to obtain the callout details in order to update his ‘little black book’ that recorded everything Blackpool RNLI had done in the past 50 years. He was always a participant in Blackpool RNLI fundraising, and his last attendance was at the Lifeboat Station Open Day.

Ian Butter, volunteer Chair of the Blackpool RNLI Lifeboat Management Group and Deputy Launch Authority said:

‘Bernard has been a valued volunteer at Blackpool RNLI for over 50 years, with an incredible passion for all aspects of station activity. His knowledge, experience and attention to detail were appreciated by everyone and although in recent years he has not been able to attend the boathouse in person, he stayed ‘on duty’ from home, monitoring radio calls and logging information.

'His phone calls to check service details, often in the early hours of the morning, were a constant feature of his commitment and dedication to the lifeboat service.

‘Bernard was a friend and invaluable support to several generations of lifesaving crew at Blackpool and he will be greatly missed by us all. Fair winds and calm seas Bernard.’

Bernard Pickard 1943 – 2024 Rest in Peace.

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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