South west RNLI lifeboat community says farewell and thanks to volunteer

Richard’s voluntary action over 11 years included saving 24 lives and assisting in the rescue of many more. After over a decade of service, St Agnes lifeboat crew member Richard has decided to hang up his yellow wellies. Richard joined St Agnes RNLI in 2012 as a trainee crew member. It was not long before he took on further responsibilities, becoming the station’s training coordinator and qualifying in sea going casualty care in 2015. Later that year, Richard became a fully qualified helm and has served in that position until the end of 2023. Since 2017, Richard has put to sea in St Agnes RNLI’s D Class lifeboat 125 times and has served 155 hours at sea.

Emma Watkins, the station's Volunteer Operations Manager, said:

'Rich is the kind of guy who gets on with the mission without any fuss or drama. He has been an asset to the station and a great friend. He has earned enormous respect from his crew mates. For many of them Rich has been a mentor and guide. He has given so much and will be greatly missed.'

Richard’s good friend Ed Schwarz, also a volunteer crew member and lifeboat helm, said,

'My most memorable rescue was when we saved the lives of two boys. One was helicoptered off, the other we took back to shore. Afterwards Rich was very humble and said, ‘Right back to work then chaps’ and went back to work straight away as if nothing had happened.'

As a teacher with a young family, Richard will still have plenty to keep him busy. He plans to spend more time with his loved ones, and you might find him frequenting his favourite climbing centre, Tide near Padstow. Mr. Draisey said: 'I'll never forget the looks on the faces of the people we rescued or the relief and joy of their loved ones. It's been a huge privilege to be part of the team.'

St. Agnes RNLI Lifeboat continues to be on service throughout the winter months with volunteer crew responding at any time of the day or night when their pagers sound. If you are interested in volunteering for the RNLI, there are many ways to get involved on land as well as at sea. For more information, visit, https://rnli.org/support-us/volunteer

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Tom Knight, Lifeboat Press Officer on 07538 418391 [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.

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 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 142,200 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.