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Scottish crew member passes out on Burns Night

Lifeboats News Release

Littlestone RNLI volunteer Iain Anderson, who hails from Scotland, completed his pass out with the final two modules of his tier 2 fully substantive boat crew training on a cold night when many of his fellow Scots will have been celebrating Burns Night.

A lifeboat being rescued by the crew for launch on a dark night

RNLI/John Kenny

Littlestone RNLI charity lifeboat the Jean McIvor being prepared for launch

Iain joined the RNLI Littlestone station as a volunteer 2020, and despite the complications caused by the Covid pandemic, he has persevered and committed a significant amount of time to his training, both ashore and afloat on the station’s charity lifeboat Jean McIvor, as well as at the RNLI College at Poole. It is always a positive day when our lifeboat crew is strengthened by another fully competent member reaching pass out.
Reflecting on his achievement, Iain said: ‘I want to thank the whole station who have assisted me in my progression over the last 4 years in becoming competent crew at Littlestone RNLI. Covid meant it took a while to progress, but the last few years have been brilliant. I’d also like to thank the boat crew and shore crew for coming out on a cold January night to help me get through my final assessments.'
Lifeboat Trainer Assessor at Littlestone Ron Thrall said 'It is always an important day for our lifeboat station when a volunteer completes their training as competent crew. Iain completed his two remaining modules last night- Helming the SAR Unit and Locate and Assist Casualty. All our crews are very highly trained and the majority of our launches are training exercises to make sure we are all current and competent when the pager goes off. Everyone at the station would like to congratulate Iain on this achievement and wish him continuing success in his development.'
‘We are also looking to bolster our volunteer team here so if you're interested in joining us then call the station or email us via the contact details on our website https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/littlestone-on-sea-lifeboat-station
Iain adds: ‘Everyone’s been so supportive. Littlestone is a great, friendly station and I’d recommend volunteering for the RNLI to anyone.’

A large RNLI tractor brings the lifeboat back to the station after a trip out to sea on a dark cold night

RNLI/John Kenny

Lifeboat recovery after training session
A member of shore crew in high Vis jacket sprays down the boat and tractor after a training launch on a dark and cold night

RNLI/John Kenny

Littlestone tractor and lifeboat being washed down and prepared for service on Burns night

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.