Longhope RNLI take part in coast review

All RNLI stations are included in this review which takes place roughly every 5 years and on 20 March 2024 it was the turn of RNLI Longhope.

An RNLI delegation visited the lifeboat station comprising of John Payne, Director of Lifesaving Operations, Andy Jordon, Operations Committee Chair, Jamie Chestnutt, Director of Engineering and Supply, Sinead Reen, Operations Committee Member and Alice Hannam Executive Assistant.

The general aim of this review is to establish that the RNLI is meeting search and rescue needs and public donations are being used wisely and in the most effective way.

Andy Jordon opened the meeting by explaining the purpose of the visit saying: ‘We are here to discuss the overall operation and performance of Longhope RNLI Lifeboat Station and to try to get a feel for and an understanding of this station.’ He continued by covering aspects such as the stations needs and the environmental challenges, and to look at the relationship between the station and management with regards to communications and support.

Attending the meeting were our Coxswain Scott Johnston and Mechanic Alexander Sinclair, LOM Colin Bates, volunteer crew members, and representatives from the Lifeboat Management Committee, DLAs and the Lifeboat Guild. As the meeting progressed various issues were discussed including recent activities of our Tamar class lifeboat and its performance, changes and developments in our area, for example the location of proposed wind farms and tidal energy devices, community engagement and recruitment, education in water safety, fundraising and the ongoing modernization programme of the RNLI and any viable possibilities of improvements to the lifesaving service.

We all thought it a very worthwhile meeting in which we were given the opportunity to ask questions make suggestions or express opinions and we thank the team for their visit and for listening to us.

We are pleased that the delegation also had time for a quick visit to the Longhope Lifeboat Disaster Memorial and the Longhope Lifeboat Museum before their departure on the ferry.

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.