Pwllheli RNLI D-class lifeboat to return to limited service
Pwllheli’s D-class lifeboat will be on service for limited periods from next week as the station works hard towards the goal of becoming fully operational. The crew have been training hard, with regular exercises and assessments taking place to ensure volunteers are at the peak of their skills.
RNLI management have praised the crew for their commitment, determination and resilience to rebuild the station and are confident the D-class will be fully operational in the coming weeks.
From Wednesday 3 April, the D-class lifeboat will be on service for limited periods. Training and assessments continue in order to provide enough helm cover to return the station to full service.
Caroline Jones, Pwllheli RNLI shorecrew volunteer says:
‘It feels absolutely fantastic to be able to turn the pagers back on and get back to what we are trained to do. Over the past few weeks the crew have given a huge amount of time and commitment to ensure we’re ready to get back to saving lives. Whilst we’re initially on for a limited amount of time but this is excellent news and we’re a step closer to full service.’
The RNLI reluctantly ended volunteering arrangements with all operational crew in February due to a breakdown in relationships between people at the station and made the difficult decision to reset operations at the station.
Chris Gaskin, Area Lifesaving Manager said:
‘The dedication and commitment shown by the crew at Pwllheli is to be commended. They have worked incredibly hard to get to this stage which is no mean feat. Two thirds of the crew reaffirmed their commitment to moving forward with the station and we’ve also seen a hugely successful recruitment drive in the community.
‘Our trainers and assessors have been hard at work with the crew to re-familiarise themselves with the lifeboat and ensure they are at the peak of their skills. The support we’ve had from the community has been incredible and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us on this journey, from flank stations to the local Coastguard. There are a few final stages to go, but this is really the first step in returning the D-class to full service, which is an exciting place to be.
‘We have a strong leadership team firmly in place, plans are well underway to create a sustainable station for the future.’
There are several different volunteer roles available at Pwllheli Lifeboat Station and full training and support will be provided to those who wish to be part of the crew.’
Anyone interested in joining the crew is invited to apply online at www.RNLI.org/VolRoles.
An ‘opportunity alert’ option is available to ensure anyone applying is notified when suitable vacancies are advertised. Anyone interesting in finding out more can email [email protected] for further information.
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For more information please contact Danielle Rush on 07786 668829 [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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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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