Shannon class all-weather lifeboat to return to Pwllheli for intensive training

Some of the volunteer crew and RNLI staff will travel to the RNLI’s Support Centre in Poole, Dorset, to collect the lifeboat and bring her home to north Wales by sea ready for training to commence on Monday 1 July.

The combination of new crew members and the requirement for familiarisation for existing crew, means an intensive period of training will be required before the lifeboat is officially declared on service. The volunteer crew members have been commended for their commitment to training whilst the station’s Shannon was supporting other operational activity.

Once the lifeboat returns, RNLI staff are committed to working with the station to conduct regular exercises and re-familiarisation sessions to ensure the whole crew are at the peak of their skills. The D-class lifeboat is already back in action on limited service whilst training inshore lifeboat crew also continues.

Earlier this year, the RNLI reluctantly ended volunteering arrangements with all operational crew due to a breakdown in relationships between people at the station. It was no longer possible to sustain a safe and effective lifesaving service, so the RNLI made the difficult decision to reset operations at the station. The Shannon was reallocated to the RNLI’s Support Centre in Poole to support operational activity, whilst operations were paused at the Pwllheli station.

Two thirds of the crew reaffirmed their commitment to moving forward and a recruitment drive in the local community has been hailed a great success. Volunteer crew members have been regularly attending inshore lifeboat training exercises and conducting on-land exercises in readiness for the lifeboat’s return. Exercise on Shannon class lifeboats in Rhyl and Llandudno has also commenced.

Andy Vowell, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Pwllheli says:

'This really is the most heartening news. The station has not felt the same without the Shannon class lifeboat and the fact she is coming back is the first chapter in our future. The response to our recruitment drive speaks volumes about the support we have from the community, for which we are immensely grateful. The next few months are going to be incredibly time-consuming and will require a great deal of commitment from our crew, but I know they are 100% ready to getting back to what do best.'

Once the Shannon returns to Pwllheli, it will enable RNLI staff to invest time and resources to ensure new and former crew are at the peak of their skills.

Ryan Jennings, RNLI Regional Lifesaving Lead says:

'It was imperative that the all-weather lifeboat was used support operational activity elsewhere whilst it was not operational at Pwllheli, as we have a duty to ensure our donors' funds are used wisely. We realise this has been a challenging time for all at Pwllheli and we would like to thank everyone for the kindness, support, and encouragement during this difficult period. We have been incredibly impressed by the commitment and resilience of the crew.

'They are now more than ready to begin training and the time is right for the return of the Shannon. We are thrilled to have a date for the lifeboat’s return, and I know the community of Pwllheli will be heartened to see her back. The support we have had from local people has been overwhelming and we are grateful to everyone who has helped us reach this next stage. We are confident that by working together we can now provide a sustainable lifeboat station at Pwllheli for many years to come.'

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.

For more information, please contact Danielle Rush on 07786 668829 [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.