Llandudno Lifeboat Station is proud to share that Les Howell has successfully qualified as a coxswain, following a pass-out assessment held on 10 November. With this achievement, the station now has five qualified coxswains.
RNLI/Luke Heritage
Les Howell stood aboard the Shannon class Lifeboat
The coxswain’s role is one of great responsibility, taking charge of the station’s all-weather lifeboat during both emergency callouts and training exercises. It involves leading a team of four or five volunteers and ensuring every operation is conducted with professionalism, efficiency, and, most importantly, safety.
Les’ assessment, led by Coastal Trainer Simon Bunting, began with a demanding one-hour theory exam on RNLI policies, procedures, and collision regulations. This was followed by a challenging three-hour practical exercise at sea, where Les demonstrated strong leadership and problem-solving abilities while managing simulated faults and complex scenarios.
Having joined the RNLI in 2011, Les holds several key positions at Llandudno Lifeboat Station, including Afloat Mechanic, ALB and ILB Head Launcher, SLRS and Bobcat Launch Vehicle Driver, and Casualty Carer.
After his assessment, Les said ‘This is a great achievement for me personally, but it’s one that wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance, encouragement, and teamwork of everyone at Llandudno Lifeboat Station. The support I’ve had throughout my training has been outstanding, and I’m proud to be part of such a dedicated and professional crew.’
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
