Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Largs RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager
Last month, September 2025, the volunteer crew at Largs Lifeboat Station had the privilege of welcoming Kevin Paterson from the Coastguard Association to present a very special recognition award.
The volunteer crew at Largs Lifeboat nominated their Lifeboat Operations Manager, John Griffiths, for a recognition award from The Coastguard Association as he approaches 60 years of active service in search and rescue.
John’s Coastguard career started in the Coast Life Saving Corps and as a Supplementary Watcher, which would then become the Coastguard Auxiliary. John then joined HM Coastguard full-time as a regular officer and served in a multitude of roles around the UK throughout his extensive career.
Having retired from HM Coastguard several years ago, John’s expansive search and rescue knowledge and experience became invaluable has he became part of the volunteer team at Largs Lifeboat and now serves as the Lifeboat Operations Manager, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the station, boat and crew are ready to save lives at sea.
On reviewing John’s award nomination from the volunteer crew, the current categories didn’t quite do him justice, so a new category was created – the lifetime achievement award with John being the first-ever recipient.
Award recipient, John Griffiths, said: ‘I want to say a huge thank you to the Coastguard Association for the great honour of giving me the Lifetime Achievement Award, especially as it is the first one to be awarded.
‘I have been fortunate to have worked with dedicated personnel in all branches of the emergency services both in the UK and internationally.
‘From semaphore flags, Aldis lamps and hairy ropes to modern day technology and rescue equipment – such was my life in HM Coastguard. My time with the RNLI has allowed me to continue to work with the amazing search and rescue family.’
Kevin Paterson, Coastguard Association Recognition Awards Director, said: ‘It was my absolute pleasure to present John with the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award. I’ve worked closely with John for many years locally during my previous service with HM Coastguard, and I was delighted when the volunteer crew nominated him for a recognition award.
‘Given all of the work John has done during his extensive career with HM Coastguard, and now continuing with his volunteer RNLI role, it was only right we created a new award category to fully recognise his massive commitment and contribution to search and rescue.’
Claire McRae, Largs Lifeboat Press Officer, said: ‘On behalf of the whole crew at Largs RNLI, we are honoured to see John recognised with this Lifetime Achievement award. His passion for saving lives, mentoring others and leading by example has shaped the very heart of our station.
‘John is an inspiration to us all and this recognition award is very well deserved.’
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.
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