Proud moment for Lyme Regis RNLI as crew member Gareth completes his training

Gareth started his seagoing training with the RNLI in Lyme Regis 15 months ago. Since then, he has been following a structured programme of training on station and at the RNLI College in Poole leading up to a final assessment when all the skills he learned were put to the test. This week he joined his assessor, Coastal Lifeboat Trainer Lyle Stantiford, and two Lyme Regis crewmates to for an intensive seaborne assessment on board Lyme Regis RNLI’s Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Spirit of Loch Fyne.

Weather conditions for the 90-minute assessment were described as ‘challenging’, with south westerly winds gusting up to 21kts and 2m waves. During the assessment Gareth was required to demonstrate his ability to manage a Man Overboard situation, control the lifeboat using emergency steering procedures and to set up and control lines for anchoring and veering operations. In addition, he had to demonstrate his knowledge of seamanship and boat handling.

Coastal Lifeboat Trainer Lyle Stantiford said: ‘Gareth achieved a good pass in his assessment. He demonstrated a clear understanding of standard operating procedures and coped well with the difficult sea conditions he faced today. He is a credit to Lyme Regis lifeboat station and a credit to the RNLI.

Volunteer Lifeboat Training Coordinator Jon Broome, who was part of lifeboat crew during Gareth’s assessment said: ‘We congratulate Gareth on reaching the end of a demanding training programme which required many months of effort on his part. He did very well in his assessment today and we are very pleased to have him as a fully trained member of our lifeboat crew.

Gareth Roscoe, a 45-yearself-employed builder moved from Bristol to Lyme Regis with wife Claire and teenage son Rhys two and a half years ago. The family are very keen on water sports, using their 5.2m RIB (rigid inflatable boat) Orca for fishing trips whilst Rhys is an active member of Lyme Regis Sailing and Gig Rowing Clubs. In reviewing his assessment Gareth said: ‘I feel very proud to have achieved this milestone in my RNLI career and am looking forward to working more with my fellow lifeboat crew. I knew conditions were going to be difficult today and am very pleased that I was able to cope with them. I’d also like to thank the other crew members on the boat today for giving up their time to help me achieve this pass out.’

No doubt Gareth will be putting his training to good use during the coming months as the number of call outs for Lyme Regis RNLI volunteers increases over the summer. Last year they launched 40 times to assist people in difficulty in the local area. In 2026, the year in which the RNLI celebrates 200 years association with Lyme Regis, its crew have already launched on service nine times.

Ends

Notes to editors

Photo1 Caption: Gareth Roscoe has passed out as Tier 2 inshore lifeboat crew (fully trained). Photo credit: RNLI/Nick Marks

Photo 2 Caption: Lyme Regis Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Spirit of Loch Fyne at sea in heavy weather. Photo credit: RNLI/Nick Marks

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact Nick Marks, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Lyme Regis Lifeboat Station on 07568 187582 or [email protected], or Emma Haines, Regional Communications Manager, on 07786 668847 or [email protected], or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.