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Littlestone RNLI Tier 1 Volunteer Crew Passout For Mihaela Simeonova

Lifeboats News Release

On 19 April 2026, following months of training at Littlestone Lifeboat Station and at the RNLI College in Poole, volunteer crew member Mihaela Simeonova successfully passed her Tier 1 Inshore Lifeboat crew training with flying colours.

Mihaela shaking hands with assessor Ron Thrall

RNLI/Dave Kimber

Congratulations Mihaela with Ron Thrall
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On 19 April 2026, following months of training at Littlestone Lifeboat Station and at the RNLI College in Poole, volunteer crew member Mihaela Simeonova successfully passed her Tier 1 Inshore Lifeboat crew training with flying colours.

The RNLI Operational Competency Framework provides volunteers with a clear and structured pathway, supporting crew members from initial training through to ultimately becoming a fully qualified helm. Achieving Tier 1 is a significant milestone for any volunteer lifeboat crew, the next step is a Tier 2 passout which means the volunteer crew member is fully trained.

Ryan Wickham Littlestone RNLI helm said 'Huge congratulations to Mihaela on passing her Tier 1 afloat assessment on Sunday. A brilliant performance on a great day at sea. All her hard work over the past months really showed, on to tier 2!'

Lifeboat Operations Manager, John Kenny said, ‘It’s fantastic to see Mihaela pass her Tier 1 crew training. She has put in a lot of hard work and has also played her part in helping others train- both on shore and afloat.This milestone reflects the commitment, discipline and teamwork that sit at the heart of our service. All the volunteers at Littlestone RNLI station are proud to have her as part of our team. She has a great attitude and we look forward to seeing her continue to develop her skills and play her part in keeping our community safe and saving lives at sea.’

RNLI Media Contacts

Clinton Marshall, Lifeboat Press Officier, Littlestone Lifeboat Station on 07758 616581 [email protected]

John Kenny, Lifeboat Press Officer, Littlestone Lifeboat Station on 07747 033443 [email protected]

Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 07827 358256 [email protected]

Jess Curtis, RNLI Regional Communications Manager South East on 07483 488243 j[email protected]

For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789 or [email protected]


Miheala kneeling down on lifeboat with rope in her hands

RNLI/Dave Kimber

Miheala rigging a tow
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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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

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