Wells RNLI celebrates two new Head Launchers after successful assessments
Wells RNLI is celebrating after two of its volunteer crew members successfully passed out as Head Launchers following a launch on Sunday 19 April.
Under the supervision of RNLI Coastal Trainer Ben McGarry, volunteers Kent Cooper and John Tomlinson were individually assessed, with both completing this significant step in their training.
The Head Launcher is a vital shore-based command role at the station. They are responsible for the safe and effective management of all operations leading the lifeboat to the launch site, coordinating the shore crew and ensuring each member carries out their role efficiently. They also act as the single point of contact for the all-weather lifeboat crew and the Shannon Launch and Recovery System (SLARS) driver while the lifeboat is in transit to the water’s edge.
Both volunteers undertook months of dedicated training, supported and mentored by experienced SLARS drivers, Head Launchers and Launch Authorities at the station.
Kent Cooper, newly passed Head Launcher, said: ‘Being part of Wells RNLI for 25 years, this role has been a new challenge for me. It’s taken months of training, and I’m really grateful for the support and guidance from the existing Head Launchers and wider team.
‘People don’t always realise how much is involved in the role. With the Shannon class lifeboat and the SLARS launch and recovery system, it’s far more complex and involved than it was with the Mersey class.
‘I wanted to take this on not only for my own development, but also to help ensure the station can continue to operate and respond 24/7 when needed.’
John Tomlinson, newly passed Head Launcher, said: ‘I’m absolutely chuffed to bits to have passed out as a Head Launcher. It’s more than a personal achievement – it reflects the trust, time and support given to me by my fellow crew, volunteers and assessors.
‘Being responsible for a special boat that means so much to so many people is a real honour, and genuinely humbling.
‘A big thank you to everyone who helped make this possible.’
Chris Hardy, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Wells RNLI, added: ‘Thanks go to all those who have provided training and support to enable both Kent and John to pass out as Head Launchers. It is a vital role, and we depend on having Head Launchers on call and available to enable us to respond to shouts and answer the call to save lives at sea.
‘Congratulations and well done to both Kent and John from everyone at the station.’
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea, powered by dedicated volunteers who give their time to help those in need, without judgement.
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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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