Plymouth RNLI celebrates volunteer’s decade of service

Chris joined Plymouth RNLI in February 2016 and became volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM) in 2017. During his eight years in the role, he was responsible for the day-to-day operational management of the station, supporting its volunteers and helping to ensure the lifeboats and crews remained ready to respond when needed.

His time as LOM saw a period of significant change at Plymouth RNLI. Chris oversaw a change of coxswain following more than 30 years of continuity in the role, and later helped oversee the station’s move to its current volunteer-led coxswain model. He also guided the station through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to ensure Plymouth RNLI remained operational and ready to save lives at sea.

Chris stepped down as Lifeboat Operations Manager in February 2025, handing the role over to Nigel Gray. He continues to play an active part at Plymouth RNLI as a volunteer Launch Authority, using his experience to support the station and its crews.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Nigel Gray said: ‘Ten years of volunteering with the RNLI is a fantastic milestone and one Chris should be very proud of. He has given an enormous amount of his time to Plymouth RNLI, including eight years leading the station as Lifeboat Operations Manager.

During those years, Chris guided the station through some significant changes and challenges, always with the aim of making sure our volunteers were supported and ready to respond when called upon.

It was a privilege to take over from Chris as LOM, and I’m very pleased that he continues to be part of the team. His knowledge and experience remain a great support to the station.

On behalf of everyone at Plymouth RNLI, I’d like to congratulate Chris on reaching 10 years of service and thank him for everything he has done, and continues to do, for the station and the RNLI.’

Chris was presented with his 10-year service award in recognition of a decade of volunteering with the charity dedicated to saving lives at sea.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Darren Blight, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI South West, [email protected]

Katie O’Neill, Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, Plymouth Lifeboat Station [email protected]

Kyle Reed, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for South West England, 07786 668847, [email protected]

Amy Caldwell, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for South West England, 07920 818807, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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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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.