Meet the Torbay crew
The Torbay crew is made up of over 100 volunteers, ready to launch to people in trouble on the water 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our lifesaving service is powered by dedicated volunteers and unwavering support from kind people in Torbay and beyond. Together, we save lives at sea.
Our Crew
Find out more about some of our crew and their roles.
'The look on her face was utter relief...'
Richard Fowler
Coxswain
'...She was a mum with two children on a stricken yacht in dense fog, eight miles offshore. It was one of the more rewarding jobs I've done.'
Richard is one of eight qualified coxswains at RNLI Torbay, qualified to command our Severn class lifeboat.
‘Sat on the cliff edge, I suggested we move somewhere more comfortable.’
Andrew Medley
Deputy Coxswain
'And it worked. Lifeboating doesn't always involve boats. We're often called to help those at times of vulnerability and distress. Communication can then matter as much as maritime skills.'
Andrew often draws upon his professional experience as a clinical psychologist to assist those in difficulty around our coastline.
'I want to inspire future lifeboat volunteers.’
Carol
Lifeboat Visits Officer
‘… That’s my objective when I show a school group around our lifeboats. It’s not only about showing off the amazing lifeboats – we must also inspire the next generation.’
Carol is RNLI Torbay’s Lifeboat Tours Manager, responsible for hosting guided tours of the lifeboat and station.
‘The water is cold and that can take you by surprise.’
Gareth Phipps
Crew Member and Relief Mechanic
‘… And it’s usually the cold that causes the problems after you have been rescued - even in mid summer. It’s the first thing we attend to when picking casualties out of the water. Get them warm as fast as possible.’
Gareth, owner and manager of a garage in Brixham, is one of six qualified mechanics at Torbay RNLI.
‘There is a pulse!’
Iona Taylor
Crew Member
'...This was a moment of extreme relief examining a teenager we'd rushed to who'd fallen from cliffs. I'll never forget it. It was my first shout.'
Iona is a doctor when not on duty and is one of three trained medics amongst our crew at RNLI Torbay.
'Not just people - animals get in trouble too.'
Jack Hawketts
Crew Member, Relief Mechanic and ILB Helm
‘...We occasionally get called out to a pet in trouble. I’ve been involved in some of these shouts in recent years. And it is very rewarding when you see these animals returned safely to their owners.’
Jack is one of 33 qualified crew members at Torbay RNLI, has appeared on Saving Lives at Sea and rescued a fair few grateful pets.
'Bringing home loved ones for loved ones at home.'
James Hoare
Deputy Coxswain
'...It's the thought I always hold on to when things get tricky. And things do sometimes get tricky!'
James, a financial advisor when not on duty at Torbay RNLI, is one of eight fully trained coxswains qualified to command and drive our Severn class lifeboat.
'You're not the first. And you won't be the last!'
Luke Netherton
Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) Helm
'...I say this to those who get cut off by the tide or run out of fuel. Simple mistakes happen. We can all get caught out.'
Luke is one of nine qualified helms at RNLI Torbay, trained to command our D class Inshore Lifeboat (ILB).
'It's lives lived that really count. Not just lives saved.'
Nick O'Brien
Lifeboat Operations Manager
'...Think about the lives that have happened because of what our crew has done. Then add in children that might not have been born. It puts the stats into a different perspective.'
Nick is Torbay station's lifeboat operations manager (LOM), responsible for the operational effectiveness of our crew and equipment.
'Thank God you're here!'
Sam Robinson
Crew Member and ILB Helm
'...It may be a cliché, but these are typically the first words we hear when arriving to assist a casualty.’
Sam is one of 16 qualified helmsmen. He’s been qualified over 12 years - a period over which Torbay have conducted 1,200+ shouts.
What a personal journey it's been! Volunteering for the RNLI has been hugely rewarding - and very eventful. It's provided a sense of achievement and belonging locally. And whilst I love the sea, I've learned you can never underestimate it.
Two 1,600 hp engines deliver a lot of ooomph! Our Severn class lifeboat weighs 42 tons and has a top speed of 25 knots. That helps us to get to situations quickly, even in bad weather. And once there, the equipment and crew's training means there is a lot we can do. Speed and capability - that's what counts when saving lives.
Remember your training. That gets us through. We get called out to a lot of situations. And they vary considerably. Although we are briefed as we head out, you never really know what to expect when you arrive. That's why we train often and hard.
An extra quid could be the difference that saves a life. That thought helps drive our fundraisers to put the extra bit of effort in. And we do have the most wonderfully motivated team. It not only makes them effective, it makes them a pleasure to work with too.
How big can these seas get?! That was my overriding thought on my first shout. It was to a Brixham trawler 37 miles off Berry Head in a proper south-westerly gale. Back then I was amazed that seas could ever get that shuffly.
Do you have what it takes? Join our operational crew.
You are the frontline in saving lives. You are on call 24 hours a day, ready to drop everything and get to the station at a moment's notice. If you live within 10 minutes drive from our Brixham based boathouse, and have the determination to succeed, we'd like to hear from you. Previous maritime experience is not required.
Fundraisers: Do you have any time to spare?
Our lifeboat crew are supported by a talented team of fundraisers. We always need more help in our shop and kiosk, and help with the variety of activities we host.
Fundraising is about the first three letters: F-U-N. By bringing joy and enjoyment to this critical role, we are one of the most successful stations for fundraising.
Water Safety Officers: Got water sport skills?
We are always looking for paddleboarders, kayakers or boaters: your knowledge and skills could save a life.
We offer training to enhance your skills. You can pass your expertise on and help make the next generation a lot safer. And it's a great way to meet new friends!