Welsh RNLI Coxswain to receive MBE from Queen
The coxswain at a Welsh lifeboat station has been recognised in this year’s New Year’s Honours
Martin Jones, a volunteer crewmember at Rhyl Lifeboat Station for over 30 years and full time Coxswain since 2010, has been awarded an MBE.
Martin has been on more than 700 ‘shouts’ at what is the busiest lifeboat station in North Wales.
Alongside his role as Coxswain, Martin also holds the roles of Mechanic, D Class Helm, Assessor Trainer and Training Coordinator.
And if his commitment at the lifeboat station wasn’t enough, Martin also volunteers for the RNLI Flood Rescue Team. He was part of the team deployed to Cumbria during the storms of December 2015, when they assisted 337 people and rescued 74 people in distress.
Martin also provides cover for his fellow coxswains at stations around the UK, serving as a relief coxswain where and when needed.
Talking about receiving the award, Martin said: “After receiving the news that Rhyl RNLI are to be allocated a new Shannon class lifeboat only a few weeks ago, I honestly didn’t think this year could get any better – but to open a letter and read that I’d been awarded an MBE, well, it’s the icing on top of the cake.
“I am extremely proud and thankful to be awarded an MBE for services to the RNLI. To be honest, this award isn’t just for me – it’s recognition of the lifeboat station, the local community, and most importantly it’s for my family who have allowed me to drop everything and leave important events when the pagers go.
“Like all lifeboat crew across the country, we wouldn’t be able to give the level of commitment that the charity needs without the support of our families; they are the unsung heroes when saving lives at sea.”
Martin also finds the time to contribute and fundraise in the local community and not only featured prominently in organising the Rhyl Annual Air Show, but also took the lead roles in the Rhyl Harbour Festival and the Emergency Services Show.
RNLI Chief Executive Paul Boissier said: ““Martin has the needs of the RNLI and his station at his heart and his passion is reflected in everything he does. He is always the first to step aside to allow credit to go to his team.”
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.
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