The RNLI honours Swanage volunteers for long service
In 2016 three of the Swanage RNLI volunteers have been awarded for their service to the Institution. To mark these significant awards a presentation was made in Swanage Lifeboat Week.
RNLI Operations Director George Rawlinson attended to present an Honorary Life Governor award to former Swanage Lifeboat Coxswain Chris Haw, a Gold Badge to Charles Buckle, former Deputy Launching Authority having given 25 years service and a Gold Badge to Dave Corben, former lifeboat crew member and serving Deputy Launching Authority having given 25 years service.
All the awards reflect a significant voluntary commitment given over many years. Whether you serve as a crew member or a deputy launching authority you make your way to the lifeboat station whenever the pager sounds, day or night. There will have been many occasions when a lifeboat call-out has taken these long serving volunteers from work, a special occasion or from their beds and yet they have continued to give their time for many years.
Lifeboat Operations Manager, Captain Neil Hardy, said: “Our thanks go to Chris, Charles and Dave for their many years of service. Volunteering for the RNLI is an extraordinary commitment, being very demanding at times. The time and dedication given by our volunteers is out of choice and only made possible thanks to the support of their families. I’m am proud we have so many volunteers who have continued to serve the Swanage RNLI for such long periods of time.”
Notes to Editors
Photographs attached, Charles Buckle collection his award from George Rawlinson, Dave Corben accepting his award from George Rawlinson, Chris Haw accepting his award from George Rawlinson and all awardees together with George Rawlinson. All photographs credit Andy Lyons.
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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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