Dave is ‘dunked’ as he retires from Lyme Regis RNLI
One of the longest-serving members of the volunteer crew of the RNLI lifeboat in Lyme Regis, Dave Street, has retired because of work commitments.
Dave, 48, served for 22 years, starting as trainee shore crew and becoming one of the team of helmsmen 15 years ago.
Dave joined the crew for two main reasons. He was working as a barman in the Cobb Arms when he overheard crew members saying they were short of volunteers. “The other reason was more personal", said Dave. “A cousin of mine drowned at Bournemouth and I thought if there was anything I could do to prevent such accidents then joining the RNLI was it.”
Dave, a self-employed builder, added: “Of course I shall miss taking the lifeboat out, and the camaraderie with the crew. But I won’t lose touch with all my old colleagues.”
Dave’s last voluntary duty with the crew was helping out with safety at the Lyme Lunge on New Year’s Day.
And his lifeboat colleagues gave him a thoroughly wet send off with a ceremonial dunking in the sea.
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