Goodbye to Ian Stevens Tobermory Lifeboat Operations Manager

Under the pretence of a midsummer party Ian was presented with a thoroughly deserved Excellence in Volunteering award on behalf of the RNLI.

In his time as Tobermory Lifeboat Operations Manager the lifeboat has launched just under 200 times. rescuing 260 people. His genuine passion and commitment to all aspects of the lifeboat and station can be in no doubt and he has been pivotal in the success of the station as well as building a close knit and highly effective team..

Ian was presented with an Excellence in Volunteering Award from the RNLI. The citation from Leesa Harwood, RNLI Director of Community Lifesaving, referred to Ian’s enthusiasm, attitude and forward thinking as fully embodying the RNLI’s values.

Ian stood down as Lifeboat Operations Manager in late April but is retaining his close involvement with the station as its new Vice Chairman. Dr Sam Jones, former Navigator and Deputy Launching Authority has succeeded Ian as Lifeboat Operations Manager, one of only a handful of women in the RNLI to hold the post.

Dr Sam Jones, newly appointed Tobermory RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: ‘Ian epitomises the volunteer ethos of the RNLI. He has taken the station from strength to strength, building a station family which includes crew, fundraisers and shop volunteers. His dedication and commitment over the years has been rightly recognised with this award from the RNLI. It’s a huge honour as well as a little bit daunting to be following in Ian’s footsteps but I am so pleased that as Vice Chairman he will still be at hand with his support and wise counsel.’

RNLI media contacts:

Michael Stirling, Tobermory Lifeboat Press Officer on 07921 515686, [email protected] or [email protected] boat Press Officer on 07921 515686, [email protected] or [email protected]

Richard Smith, Public Relations Manager Scotland on 01738 642956, 07786 668903 or [email protected]

Or Henry Weaver, RNLI Press Officer for Scotland, 01738 642946, 07771 943026, [email protected]

Or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.

RNLI onlineFor more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.org.uk. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.org.uk/pressKey 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 over 230 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 100 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK. 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 137,000 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.