Farewell to Fishguard RNLI Coxswain
Paul Butler has retired from his role as Fishguard RNLI Coxswain after 24 years of service.
Paul’s career with the Fishguard RNLI station started in September 1993 when he joined as a volunteer crew member on the Arun class all-weather lifeboat Marie Winstone. He became part of the inshore lifeboat volunteer crew in 1996 and became full time Coxswain in 2002.
Paul who now hopes to spend more time on his hobbies of cycling, swimming and folk music said on his last day: ‘It’s been a day of mixed emotions, there’s relief at not being on call anymore but regret at leaving a good crew and station.’
David ‘Doc’ Davies, the chairman of the Fishguard RNLI Lifeboat Management Group, said: ‘I first met Paul when he joined the crew in 1993. As coxswain, Paul showed himself to be a very competent seaman, conscientious and a good trainer.
'Over the years, he has retained a core of experienced crew whilst introducing and encouraging new blood as needed. This has ensured the station has continued to provide an efficient lifesaving service, all at a time when the pace of change within the RNLI has been greater than ever before.’
RNLI media contacts:
For more information please contact Rick Mabey, Fishguard RNLI Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07785 953251 or [email protected] or Chris Cousens, RNLI Press Officer, Wales and West, on 07748 265496 or 01745 585162 or by email on [email protected]. Alternatively contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.
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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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