RNLI Chief Executive thanks Jersey volunteers

Arriving early this morning, Mr Boissier visited the lifeguards and Guild at the Lifesaving Support Centre, and met the RNLI Jersey crew at St. Helier station.

He said, 'I was so pleased to see our crew and fundraising volunteers and our lifeguards today.

'We are coming through what has been a challenging time for the RNLI in Jersey. I was impressed and moved by the commitment and passion of the volunteers and staff who I met today. Their focus on training, fundraising and getting on with the daily business of saving lives at sea is humbling. I want to thank them, and their families, for everything they do.

'Our continued efforts to rebuild the RNLI’s service from St Helier and the hard work of the volunteer crew, station management and fundraisers across Jersey demonstrate the RNLI’s absolute and unconditional commitment to the island. We’re determined to focus on the future and maintain an excellent lifesaving service from our lifeboat stations and lifeguarded beaches. I’m immensely proud of the RNLI’s 134-year history in the island, and with the continued support of the people of Jersey and our committed volunteers, we will keep the island safe for another 134 years.'

While in the island, Mr Boissier spoke to Nigel Sweeny, Jersey volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager, about his work on behalf of the organisation. Nigel said, 'It was good to have a chance to talk directly to Paul today about our progress. We have three lifeboats fully operational around the island from St Helier and St Catherine's, our lifeguards are back on the beaches and the training of the new crew is going well.'

Jersey RNLI crew members, Gibby Gordon and James Hope who have each served for seven years, also talked to the Chief Executive. James said, 'It’s great to be back on the boat and to be part of the new crew.'

Gibby said, 'It feels good to be working as one Jersey team with a clear focus and cracking on with my additional all-weather lifeboat training.'

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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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.