RNLI volunteer steps down after 46 years
On Saturday 7 April 2018 volunteers past and present from St Bees RNLI, and their colleagues from Workington and Silloth, came to Harrington Sailing & Fishing Club to see RNLI Area Lifesaving Manager Saul Mendelssohn present RNLI volunteer Captain Leon Goldwater with his Certificate of Service.
Before Leon was presented with his certificate, former helm Ian McDowell who took over from him as Honorary Secretary (Hon. Sec. now called Lifeboat Operations Manager) in 2001, talked in glowing terms about Leon’s leadership, how he ran a tight ship and the many great times and laughs they had shared over the years.
Leon started his career as a volunteer in 1970 with Hartlepool RNLI, joining St Bees RNLI two years later when his work brought him over to the West Coast. Before taking a shore-based job, Leon had spent many years at sea during which time he gained his Master Mariner Certificate. In 1974 the position of Hon. Sec was needed at St Bees, and Captain Goldwater was well qualified to take on the role. As well as being responsible for the lifeboat and crew, he was also responsible for the day-to-day running of the station. Leon continued in this role until 2001. Although he had stood down from overall command, Leon remained at St Bees as the lifeboat press officer until 2014 - a position he had held since 1973.
Even after retiring Leon still liked to keep a firm hand on the tiller and in 2007 he became Chairman of the Lifeboat Management Group, overseeing many changes at the station until 2016. After 40 years volunteering with the RNLI Leon was made an Honorary Life Governor in 2010.Everyone at St Bees RNLI and all those that have volunteered with him over the years would like to thank Leon for all the hard work and the many hours he has put in to make sure St Bees RNLI have played their part in saving lives at sea.
RNLI media contacts For more information please telephone Colin Wadey, St Bees RNLI Volunteer Press Officer on 07742207222 email [email protected]
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.