Long Service Award for RNLI Arbroath Helm

Peter Willis, who is originally from Arbroath, joined the town’s voluntary lifeboat crew in 1998 and has been a committed volunteer ever since. Peter started as a trainee crew member and has since completed training to become a qualified helm, a qualification which takes a great deal of time and commitment. When tasked to a ‘shout’ an RNLI helm will be in overall command of an inshore lifeboat (ILB) and is responsible for the safety of both the boat and her crew. Peter’s father was a volunteer for Arbroath’s lifeboat crew and Peter also volunteers as crew for Arbroath’s all-weather lifeboat.

Speaking about Peter’s award, Alex Smith, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Arbroath Lifeboat Station said: ‘Peter’s a fantastic guy to work with, a great crew member, always turn up to training and shouts – he’s truly dedicated to the RNLI and our crew and well deserving of this recognition’

Peter’s award also comes as Arbroath welcomes Sam Clow to the crew. Sam is undertaking training to fill the position as Arbroath’s full time Coxswain-Mechanic. Sam has recently moved from Sunderland’s RNLI lifeboat station, where he was a helm and has received a warm welcome at his new station. Arbroath Lifeboat Station is currently recruiting both lifeboat crew and shore crew, anybody who is interested in joining the volunteer team should contact the station directly.

RNLI media contacts

Gemma McDonald, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 01738 642956, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Henry Weaver, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 01738 642986, 07771 943026, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789

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.