Donate now

Surprise for RNLI Walmer helmsmen

Lifeboats News Release

An unexpected surprise was in store for two Walmer lifeboat helmsmen at the annual crew barbecue.

Walmer helmsmen Lee Waddon and Dan Sinclair with their award letters.

RNLI/Christopher Winslade

Walmer helmsmen Lee Waddon and Dan Sinclair with their award letters.
Download image
Helmsmen and Lifeboat Training Assessors Lee Waddon and Dan Sinclair were both presented with RNLI Excellence in Volunteering awards on Sunday 22 July for their work at the station. Lee's commendation letter paid tribute to his adaptability in progressing training and the innovative way he has introduced additional training for shore crew. Dan's letter made mention of his role as a Lifeboat Training Assessor, 1-1 crew training and his efforts as organiser of the annual Mayday car wash. Lee's award was a crystal engraved RNLI emblem while Dan was presented with a crystal engraving of a Shannon lifeboat.

Speaking at the presentation, Lifeboat Operations Manager Denis Brophy said 'These awards are hard earned and are only given to those whose contribution is above and beyond what is expected of a volunteer. They have both undertaken additional roles and continually maintain RNLI values, demonstrating they have gone the extra mile. It gives me great pleasure to present these awards.'

RNLI media contacts

  • Chris Winslade, Lifeboat Press Officer, Walmer Lifeboat Station 01304 374475, 07906 623037 [email protected]

· Paul Dunt, RNLI Press Officer (London/East/South East) on 0207 620 7426, 07785 296252, [email protected]

· For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789

RNLI online: For more information on the RNLI please visit http://www.rnli.org/. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre.


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.

About the author

Christopher Winslade
Lifeboat Press Officer, Walmer Lifeboat Station

Categories