Two Lukes train for RNLI Torbay!
Two trainee lifeboat crew members, Luke Netherton and Luke Soul, have just returned from an intensive Crew Emergency Procedures training course at RNLI College in Poole, Dorset.
The two volunteer lifeboat crewmen (who joined the Torbay crew just under a year ago) returned last week from their hands-on training session at the charity’s headquarters, funded by Lloyd’s Register Foundation. As well as classroom theory lessons, they were required to undergo realistic and demanding emergency procedures in the RNLI Sea Survival Centre's 25m wave-generating tank, enduring simulated storm conditions including cold, darkness and lightning whilst conducting ‘abandon ship’ procedures and deploying life rafts.
The Lukes – who enjoy rugby and fishing when not at work - agree the course was strenuous but thoroughly enjoyable. Both young men are local; Luke Soul lived in Brixham until age 14 when his family moved to Spain, and is loving being back in his home town. Luke Netherton has always lived in the same area of Torbay, and works as an auctioneer at Brixham Trawler Agents.
The two young men have long held an ambition to join the RNLI, and say being part of the team has met their expectations, citing a great bunch of crew mates (and banter!), and giving something back to the community as their motivation. They report that recalling the many aspects of safety training in the moment of leaping 4m into cold, stormy water (whilst mindful of their own safety and that of others) was exciting, challenging and rewarding.
When asked what people might be surprised to learn about them, Luke Soul mentioned that he speaks Spanish, and Luke Netherton said he only weighs 8 stones … we’re not sure we believe that one Luke, but on behalf of the local community thank you both for forming part of our amazing volunteer lifeboat crew!
The two Lukes describe the Torbay team as ‘one big family’ and indeed the RNLI Torbay volunteer lifeboat are on standby 24/7 to help save lives at sea, giving up their time to ensure they remain highly trained and regularly on exercise with Torbay’s Severn Class and D Class lifeboats. To date, the Lloyds Register Foundation has supported the training of over 3000 RNLI volunteer crew, an impressive record and one which the charity values immensely.
Notes to editors
Torbay Lifeboat Station Key Facts:
- Torbay lifeboat station has been operating since 1866. To learn more about the station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/torbay-lifeboat-station
- Coxswain of Torbay Lifeboat is Mark Criddle
- Further information on Torbay Lifeboat Station’s local activities can be found at: http://www.torbaylifeboat.co.uk/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rnlitorbay
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/RNLITorbay
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Victoria Bowen, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07794 043 428: [email protected] or contact Carrie Garrad, RNLI Regional Media Officer on 07786 668 847: [email protected] or alternatively RNLI Public Relations at Poole HQ on 01202 336 789.
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
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