Flamborough RNLI lifeboat team strengthened with new helmsman
Flamborough RNLI volunteer crew member Will Bell completes training to become youngest Helmsman at the station.
At 23, Will Bell has successfully completed his training to become the youngest serving helmsman at Flamborough RNLI and one of the youngest in the country.
Will, who has been a valued member of the volunteer crew for the past five years has undergone extensive training to be the latest helmsman of Flamborough RNLI B class Atlantic 85 lifeboat
Elizabeth Jane Palmer.
There are many and varied stages to training as helmsman including, search and rescue, night navigation, boat handling and casualty care. Will has spent two weeks at the RNLI college in Poole combined with extensive station based training. Competence at each stage of training was checked by an assessor to whom Will needed to demonstrate his knowledge and practical skills.
Flamborough Lifeboat Operations Manager David Freeman said: 'The training requires a considerable amount of work and commitment. We congratulate Will and are happy that he has progressed to helmsman.'
Will said that it has been difficult at times but is glad that all the hard work has come to fruition. 'Now the learning will continue on another level.'
RNLI Media contacts
For more information please contact Ian Smith, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on: 07583 618677.
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.