Kyle RNLI Crew member becomes first female helm in the station’s history
Yesterday, Monday 19 November, two of Kyle of Lochalsh RNLI's volunteer crew qualified to become helms of the lifeboat, one of whom has become the first ever female to qualify for the role
Yesterday afternoon Emma Noble sat and passed the assessments required to become one of the two newest helms of the Kyle lifeboat Spirit of Fred. Olsen. Although there have been a number of female crew members in the past, Emma has become the first to sit and pass her helm assessments, which now enables her to command the lifeboat. Emma, 31, a graphic designer and picture framer, has been a part of the Kyle lifeboat crew for the past 5 years, and has been working towards qualifying to become a helm for the past year.
Speaking of the achievement, Lifeboat Operations Manager Sandy Murray said “It is an historic day for our lifeboat station, as Emma has become the first woman to hold the position of helm since the station was started almost 30 years ago. Emma has been a dedicated volunteer with us for a number of years, and this was the natural evolution for her. Everyone at the station would like to congratulate both Emma, and fellow crew member Andrew MacDonald, who also qualified yesterday.”
Notes to editors:
- Please find 2 pictures of Emma Noble attached.
- Please credit the colour picture to Kyle RNLI & the black and white picture to Jack Lowe at The Lifeboat Station Project
RNLI media contacts:
Andrew MacDonald, Kyle of Lochalsh RNLI Volunteer Press Officer on 07748 707606 or [email protected]
Or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.
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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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