More great news for RNLI Torbay as Deputy Coxswain Adam gains his wings …

Adam, who has been volunteering with the RNLI Torbay crew for around 8 years, successfully passed out as Deputy Coxswain last week following months of hard work and intensive training. He now joins Deputy Coxswains Roger Good, John Heale and James Hoare on the Torbay crew, all qualified to take charge of the Bay’s powerful all-weather lifeboat during search and rescue operations.

For many months, Adam (whose ‘day’ job is skipper of a mussel farm boat working between Brixham and Sidmouth) has been undergoing the intensive training required to take command of the Severn Class lifeboat. Senior members of existing crew have mentored Adam throughout, on how to drive the boat in all conditions, manage the many emergency situations a lifeboat crew can face and to work with crew and resources efficiently and safely. Adam’s recent assessment took place under the careful watch of experienced Area Lifeboat Manager Nigel Jones.

After 8 years as a volunteer crew member, the last 18 months have required extra intense training and dedication from Adam, including study from home, at the boathouse and whilst at sea to hone his skills; finally last week, his hard work paid off when he achieved Deputy Coxswain grade.

The real learning now begins however, as before long Adam will take charge of the Severn Class lifeboat on a real life tasking, and put all his newly learned skills into practice. Coxswain of Torbay lifeboat Mark Criddle said: 'I congratulate Adam on becoming one of the Deputy Coxswains at Torbay lifeboat station, and look forward to seeing him active on his first shout in charge.'

Adam lives in Brixham and comes from a lifeboating family - Dad Richard is Second Coxswain of the Torbay lifeboat, and younger brother Ben a new volunteer crew member. Sister Sammy recently had both of her daughters baptised aboard Alec & Christina too, so it’s most definitely a family affair!

The RNLI Torbay lifeboat crew now has four highly qualified Deputy (duty) Coxswains working alongside the volunteer lifeboat crew, mechanic, Deputy Launch Authorities and support team, all working to keep residents and visitors to our coastal waters safe all year round.

Notes to Editors

Photo (1) shows new Deputy Coxswain Adam Fowler (photo by Nigel Millard)

Photo (2) shows all-weather RNLI Torbay lifeboat Alec & Christina Dykes (photo by Chris Slack Photography)

RNLI media contacts

Victoria Bowen, RNLI Torbay Lifeboat Press Officer

07794 043 428 or [email protected]

Shona Duncan, RNLI Torbay Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer

07778 002 866 or [email protected]

Emma Haines, RNLI Regional Media Officer:

01752 854450 or [email protected]

or RNLI Public Relations at Poole HQ on 01202 336 789 (24 hours)

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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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