Barmouth RNLI’s new Shannon lifeboat is now on service.

RNLI Area Lifesaving Manager Lee Firman said:

‘The team at Barmouth are to be commended for their hard work, commitment and dedication over the last few months which has allowed us to be confident that we have the right number of competent and safe people able to operate the boat and associated launch and recovery equipment. The extent of the training they have received to date gives us a core of people able to maintain service whilst allowing them to further train themselves and the other crew to become even greater competent operators over the coming months.’

Training began in January 2019 and took place in Barmouth and at the RNLI training unit in Poole and involved extensive commitment from the lifeboat and shore crew members in familiarising themselves with the new state of the art launch and recovery system. Pass-outs took place during the first week of April and were conducted by RNLI training staff.

Coxswain Peter Davies said:

‘I am grateful to the RNLI training team who put in so much effort on our behalf and delighted that the crews responded so well to their instruction. We are very happy with our new boat and will continue to train each of our volunteers so that they all become familiar and competent in handling the new boat and equipment over the next few months.’

Barmouth RNLI fundraisers are planning an event to be held in the Dragon theatre, Barmouth on 11 May to explain the new boat’s capabilities to the public. This will cover background on previous lifeboats stationed in Barmouth since 1828, together with pictures and film of the Shannon in action and the volunteer crew’s passage around from Poole in the Ella Larsen. Finishing with shanty singing and refreshments, it promises to be a good night.

So, if you would like to know more about the new Shannon class lifeboat, tickets can be obtained from the Lifeboat Shop or the Dragon Theatre.

For more information please contact Norma Stockford, Barmouth Lifeboat Press Officer on 07917 245882 or Eleri Roberts, RNLI Regional Media Officer – Wales and North West on 07771 941390 / 01745 585162

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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