Changes at Clifden RNLI see new lifesaving roles at station and on the coast
Two Clifden RNLI lifeboat crew past and present have been promoted to two new roles in the charity.
Rob King, the former full-time mechanic for Clifden lifeboat station has been appointed as the RNLI’s Area Lifesaving Manager for the West of Ireland. His former role at Clifden RNLI has been filled by a volunteer from the crew, Thomas Davis.
Rob King was full-time station mechanic in Clifden RNLI for five years. In his role of Area Lifesaving Manager, Rob will be leading a team of staff and volunteers while managing the safe, efficient and effective delivery of the RNLI’s lifesaving services on the West coast of Ireland.
Speaking about his new role as RNLI Area Lifesaving Manager Rob said: ‘I’m delighted to be appointed as Area Lifesaving Manager for the West of Ireland and look forward to working alongside our crews, volunteers and staff to achieve the RNLI’s aim to save lives at sea. I started out in Clifden as a volunteer in 2007. I then became the station mechanic with the arrival of the all-weather Mersey Class Lifeboat in 2014. I’m very proud of Clifden Lifeboat Station and enjoyed the years I spent there and I’m pleased to be handing over the reins to crew member, Thomas as station mechanic. As Area Lifesaving Manager I hope to be of assistance to him and the crew, especially with the arrival of the Shannon class lifeboat to Clifden.’
Before becoming full-time station mechanic Thomas Davis was a volunteer lifeboat crew member for Clifden RNLI. As station mechanic it will be Thomas’ responsibility to ensure that the station’s lifeboat and her life-saving equipment are kept in top condition and are ready to answer the next emergency call.
Thomas said: ‘I’m delighted to be taking over from Rob as station mechanic for Clifden. It’s an exciting time as we have recently become the first station on the West coast to receive a new Shannon-class lifeboat. We will miss Rob and wish him the best of luck in his appointment.’
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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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