New Lifeboat Operations Manager takes the helm at Exmouth RNLI

Mike retired from the Royal Navy two years ago. Formative clinical appointments ashore, afloat and overseas were followed by regional leadership positions and ultimately his final appointment as Chief Dental Officer (Defence). Previously responsible for both clinical and management governance in homeland and operational environments, he now brings his acumen to the local lifeboat station and looks forward to ensuring operational capability by drawing on his experience with assurance systems.

The charity’s Lifeboat Operations Manager is responsible for managing all operational activities at the lifeboat station, as well as authorising the launch of the lifeboats. Mike will be working closely with the station’s volunteer Coxswain, Steve Hockings-Thompson and full-time Mechanic, Andy Stott. Mike will also be an integral member of the Exmouth Lifeboat Management Group, chaired by Simon Davidson.

Mike said:

‘RNLI assurance systems are broadly analogous to those in healthcare settings and I can see their importance in delivering the operational capability that the public expect from the Institution. I'm honoured to serve in my new role.’

Concurrently, Mike is the Commodore and RYA Principal at Lympstone Sailing Club. His wife, Alison has been a volunteer in the Exmouth RNLI shop since February.

Photos: (credit Exmouth RNLI)

PR270619 New Lifeboat Operations Manager, Mike Gall (centre left) takes over from Kevin Riley MBE (centre right) with Exmouth RNLI lifeboat Crew and Shore Crew volunteers.

Notes to editors

· Exmouth Lifeboat Weekend is 17-18 August with Maer Rocks festival on the Saturday and station Open Day on the Sunday.

· Exmouth lifeboat station has been operating since 1803. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: www.exmouthlifeboat.org.uk

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Emma Tarling, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07837 810082 or [email protected] or alternatively, Emma Haines, Regional Media Officer on 07786 668847 or [email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.

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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