Long service awards at Swanage RNLI

Captain Neil Hardy MBE was recognised with an award for 30 years service to the Swanage RNLI. The award being presented on-board the Swanage all-weather lifeboat with wife Maggie by the Area Lifesaving Manager Seb Pinkard. The volunteering started with Neil taking up the position of Deputy Launch Authority before moving up to the position of Hon Secretary which became Lifeboat Operations Manager. In his time with Swanage he has successfully managed several lifeboats, a complete rebuild of the station and many volunteers.

Steve was presented his 20 years service award during this years AGM. His volunteering has seen him progress to senior helm on the inshore lifeboat as well as crew on the all-weather lifeboat. Although he has now stopped serving on the inshore lifeboat his volunteering has continued on the all-weather lifeboat. He has now taken the additional role of training officer at Swanage lifeboat station.

Coxswain, Dave Turnbull, said: “Our thanks go to Neil and Steve for their many years of service. Long service awards always show the extraordinary commitment, which can be very demanding at times. The time and dedication given by our volunteers is out of choice and only made possible thanks to the support of their families. I’m proud we have so many volunteers who continue to serve the Swanage RNLI”

FOOTER

Notes to Editors

Photos shows Swanage RNLI volunteer Captain Neil Hardy MBE accompanied by his wife receiving award from Area Lifesaving Manager Seb Pinkard and Steve Williams with wife Janice accepting the award, credit RNLI

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Roydon Woodford, Swanage RNLI Volunteer Deputy Press Officer on 07542 942022 or at [email protected]

Paul Dunt RNLI Regional Media Officer, South East and London (07785) 296252 [email protected]

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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