RNLI Shoreham crew member wins prestigious international award
One of the RNLI’s youngest crew members had her achievements honoured today with the Women in Search and Rescue Award at the International Maritime Rescue Federation’s ceremony to celebrate excellence in operations.
The third generation of her family to volunteer at Shoreham RNLI, Isobel joined the station on her seventeenth birthday and serves as a crew member on both the inshore and all-weather lifeboats. As well as volunteering on the crew, Isobel works in a demanding role as a Community Support Officer for Sussex Police.
Isobel’s award today celebrated her work as a role model for women and girls in maritime search and rescue. The awards ceremony, now in its fourth year, recognises the work and achievements of search and rescue professionals internationally and takes place as part of London International Shipping Week 2019. Isobel was presented with her award by Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence KCVO CB ADC(P). She was accompanied by her dad, Simon who is Second Coxswain and Mechanic at Shoreham and her mum, Michelle – the station’s volunteer Press Officer.
Isobel said: ‘Receiving this award has come as a real shock to me. The other women nominated in the category have achieved so much in their careers and I’m very aware that I’m just starting out on mine. I’ve been very fortunate to belong to a lifeboat crew that has welcomed and supported me, and encouraged my development. This award makes me all the more determined to do my very best to rescue those in trouble on the water. I’d recommend joining a lifeboat crew to any woman out there who is thinking about it. It challenges you in so many ways but the feeling of being able to help save a life is amazing.”
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.