Teignmouth RNLI…. Focus on the Lifeboat Crew
Almost everything was put on hold during lockdown, but Teignmouth RNLI lifeboat crew were still on call 24/7.
The volunteer crew respond to a range of shouts all year round and examples include people being swept out in a strong current, those cut off by the tide, people aboard broken down vessels, searches for missing people, people (and dogs) falling down cliffs. The most recent launch was to help a boy who had sustained an ankle injury in the Torbay area.
Crew come from all walks of life and here at Teignmouth we have a fisherman, mechanic, architect, electrician, teacher, doctor to name a few.
Meet a few of them:
Humphrey - Helm
“I joined the crew in April 1997 following the tragic death of my brother John at sea. This really kick started my need to volunteer and use my skills and knowledge to help others in difficulty on the water. I am still as proud today to be part of the crew volunteering to help others in a time of need.”
Will – Senior Helm
“I’ve been brought up on and around the river on boats and my family has a history of serving as lifeboat crew going back to before the station was closed in 1940, and when it reopened in 1990 my father was one of the many locals that help persuaded the RNLI to reinstate a lifeboat in Teignmouth. So I wanted to follow in my father’s and my family’s footsteps.
Because I spend a lot of time on and around the river area when not working as a fisherman, it makes sense with my local knowledge, that when someone does get in to difficulties then I will able to help rescue them.”
Steve – Shore Crew and Mechanic
“I always wanted to crew for the RNLI and moving to Teignmouth gave me the opportunity and I’m proud to say I’m shore crew and mechanic taking care of our Atlantic 85 and Arancia lifeboats.”
Boat crew and shore crew all undertake dedicated training and must commit to regular training throughout the year to be sure of keeping up-to-date. This typically takes place on the first Sunday morning and third Thursday evening though all training has been suspended due to covid-19 and we hope to resume training soon.
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.