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New Year New Challenge for Blyth RNLI youngest helm

Lifeboats News Release

It's been a busy start to 2021 for Jordan Holmes, Blyth RNLI's youngest helm who has been training on the station's D class inshore lifeboat.

RNLI/Barry Pearson

Jordan Holmes pictured here with Assessor Matt Blanchard after passing out as a D-Class helm
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On Thursday 7 January, Jordan was being assessed for his pass out on the D class inshore lifeboat, this is after 4 months on becoming a B class helm at Blyth RNLI.

The pass out consists of carrying out several tasks set by an RNLI assessor to ensure that the helm can safely control the inshore lifeboat and instruct the volunteer crew according to set procedures.

A written exam also has to be passed.

Barry Pearson, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Blyth RNLI commented;
'We would like congratulate our youngest Helm Jordan Holmes pictured here with RNLI Assessor Matt Blanchard after passing out as a D Class helm today.
This is his second pass out in 4 months after having successfully passed out as a B class Helm in October of last year.
It has been quite an achievement to accomplish this due to the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic restricting our ability to train under normal circumstances.

If this inspires you to become part of the volunteer crew at Blyth RNLI please feel free to get in touch.'

Should you wish to join the crew as a volunteer at Blyth RNLI then please email [email protected]


RNLI Media Contacts
For more information please telephone Robin Palmer, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07801 290638 or[email protected] or Clare Hopps, Regional Media Officer (North and East) on 07824 518641 c[email protected] or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.



RNLI/Cameron Holmes

Jordan Holmes D Class Helm pass out with RNLI Assessor Matt Blanchard and two volunteer crew from Blyth RNLI
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RNLI/Cameron Holmes

Jordan Holmes D Class Helm pass out with RNLI Assessor Matt Blanchard and two volunteer crew from Blyth RNLI
Download image

RNLI/Cameron Holmes

Jordan Holmes D Class Helm pass out with RNLI Assessor Matt Blanchard and two volunteer crew from Blyth RNLI
Download image

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

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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.

About the author

Robin Palmer
Lifeboat Press Officer, Blyth Lifeboat Station

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