Bert has been assessed on the numerous different challenges of overseeing a D class inshore lifeboat. The Llandudno inshore lifeboat Dr Barbara Saunderson is regularly tasked to complete numerous rescues around our local shores. She is highly manoeuvrable and usually operates closer to shore than our all-weather lifeboats. She comes into her own for searches and rescues in the surf, shallow water, and confined locations - often close to cliffs, among rocks and even inside caves. These are often challenging operations, which demand an extremely high level of competence and experience from the volunteer crews involved.
Bert has been a volunteer at Llandudno for seven years, he combines his volunteering with his duties as a North Wales Police Officer. He has served as a crew member on both the all-weather and inshore lifeboats.
Bert said: 'I am enormously proud to be part of the volunteer crew at Llandudno.
I am also really pleased and proud to have completed my helm training, and now look forward to joining the compliment of other helm crew members at Llandudno Lifeboat Station.’
Llandudno Lifeboat Operations Manager Capt. Marcus Elliott explained: ‘Our crews are prepared to drop everything and risk their lives to save others at a moment's notice. Their lifesaving work is essential, often difficult, and sometimes dangerous.’
Graham Heritage, Llandudno Lifeboat Coxswain, added ‘Bert is a great asset to the team, a thoroughly skilled and reliable crew member on both boats. In particular, he has exceptional observational skills which have proved to be essential on a number of search and rescues. I have no doubt he will continue to be a fantastic Helm for many years to come.’
RNLI media contacts:
For more information, please contact Jonathan Coe, Llandudno Lifeboat Press Officer on 07910 861193. Alternatively contact Eleri Roberts, RNLI Media Officer on 01745 585162 / 07771 941390 or email [email protected].
RNLI/Llandudno
Bert taking the helm 24 hours after “passing out” on the D- Class lifeboat
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.
