Lymington's RNLI volunteer honoured with an award for his 40 years of service
Nick Hayward, Lymington Lifeboat Station’s Operations Manager, was awarded a 40-year service medal and presented with a Community Service awarded by James Hoare, the Lymington and Pennington Mayor, in recognition of his voluntary service to the community.
Nick Hayward first joined the Lymington lifeboat aged 18 in July 1981. His ability, leadership and exemplary performance led to his appointment as a Helm (in command of the lifeboat) in 1984. His ability to inspire others and to lead by example was recognised when Nick was made Senior Helm in 2005. This role was crucial to the training and development of new helms and for new joiners to the RNLI.
Whilst these roles were demanding enough in their own right, Nick took on even more responsibility and in March 1995 became the station mechanic.
In July 2011 Nick reached the age limit set by the RNLI for Inshore Lifeboat Crew but this did not stop Nick’s commitment to the RNLI as he then became a Deputy Launch Authority. This role acts as the critical link with the Coastguard, taking key decisions on whether it was safe to launch the lifeboat in the prevailing conditions, and was the boat crewed effectively. As other staff members retired Nick was “persuaded“ to take the most senior role in the lifeboat station as the Lifeboat Operations Manager in 2013.
Steve Billet, the Lymington Lifeboat Station Chairman, said; 'What Nick has and continues to achieve is a shining example of what volunteering and commitment to the community really means. Nick would be the first to say he does not seek reward or recognition, but he more than deserves our thanks and recognition for what he is and what he has done.'
Nick stepped down this week from his role of Lifeboat Operations Manager, but will continue to volunteer as the station’s mechanic and a Deputy Launch Authority.
Suzanne Brown, Lifeboat Press Officer, Lymington Lifeboat Station (07711) 393910 [email protected]
Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer, SE and London (07785) 296252 [email protected]
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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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