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RNLI Penarth congratulates newly qualified tractor drivers

Lifeboats News Release

A recent assessment day saw volunteers successfully complete their training to operate the vehicles that launch Penarth’s lifeboats.

RNLI Penarth

RNLI Penarth volunteer Simon Shirley
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RNLI volunteer Simon Shirley passed out on both the station’s Talus MB-4H amphibious tractor as well as the New Holland tractor, while Cliff Taylor passed out on the New Holland tractor.

Tractor drivers play a vital role at the station: RNLI Penarth’s lifesaving service cannot operate without these vehicles launching the boats, and the equipment must be maintained to a high standard at all times.

Jason Dunlop, Lifeboat Operations Manager at RNLI Penarth Lifeboat Station, said:

“Launch and recovery of lifeboat is a challenging task as our tractor drivers have to operate their vehicles in difficult and changeable circumstances on the beach and in the water. This training covers not only driving the equipment but how to debog and manoeuvre in very challenging conditions.”

“We provide our drivers with the very best equipment and training to launch our lifeboats and save lives at sea.”

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.

About the author

Tom Quinn
Lifeboat Press Officer, Penarth Lifeboat Station

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