Newhaven’s Lifeboat Press Officer donned the RNLI’s famous yellows when she joined an acquaintance trip for potential new crew. Roz Ashton experienced first hand how it feels aboard the Severn class ALB and marvelled at the commitment her colleagues, the volunteer crew, make saving lives at sea.
Nick Gentry, Navigator and currently Newhaven’s longest-serving volunteer crew, says: ‘Our potential new crew-recruit and other non-crew volunteers were able to get a taste of the tougher conditions we’re often more likely to face when the lifeboat is launched on service.’
The David and Elizabeth Acland ALB is not permitted to launch with untrained crew on board in conditions exceeding a force 4. The forecast on Saturday 5 November rolled in just under the limit allowing the planned acquaintance exercise to go ahead.
Roz Ashton, says: ‘Despite the power of the lifeboat, which feels significant, it rocked wildly in the swell when we weren’t moving at speed and for us non-initiated, it took some stamina to find our sea legs.’
The team undertook several man-over-board drills, which provided opportunity for some helming experience.
‘The reality of spotting an object or person through the peaks and troughs of the water, even in reasonable visibility, is demanding work and requires a lot of concentration.’
‘I really appreciated how much the crew all looked out for us. Tips on how to be better positioned for effectiveness or safety. Keeping us hydrated. Chatting and making us feel comfortable and safe on the boat.’
Nick Gentry, says: ‘Being on the crew means being available to respond to the pager. It also means joining regular training exercises and contributing to the overall upkeep of the station, lifeboats and equipment.’
Roz Ashton, says: ‘After an hour and a half of exercise in the bay we returned to Station, but the effort did not end there. As we merrily scrubbed down the lifeboat and kit and refuelled, I thought about my family and in turn the families of the crew and how it’s only possible for those crew to do this essential lifesaving work with the support of their nearest and dearest behind them.’
Newhaven RNLI are currently recruiting new volunteer crew to join their inclusive team.
If you live or work within 8-minutes of Newhaven Lifeboat station and have the flexibility to be on call for lifeboat ‘shouts’ and attend regular training exercises, you can have the satisfaction of giving back, by being part of this dedicated team.
Under the guidance of experienced existing Newhaven duty crew (Lewis Arnold, Nick Gentry, Andy Bull, Jo Goode and Dan Wittenberg, the guests included, a potential new crew recruit and existing Newhaven RNLI volunteers: Jane Masey (Water Safety Officer), Roz Ashton (Lifeboat Press Officer), Alison Cohen (Treasurer) and Roger Cohen MBE (Lifeboat Operations Manager).
Notes for the editor
David and Elizabeth Acland – Newhaven RNLI’s Severn class All-weather Lifeboat
ALB – All-weather Lifeboat
ILB – Inshore Lifeboat
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Roz Ashton, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07900 887423 or
[email protected] or Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer on 07785 296252
[email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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Facebook: @newhaven.lifeboat
RNLI online
For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.
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, Twitter 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.
