Largs RNLI gains new lifeboat helm
RNLI volunteer Gordon Kennedy has become the newest helm on the RNLI lifeboat at Largs.
Gordon, who is an Electronic Design Engineer, has been part of the volunteer crew at Largs for 12 years, passed out as a volunteer helm on Friday 28 October.
Intensive training and assessment has taken place over several months both at Largs and at the Lifeboat College in Poole.
The RNLI describes the duty of a helm as: ‘to use utmost endeavours to safeguard and rescue the lives of those in danger, whilst having regard for the safety of their crew’.
Following the success of passing his final assessment, Gordon can now be responsible for taking command of the lifeboat and ensuring fellow volunteers remain safe while afloat.
Gordon said: ‘Having gained a lot of experience over the years as a member of the volunteer crew the time was right for me to give back a bit more.
‘By becoming a volunteer helm I can transfer some of my experience to newer volunteers by sharing my knowledge and understanding.
‘I am delighted to be the latest helm at Largs RNLI and look forward to joining the compliment of other helm crew members at Largs RNLI’.During his training and assessment Gordon has been supported by the rest of the volunteer crew based in Largs, and will become the sixth currently serving volunteer helm based at Largs RNLI.
John Griffiths, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Largs RNLI, said: ‘I am very pleased that after all of Gordon’s hard work and commitment to training, he has achieved the status of RNLI Helm. He worked extremely hard for this and thoroughly deserves it.
‘I would also like to thank all of the crew and the other helms at Largs Lifeboat Station who have supported Gordon in becoming our newest helm’.
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.
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