New Helm at Largs RNLI
RNLI volunteer Angus Fergusson has become the newest Helm on Largs RNLI’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat.
Angus, who works for Sportscotland Inverclyde National Sports Training Centre, initially joined as shore crew at Largs in September 2020 and quickly progressed to becoming boat crew soon after.
As a young boy Angus started fundraising for the RNLI by taking part in charity long rows and decorating fishing boats for the on water carnival. He knew then one day he would love to be part of the volunteer crew on a RNLI lifeboat.
Since joining the crew, Angus had his sights set on becoming a Helm. Angus said: ‘becoming a Helm gives me the opportunity to maintain and put into practice my own skills and knowledge, whilst also guiding and encouraging others and promoting good practice at sea.
‘It means a lot to me to become a Helm and I am hugely proud to be part of the close-knit RNLI family here at Largs. I now look forward to joining the other Helms at Largs where we are all able to work together, learn from and support each-other.’
During his training Angus has been supported by the rest of the volunteer crew at Largs, and has been attending official theory and practical sessions on a variety of subjects. Angus has now been assessed on the numerous different challenges of overseeing a B-class inshore lifeboat, becoming the sixth Helm at the station.
John Griffiths, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Largs RNLI, said: ‘I am delighted after all of Angus’ hard work and commitment he has achieved the status of RNLI Helm.
‘I am sure he will be a great asset to the existing Helms and will enhance our ability to respond to taskings, allowing us to continue saving 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.
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