Carpenter Mark is new Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat chief
A 58 year old carpenter, who was at the helm of the town's RNLI lifeboat for 14 years, has taken on the most senior volunteer role at Lyme Regis lifeboat station.
Mr. Marks officially handed over his role during the lifeboat crew's recent training evening.
Mr Colley retired from his role as a lifeboat helm at the age of 55 and became a Deputy Launching Authority in February last year. He has been a crew member for 23 years.
He said: "It's a new challenge and one that I relish. It's the pinnacle role at the lifeboat station and I am delighted to have reached it. I have a very hard act to follow. Nick Marks has been running a very successful station for seven years and I have inherited a great team. I know they will all help me settle into this vital role."
Mr Marks said: "Whilst I am sorry that I now have to retire from an operational role with the Lyme Regis lifeboat I am delighted that the RNLI has appointed Mark Colley as my successor. Mark has a wealth of experience gained from more than 20 years on the crew.
"I am not retiring from the RNLI completely and will continue to volunteer as the Water Safety Officer for the Lyme Regis area.
"In this role I will be leading our team of Water Safety volunteers to give advice to children and adults on the inherent dangers of the sea and help them enjoy their coastal activities in the safest possible manner."
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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