RNLI Skegness celebrates training success of volunteer Trainee Helms and Helm

Thursday 20 July 2023

Over the course of three days in July (17th-19th),volunteer crew at RNLI Skegness underwent skills assessments and training by Lifeboat Trainer Assessors, Ady Barker and Gary Bird.

This intensive training and assessment period marked a significant milestone for our Trainee Helms and one of our seasoned Helms.

Trainee Helms Ryan Speed, Billy Brookes, and Curtis Redford successfully underwent rigorous afloat assessments through the three days as part of their D class lifeboat Helm plans. The assessments, led by Lifeboat Trainer Assessor Ady Barker, also utilised the Shannon class lifeboat for the towing assessments.

In addition to the trainee successes, the station also celebrates Helm Matt Jackson, who successfully revalidated his Helm plan for another five years on the D class lifeboat. Since joining the crew in 2005, Matt has progressed from Shore Crew to the position of ILB Helm on our D class inshore lifeboat.

Ryan Speed, Billy Brookes and Curtis Redford all successfully completed five units including:

3.4-1 Manage Launch and Recovery
4.4-1 Manage Anchoring
4.4-2 Manage Anchoring - Veering Down
4.6-1 Manage Towing ILB
5.3-1 Manage Search and Rescue

If that wasn't enough, Ryan Speed also completed the Electronic Navigation competency on the all-weather lifeboat with assessor Gary Bird for his newly awarded Shannon class Navigator training plan.

Success was also seen for Jaiden Elson, Trainee ILB crew member who was successful in completing some of his inshore lifeboat modules. Jaiden Elson successfully completed five units including Anchor and Veering, ILB Launch Functions (Shore and Afloat) and ILB Recovery Functions (Shore and Afloat).

Brad Johnson, Deputy Launch Authority, said: 'This is a shining testament to the continual dedication, hard work, and training that our volunteers put in. Each achievement is a step forward in our unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea. Our team's progress and success are a source of great pride for us all.'

The RNLI Skegness Station extends congratulations to the Trainee Helms, Crew and Matt Jackson for their achievements during the week alongside thanks to Gary and Ady for their assistance during the week.

Notes to editors

The RNLI is the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Skegness RNLI is based on Tower Esplanade, Skegness. The lifeboat station was founded in 1825 and the volunteer crew use an all-weather Shannon class lifeboat Joel and April Grunnill and D class lifeboat The Holland Family.

RNLI media contacts

For further information, please contact:

* Brad Johnson, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for lifeboat station RNLI on [email protected]

*Beth Robson Regional Media Officer, 07977728294, [email protected].

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.

RNLI Skegness celebrates training success of volunteer Trainee Helms and Helm

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