
Cromer RNLI welcomes new Lifeboat Operations Manager
The charity that is dedicated to saving lives at sea has appointed Polly Clarke as volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM) at Cromer RNLI Lifeboat Station. Polly takes on the role from John Redmond, who is standing down after three years leading the team.
Polly started volunteering at Cromer RNLI as Lifeboat Administration Officer in 2019, and then trained to become part of the shore crew in 2020. In that time Polly has made herself an invaluable and highly respected member of the team. She is well liked by her colleagues and known for her straight talking with her added sense of humour, she brings fresh perspective to the team.
The LOM is a critical role and helps the RNLI save lives at sea by carrying out the day-to-day management of the lifeboat station to ensure a permanent state of readiness for service. Polly will be responsible for authorising launch of the lifeboats and providing leadership of the operations team. She'll also ensure that all operational activities are carried out to maintain the lifeboats and that all associated equipment is in a constant state of readiness for launching on service.
Polly explained: ‘I volunteered for the role of Lifeboat Operations Manager at Cromer to ensure continuity of the great work that John has put in place to enable Cromer Lifeboat station and our wonderful volunteers to carry on saving lives. I have a fabulous team at the station, who have all offered me their continuing support in my new role, which is amazing. I look forward to working more closely with the all team in the future.'
Outgoing LOM, John Redmond says: ‘I am really pleased to be handing over the role of LOM to Polly who had the courage and ability to apply for the position. I know that Polly shares the same vision that I have for the station and I am sure that she will be a good custodian of the management of the station. In 2022 alone she attended training and shouts on 61 occasions when the RNLI requirement was 12; showing her commitment and dedication to Cromer RNLI. It is an honour and pleasure to hand over to Polly and I wish her all the very best.’
Coxswain/mechanic Paul Watling said: ‘I am delighted that Polly has accepted the role of LOM and she will be a great asset to the station. I have known Polly since she joined the crew and she is a very well liked. She shares the same vision as both me and John (our outgoing LOM) on how we want the station to be and I look forward to working with her and supporting her in her new role.’
Area Lifesaving Manager, Shaun Edwards, added: ‘Polly has been a valued member of the team for the last three years, and it’s a great pleasure to welcome her to the role. I would like to thank Polly for stepping up to take this integral role in leading the team, and I know she is held in high esteem by her colleagues including John, who has been handing over to Polly in recent weeks. I am looking forward to working closely with Polly as she takes over the reins from John.
For more information please contact Clare Stagg, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [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.