
Second pass out for RNLI Port Talbot volunteer Gareth Kehoe
RNLI crew member Gareth Kehoe enjoys volunteering so much he has passed out as competent crew at two lifeboat stations, RNLI Porthcawl and RNLI Port Talbot.
Today (Sunday 26 March) saw Gareth pass his final crew units having already passed his shore crew plan in record time, he was congratulated by RNLI Port Talbot's Lifeboat Training Coordinator Paul Skinner.
Gareth stated, “I finished at RNLI Porthcawl late 2011 when my wife Leanne was pregnant with Holly having started about five years before that. I love volunteering so much. I then started with RNLI Port Talbot around seven months ago having moved to the area. I passed out in one day as shore crew, then it took me another six months to become competent crew. This time round Leanne decided she didn't want to be left out and also now volunteers as shore crew with the ultimate aim of joining crew as RNLI potentially first married crew.'
Clive Morris Lifeboat Operations Manager stated, “Crew member Gareth Kehoe is no stranger to the RNLI. Many years ago he was a member of Porthcawl Lifeboat Station. Having left the RNLI he wanted to volunteer again but this time at Port Talbot.
In the time Gareth has been with Port Talbot he has passed out shore crew, however today he passed out on his crew plan making him fully qualified lifeboat crew member.
It’s hard enough doing the work once but to complete it twice just shows the dedication of Gareth. We are all proud of his achievement”.
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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