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Rhyl RNLI crew member hangs up his wellies for the last time

Lifeboats News Release

Colin Clews, a volunteer crew member since 1978, has finished his service with the lifeboats at Rhyl, serving over 40 years with the RNLI.

Colin Retires, March 2023.

RNLI/Nigel Millard

Colin Clews
Colin is a well-known face around the Rhyl area, having been a local DJ since he was 14. He played at all the well-known clubs (and some lesser-known ones!) over the years, attracting a large dedicated following as he and his friends got the crowds on their feet with tried and tested tunes of yesteryear.

Colin was 15 when he started coming down to the station, and soon became a popular figure with his sharp wit and funny comments. He was always seen at RNLI events involving Rhyl station, such as Flag Days; music events; open days, etc.

Colin's primary role at the lifeboat station was as head launcher, the person in charge of the shore crew and equipment until the boat launched. Also, when the boat was recovered, he was also in charge of the shore crew to safely oversee the boat being recovered to the carriage and safely to the boathouse. He was also passed out as a tractor driver, so was able to take the driving seat to launch and recover the boat on a rota basis. He received his 40-year service award last year.

Colin is also a driver for the hospital ambulance out-of-hours doctors' team, this probably explains his love of take-away meals!

However, due to other commitments, Colin felt at the age of 60, the time was right to reduce his voluntary work, and so he has sadly decided to finish his role in the RNLI.

Martin Jones MBE, Rhyl lifeboat coxswain, said: 'We are very sad that Colin has decided to leave the RNLI at Rhyl. We will all miss his biting wit and personality. We wish Colin and his wife Lynn all the best in the future. We will now have to look for another DJ to bring our compliment back up!'
Colin Clews March 2023

RNLI/Paul Frost

Colin Clews retires
Colin as a DJ

Colin Clews

Colin (centre) as a DJ

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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