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Queensferry RNLI gains first ever female lifeboat helm

Lifeboats News Release

RNLI volunteer Julie Dominguez has become the first female helm on the RNLI lifeboat at Queensferry RNLI Lifeboat Station.

Queensferry RNLI

Julie Dominguez pictured with the Queensferry lifeboat.

Julie, who has been on the volunteer crew at Queensferry RNLI since August 2018, passed out as a volunteer helm on Wednesday 10 May.

The role of helm is responsible for the inshore lifeboat during launching, at sea and through recovery, as well as the safety of the crew on board.

Julie says: ‘I felt I had more to give when it came to volunteering at the RNLI, and I felt I needed to give back to repay the support and opportunities the RNLI has given me during my experience to date.

‘As soon as I became substantive crew, I discussed working on the helm plan with our Lifeboat Operations Manager, and the Station Management and crew fully supported me in that move.’

As part of this, Julie took on intensive training and an assessment at both Queensferry RNLI Lifeboat Station and down the RNLI College in Poole, Dorset.

Julie says: ‘The RNLI have everything covered when it comes to training. I thoroughly enjoyed the training; the RNLI college is a world class facility and I’m incredibly lucky to be able to train there.

‘I enjoyed the practical elements of training more than the theory, but I received support from my crew mates, and in my day job I skipper workboats so I use this a lot in my day to day role.’

Following the success of passing her final assessment, Julie is now be responsible for taking command of the lifeboat and ensuring volunteers remain safe while afloat.

Julie received her first shout as helm the following day when the Queensferry lifeboat was tasked to a person cut off by the tide on Cramond Island.

She adds: ‘It felt very strange not having another helm on board, and it suddenly felt very real, but I’m happy to report that everyone, including the lifeboat, got home safe and well.’

Davie Smart, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Queensferry RNLI, says: ‘All of us here at Queensferry RNLI are delighted that Julie’s hard work and commitment to her training and the RNLI has paid off and she has achieved the status of RNLI helm. She will be a great asset to the team here in Queensferry.’

Notes to editors

· Queensferry lifeboat station has been operating since 1967. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/queensferry-lifeboat-station

RNLI media contacts

Julie Dominguez, Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]

Adele Allan, Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]

Jaye Mackay, RNLI Media Engagement Placement for Scotland, 07929 673286, [email protected]

Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789

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.

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