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Skegness RNLI welcomes new volunteers: A lifesaving force of fresh faces

Lifeboats News Release

The station is starting the end of the summer season with the addition of new volunteers from all over the UK. These fresh faces bring new energy, dedication, and a shared commitment to saving lives.

RNLI/Brad Johnson

Alex Collins, Trainee ILB and ALB Crew

The station’s new volunteers originally come from across the UK and have all shown interest in joining the lifeboat station since moving to the Skegness area over the years. Some have been in the town for years, and some have moved to Skegness recently.

Jaiden Elson, a Buckinghamshire native who joined the lifeboat station in 2022, has completed his Shore Crew plan and progressed to the all-weather and inshore lifeboat crew. Likewise, Northamptonshire's Alex Collins, who came aboard in 2023, has followed a similar path. Simon Bell from Nottinghamshire, another 2022 recruit, has also made the same progression.

This is an excellent demonstration of the commitment and skill of new volunteers who are already showcasing their commitment to the charity through their learning and development.

RNLI Skegness' Kent recruit Ritchie Harman, who joined in 2023, is currently processing his shore crew plan. He is already making a significant impact, supporting the lifesaving efforts of the station.

The station is thrilled to introduce Adam Kendrick, the newest recruit originally from Leicester. Adam has actively supported RNLI Skegness, participating in our Pubs and Clubs fundraisers throughout 2022 and 2023. Most notably, he was a key figure at The Club Tropicana events, where he works. His enthusiasm and commitment have finally led him to join the Skegness lifeboat team this month.

Adam shares, ‘I'm thrilled to be joining RNLI Skegness. I've always admired the team's dedication to saving lives; now, I get to be a part of it. I can't wait to start my journey.’ Adam's addition follows a series of successful volunteer recruitments over the past year.

Inland volunteers joining the Coastal cause

What's notable about the lifeboat station's recent recruits is that many of them are not locally born in the area but have moved to Skegness later in life. They come from inland areas, yet they've chosen to contribute to the charity's lifesaving coastal work since moving to the area. Their commitment reflects the universal appeal and importance of the RNLI's mission to save lives at sea throughout the United Kingdom.

Rafal Jurek and Nick 'Smudge' Smith also make impressive strides among these volunteer recruits. They're progressing well with their development plans, with completing Head Launcher and Driver roles in their sights in the coming months.

A rising tide of volunteers

The station is immensely proud to have many new volunteers joining our volunteer team. Each new volunteer brings unique skills and perspectives that enrich our crew. Their passion and dedication are a testament to the spirit of RNLI Skegness, aligning with the RNLI's mission to save every one.

'The arrival of new volunteers at RNLI Skegness is a major boost to our volunteer crew numbers. Their unique skills, perspectives, and time enhance our team's ability to embody our mission to save lives. We're proud to have them on board and look forward to seeing them develop through their training and development plans.' says Brad Johnson, Lifeboat Press Officer at RNLI Skegness.

As the station looks forward to the year ahead, the station’s leadership team is excited about the growing team and their potential to make a real difference.

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 inshore D class lifeboat The Holland Family and as well as an all-weather Shannon class lifeboat the Joel and April Grunnill.

RNLI media contacts

For further information, please contact:
Brad Johnson, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Skegness at: [email protected]
RNLI Press Office: 01202 336789 or [email protected]

RNLI/Brad Johnson

Adam Kendrick, Trainee Shore Crew

RNLI/Brad Johnson

Simon Bell, Trainee ILB and ALB Crew

RNLI/Brad Johnson

Nick 'Smudge' Smith, Trainee Head Launcher and Driver

RNLI/Brad Johnson

Rafal Jurek, Trainee Head Launcher and Driver

RNLI/Brad Johnson

Jaiden Elson, Trainee ILB and ALB Crew

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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