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Littlestone RNLI welcomes the next generation

Lifeboats News Release

Over 50 years of the Leigh family volunteering at Littlestone RNLI continued this week as helm Peter Leigh welcomed new shore crew volunteer son Samuel Leigh to the station.

Three generations of the Leigh family

RNLI/Samuel Leigh

Three generations of the Leigh family
Samuel Leigh 18 has joined the volunteer crew following in the footsteps of his father Peter and grandfather Pat. Pat joined Littlestone RNLI in 1967 and Peter joined in 1989, volunteering together for two years. Samuel is currently studying History, Maths and Physics at a local secondary school.

Samuel said 'It was a family thing to volunteer for the RNLI, it would be something different and rewarding rather than only school.'

Lifeboat Operations Manager Matt Crittenden said 'Three generations of the Leigh family being volunteers at Littlestone RNLI is a great thing and needs to be celebrated, Samuel like his dad and his dad before him will be a huge addition to our capabilities for saving lives at sea.'

Helm Peter Leigh, a keen sea swimmer, said 'He was proud to have his son join the crew, it's a family tradition. Also as a keen swimmer I want to share the RNLI's safety message to always consider using a tow float, and wear a brightly coloured swim hat whilst sea swimming. This increases your visibility in the water to other water users and members of the public on shore.'

Matt Crittenden also said 'If you'd like to follow in the footsteps of the Leigh family, then we are looking for day time shore cover, no experience needed full training will be given. Day time cover is from 06:00 - 18:00. Come join a great team of volunteers and learn something new.'

Matt Crittenden can be contacted on 07818891336 or email [email protected] to discuss volunteering opportunities.

Media Contact details:

Clinton Marshall, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer at Littlestone Lifeboat Station (07758) 616581 [email protected]

Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer London and South East (07885) 296252 [email protected]



Helm Peter and son Samuel

RNLI/Clinton Marshall

Helm Peter and son Samuel
Samuel Leigh and father Peter in front of briefing board

RNLI/Clinton Marshall

Briefing for Samuel on joining crew with dad Peter

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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