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Introducing RNLI New Brighton's newest volunteer helm

Lifeboats News Release

On Wednesday 11 October, Tom McGinn officially qualified as volunteer helm, fully trained to take command of the Atlantic 85 B class lifeboat.

Crew member stood in front of orange lifeboat

RNLI/Lauren Francom

Tom McGinn stood proudly in front of the New Brighton RNLI Atlantic 85 B class lifeboat

Tom joined the RNLI New Brighton as a volunteer crew member at 19 years old and has been with the crew for five years and five months. During this time he has attended regular training exercises covering technical competence and safe operating procedures, covering everything from boat-handling, search and rescue, navigation, to radar training, radio communications and casualty care.

An RNLI helm has a particularly important role as they are in charge and responsible of the lifeboat when launching, at sea and when the lifeboat is being recovered and made ready for the next rescue. The helm is also responsible for the safety of the crew onboard and for everything that happens during a rescue.

In his day job, Tom is a pilot boat coxswain on the River Mersey, and has been for the last 6 years. Tom said:

'We have a strong maritime tradition in the family, all working in one form or another at sea or in the industry. My dad, after leaving the Navy joined the lifeboat crew and a few years later both my brother and myself joined and my fiancée a year after.'

Tom added:

'A personal highlight for me was proposing to my fiancée Emily whilst afloat on an exercise with family members looking on from the shore to witness the proposal. The crew all helped make that incredibly special moment possible.'

When asked how he feels when the pager goes off, Tom said: 'There's always that sense of nervous excitement. You never know what you’re being tasked to. I'm looking forward to the new challenges and responsibilities that come with the helms position and hope I can do the role justice.'

Being part of the lifeboat crew is more than just training and time out at sea, 'For me, being part of the New Brighton crew is incredible, I've never known a community like it. People from all different walks of life come together to do something amazing - save lives at sea. We all look out for each other, we meet up for coffees and share our lives with each other. I know my crew will be there to support me, doing the long history of New Brighton station proud.'

New Brighton Lifeboat Operations Manager, Ian Thornton, said: 'The crew is incredibly proud of Tom. Passing as a fully qualified helm takes a considerable amount of effort and demonstrates his commitment to the voluntary role. The new position as helm will enhance the station's role in the RNLI's mission of saving lives at sea by providing us will an additional member of the station capable of taking command of the lifeboat at sea'.


RNLI Media Contacts

New Brighton Lifeboat Station Press Contact:

For more information contact Lauren Francom, New Brighton Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected] or 07850 449080

Lifeboat and tractor in the river Mersey

RNLI/Lauren Francom

RNLI New Brighton in River Mersey

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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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.