
A busy week of assessments, passages and training for RNLI Skegness
The RNLI Skegness station has had a bustling week of assessments, passages and training, showcasing the commitment and dedication of its volunteers.
Trainee Helms Ryan Speed, Billy Brookes, and Curtis Redford have successfully completed the core modules of their Helm plans and have been approved for their pass-outs later this year by the Operations Team. They were assessed by external Lifeboat Trainer Assessor, Ady Barker over a intense two day period.
Craig Hopkins has also undergone successful revalidation as a Helm of the inshore lifeboat (ILB), which stays valid for another five years. Additionally, on his ILB plan, Simon Bell passed his assessments with flying colours covering various modules on his training plan. These accomplishments highlight the high standards and skills of the RNLI Skegness team.
In addition to the assessments, the station recently undertook the passage of their Shannon class lifeboat, the Joel and April Grunnill (13-17), to Wisbech. Upon arrival in Wisbech, the crew commanded by Coxswains Craig Willard and Lee St Quinton collected the station’s relief lifeboat, Storm Rider (13-04), which will serve the station while the Skegness lifeboat undergoes routine maintenance at the All-weather Lifeboat Centre in Poole, Dorset.
Craig Willard, Station Coxswain, expressed his gratitude for the volunteers. ‘We're immensely grateful to have Storm Rider (13-04) as our relief lifeboat during this period. Its presence will be vital in ensuring our operations continue seamlessly. However, we have a bond with Joel and April Grunnill 13-17 and we eagerly await her return from refit, ready to serve again with renewed vigour and resilience.
‘It has been a busy week for our station, showcasing the commitment of our volunteers with significant assessments as well as a passage. Our Trainee Helms, Billy Brookes, Curtis Redford and Ryan Speed have all performed to the highest standards. I'm incredibly pleased that following an intense week, the station is happy for them to progress for their final assessments to become inshore lifeboat Helms for the station.'
Lee St Quinton, Deputy 2nd Coxswain, praised the recent passage as an excellent platform for honing skills and practicing route planning: ’The recent passage provided an excellent platform for us all to practice our skills, including our Trainee Navigators, in testing their skills in route planning through intricate river channels. Ryan Speed's navigational leadership was commendable; he navigated with precision and real attention to detail.’
The RNLI Skegness station continues to provide world-class lifesaving search and rescue services along the Lincolnshire coastline. With dedicated volunteers and a strong bond within the team, they continue to serve the community with vigour and resilience.
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.
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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